The Alcatel Fierce XL and Microsoft Lumia 650 represent a bygone era of Windows Phone, offering a budget-friendly entry point into the ecosystem. While both devices run Windows, subtle differences in their hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate their real-world performance and suitability for different users. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option, even in a post-Windows Phone world.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit limited, Windows Phone experience, the Microsoft Lumia 650 edges out the Alcatel Fierce XL. The slightly faster Snapdragon 212 chipset and refined design offer a marginally smoother experience, despite both phones sharing an identical endurance rating.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 12 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, February | 2016, February. Released 2016, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 77.8 x 9.5 mm (5.98 x 3.06 x 0.37 in) | 142 x 70.9 x 6.9 mm (5.59 x 2.79 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 122 g (4.30 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~297 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED |
| | - | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909v2 Snapdragon 212 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 820 h (3G) | Up to 624 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h (3G) | Up to 16 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue | Black, White |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 55h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.77(sunlight) |
alcatel Fierce XL (Windows)
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional Windows Phone experience
- Identical battery endurance to Lumia 650
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 210)
- Likely less refined build quality
- Limited app support due to Windows Phone's decline
Microsoft Lumia 650
- Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 212)
- More polished design and build quality
- Identical battery endurance to Alcatel Fierce XL
- Higher price compared to Alcatel Fierce XL
- Limited app support due to Windows Phone's decline
- Still a low-end device with performance limitations
Display Comparison
Both the Alcatel Fierce XL and Microsoft Lumia 650 share the same display characteristics: an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio and a 3.77 sunlight contrast ratio. This suggests similar outdoor visibility, though neither is likely to excel in direct sunlight. The lack of specific resolution or panel type information suggests both utilize basic LCD panels common in this price segment. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having a 'Photo' camera, lacking any specific details regarding sensor size, megapixel count, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Given their market segment, it's safe to assume both cameras offer basic functionality suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither device is a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel Fierce XL utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, featuring a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The Lumia 650 steps up to the MSM8909v2 Snapdragon 212, with a slightly faster quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. While both are based on the same Cortex-A7 architecture, the 200MHz clock speed increase in the 212 translates to a noticeable, though not dramatic, improvement in responsiveness. The 28nm manufacturing process is identical, meaning thermal performance will be comparable. Users should expect similar limitations in graphically intensive tasks on both devices.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Alcatel Fierce XL and Microsoft Lumia 650 boast an endurance rating of 55 hours. This suggests similar battery life despite the slightly more efficient Snapdragon 212 in the Lumia 650. The identical endurance rating likely stems from similar battery capacities and usage patterns. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities, so users should expect a standard charging time from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel Fierce XL (Windows) if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are comfortable with potentially slower performance in demanding apps. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 650 if you prefer a more polished design, a slightly more responsive user interface thanks to the Snapdragon 212, and a device that feels a bit more premium despite its budget positioning. Both are best suited for basic communication and light app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will these phones receive Windows 10 updates, or are they stuck on an older version?
Both the Alcatel Fierce XL and Microsoft Lumia 650 were capable of receiving the Windows 10 Mobile update. However, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile, meaning no further updates, including security patches, are being released. Using these devices carries inherent security risks.
❓ Can I still download apps on these phones, and what's the app selection like?
While the Windows Phone Store technically still exists, the app selection is severely limited due to Microsoft abandoning the platform. Many popular apps are unavailable, and developers have largely ceased supporting Windows Phone. You'll find basic apps for communication and some utilities, but don't expect a comprehensive app ecosystem.
❓ Given the age of these devices, is it worth buying one in 2024?
Unless you have a specific need to run Windows Phone for legacy purposes or are a collector, purchasing either of these devices in 2024 is generally not recommended. The lack of security updates and limited app support pose significant risks and usability issues. Modern, budget-friendly Android smartphones offer a far superior experience.
