The Alcatel Fierce XL, running Windows 10 Mobile, and the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. While both devices target affordability, they diverge significantly in operating system and underlying hardware. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which offers the better experience for users prioritizing performance, software ecosystem, or long-term support.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus emerges as the more practical choice. Its Mediatek MT6737T chipset, with its Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.4 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel’s Snapdragon 210. While the Windows ecosystem is a significant drawback, the Grand Prime Plus benefits from Android’s wider app availability and ongoing updates.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 12 | 1, 3, 5, 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, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 77.8 x 9.5 mm (5.98 x 3.06 x 0.37 in) | 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 59 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 820 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h (3G) | Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-G532F |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
alcatel Fierce XL (Windows)
- Potentially better battery life under light use due to less powerful processor.
- Unique Windows 10 Mobile experience (for those who prefer it).
- May be available at a lower price point.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Grand Prime Plus.
- Limited app availability on the Windows Store.
- Lack of ongoing software updates and support for Windows 10 Mobile.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Mediatek MT6737T.
- Access to a vast app library through the Google Play Store.
- Ongoing software updates and security patches (Android).
- More widespread support and compatibility.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life compared to the Alcatel Fierce XL.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel Fierce XL.
- Basic camera performance.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display quality. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, but given the market segment, we can assume both feature basic LCD panels. The Grand Prime Plus’s slightly higher processing power *could* translate to marginally smoother scrolling, but this is unlikely to be a dramatic difference. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Grand Prime Plus is largely marketing fluff; its image quality will be limited. Image processing will be basic on both, prioritizing speed over detail. The Grand Prime Plus *may* benefit from slightly better software optimization for its camera, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus’s Mediatek MT6737T, featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 processors clocked at 1.4 GHz, demonstrably outperforms the Alcatel Fierce XL’s Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (quad-core Cortex-A7 at 1.1 GHz). The Cortex-A53 architecture is more efficient and capable than the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Grand Prime Plus. While both are 28nm, the A53’s instruction set is more modern. The Grand Prime Plus will handle more demanding apps and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the lower processing demands of the Snapdragon 210, the Alcatel Fierce XL *could* potentially offer slightly better battery life under light usage. However, the Grand Prime Plus’s more efficient chipset and potentially optimized software could offset this. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both likely support slow charging speeds, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel Fierce XL (Windows) if you specifically require a Windows-based smartphone for legacy compatibility or have a strong preference for the Windows interface. However, be aware of the limited app selection and lack of ongoing software support. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, access to a vast app library through the Google Play Store, and a more actively maintained operating system. It’s the better option for everyday tasks and general smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Windows 10 Mobile operating system on the Alcatel Fierce XL still receiving security updates?
No, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile. This means the Alcatel Fierce XL is no longer receiving security updates, making it vulnerable to potential threats. Using this device for sensitive tasks is strongly discouraged.
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6737T in the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus struggle with modern Android apps?
While the MT6737T is a low-end chipset, it's sufficient for basic Android apps like social media, messaging, and web browsing. However, it will likely struggle with graphically demanding games or resource-intensive applications. Expect some lag and slowdowns in these scenarios.
❓ Can I easily transfer my data from an older Android phone to the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus?
Yes, Android offers several methods for data transfer, including using a Google account backup, a USB cable, or dedicated transfer apps. The process is generally straightforward, though the speed will depend on the amount of data being transferred.
