The Alcatel Fierce XL, running Windows, and the Sony Xperia M5 represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Fierce XL aimed for affordability with a unique OS, while the Xperia M5 focused on delivering a more robust Android experience with a stronger emphasis on camera capabilities. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Sony Xperia M5 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio X10 chipset provides significantly more processing power than the Alcatel Fierce XL’s Snapdragon 210, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience. While the Fierce XL’s Windows OS might appeal to a niche audience, the Xperia M5’s Android ecosystem and superior performance make it the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - E5603, E5653 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 12 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - E5603 |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - E5653 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, February | 2015, August. Released 2015, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 77.8 x 9.5 mm (5.98 x 3.06 x 0.37 in) | 145 x 72 x 7.6 mm (5.71 x 2.83 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 142.5 g (5.04 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 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 | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | PowerVR G6200 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 | Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 21.2 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 62 h 30 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 820 h (3G) | Up to 671 h (2G) / Up to 656 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h (3G) | Up to 11 h 49 min (2G) / Up to 12 h 11 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue | Black, White, Gold |
| Models | - | E5603, E5606, E5653 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.19 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 839 (nominal), 2.69(sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 68dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 860Basemark X: 7780 |
alcatel Fierce XL (Windows)
- Unique Windows Operating System
- Extremely Affordable Price Point
- Potentially Longer Software Support (depending on Microsoft's commitment)
- Significantly Underpowered Processor
- Limited App Ecosystem (Windows Phone)
- Lack of Detailed Specifications
Sony Xperia M5
- Powerful Mediatek Helio X10 Chipset
- Modern Android Operating System
- Superior Performance for Gaming and Multitasking
- May be Difficult to Find New
- Android Updates May Be Limited
- Battery Life Dependent on Usage
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar contrast ratio of 839 (nominal) and 2.69 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the lack of detailed display specifications for the Alcatel Fierce XL (resolution, panel type) makes a direct comparison difficult. The Xperia M5’s contrast ratio, while not exceptional, is adequate for everyday use. The absence of information regarding the Fierce XL’s display technology suggests it likely utilizes a lower-cost panel, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but details are sparse. The Xperia M5 likely benefits from Sony’s image processing expertise and potentially a larger sensor, though specific sensor size data is unavailable. The Alcatel Fierce XL’s camera performance is expected to be limited by its lower-end chipset and likely a less sophisticated image sensor. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to assess the quality of either camera, but Sony’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience on the Xperia M5.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Sony Xperia M5’s Mediatek Helio X10, an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, significantly outperforms the Alcatel Fierce XL’s quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 Snapdragon 210. The Helio X10’s higher clock speed and core count translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Snapdragon 210, built on a 28nm process, is geared towards basic functionality, while the Helio X10, also on 28nm, offers a more capable experience for demanding applications. Users intending to play games or run resource-intensive apps will find the Xperia M5 far more suitable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Xperia M5’s more efficient chipset and Android OS optimization likely contribute to better battery life compared to the Alcatel Fierce XL running Windows. Windows Phone, while generally efficient, may not be as well-optimized for the Snapdragon 210 as Android is for the Helio X10. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, making it impossible to compare charging speeds. Real-world battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Xperia M5 has a clear advantage in terms of power efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel Fierce XL (Windows) if you specifically require the Windows operating system and prioritize extreme affordability above all else. Its Snapdragon 210 is sufficient for basic tasks. Buy the Sony Xperia M5 if you prefer a modern Android experience, demand better performance for multitasking and gaming, and value a more capable camera system. The Xperia M5 is the better all-around device for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Windows OS on the Alcatel Fierce XL still receiving security updates?
Support for Windows Phone has largely ended, meaning security updates are unlikely. This poses a significant security risk, as vulnerabilities will not be patched. The Xperia M5, while potentially older, may still have a more secure Android experience depending on the last official update.
❓ Can the Sony Xperia M5 handle modern Android games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio X10 in the Xperia M5 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at medium or low settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It won't deliver the same performance as flagship devices, but it's significantly more capable than the Alcatel Fierce XL's Snapdragon 210.
❓ What is the long-term software support situation for both devices?
The Alcatel Fierce XL running Windows is effectively end-of-life in terms of software support. The Sony Xperia M5 may have received its last major Android update, but security patches may still be available depending on the region and carrier. However, relying on continued support for either device is not recommended.
