Alcatel V3 Classic vs. Honor 7A: A Deep Dive into Efficiency and Value

The Alcatel V3 Classic and Honor 7A represent different eras of budget smartphone design. The Honor 7A, released several years ago, prioritized affordability with a then-competitive Snapdragon 430. The V3 Classic, however, leverages newer silicon in the Mediatek Dimensity 6300, promising a substantial upgrade in performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user in 2024, the Alcatel V3 Classic is the clear winner. Its modern Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset delivers significantly improved performance and vastly superior battery life compared to the aging Snapdragon 430 in the Honor 7A. While the Honor 7A may be cheaper to acquire, the V3 Classic offers a far more usable and future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names alcatel V3 Classic Honor 7A
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, May 272018, April. Released 2018, April
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, June 02Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)152.4 x 73 x 7.8 mm (6.00 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)150 g (5.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 108.2 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~75.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 570 nitsIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.1 GHz Cortex A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 505
OSAndroid 15, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired-
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsHalo White, Cosmic GreyBlack, Gold, Blue
ModelsT519HAUM-AL00IN, AUM-TL20, AUM-AL00, AUM-AL20, AUM-l29, AUM-L29, AUM-L33
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 120 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery52:48h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

alcatel V3 Classic

  • Significantly faster processor and graphics
  • Superior battery life and charging speed
  • More modern and efficient chipset

  • Display specifications are unknown
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Honor 7A

Honor 7A

  • Potentially lower purchase price
  • Simple and straightforward user experience
  • Lightweight and compact design (likely)

  • Outdated processor and limited performance
  • Poor battery life compared to the V3 Classic
  • Likely limited software support and security updates

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the Honor 7A’s age, it likely features an LCD panel with a 720p resolution. The Alcatel V3 Classic, being a more recent device, may offer a slightly improved display, potentially with better color accuracy. The absence of details prevents a definitive comparison, but the V3 Classic likely benefits from advancements in display technology during its production cycle.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Honor 7A’s age suggests its camera system will be significantly less capable than a modern equivalent. The V3 Classic likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms and potentially a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Honor 7A is likely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Alcatel V3 Classic’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, features a modern CPU architecture (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) designed for efficiency and performance. This contrasts sharply with the Honor 7A’s Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28nm), utilizing older Cortex-A53 cores clocked at lower frequencies (4x1.4 GHz & 4x1.1 GHz). The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6300 translates to significantly lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, leading to sustained performance. The V3 Classic will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with far greater ease.

Battery Life

The Alcatel V3 Classic boasts a 52:48h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. This is likely a direct result of the power-efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset. The Honor 7A, with its older and less efficient Snapdragon 430, will struggle to match this endurance. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, the V3 Classic’s 18W wired charging further enhances its usability, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed. The V3 Classic also supports 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Alcatel V3 Classic if you prioritize long battery life, smooth multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for users who stream video, browse the web, or use social media extensively. Buy the Honor 7A if you are on an extremely tight budget and only need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. Be prepared for noticeable slowdowns and limited longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Alcatel V3 Classic capable of handling modern mobile games?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset for most mobile games. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run popular titles at medium to high settings. The 6nm process also helps to mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience than the Snapdragon 430.
❓ How long will software support last for the Alcatel V3 Classic compared to the Honor 7A?
The Honor 7A is likely nearing or has already reached its end-of-life for software updates. The Alcatel V3 Classic, being a newer device, will receive security patches and potentially Android version updates for a longer period, offering better protection against vulnerabilities and access to new features.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between these two phones?
Absolutely. The Alcatel V3 Classic’s Dimensity 6300 chipset and faster memory interface will result in significantly quicker app loading times compared to the Honor 7A’s Snapdragon 430. This difference will be noticeable in everyday tasks like opening social media apps, browsing the web, and launching games.