Blackview A55 vs. alcatel 1V (2021): A Deep Dive into Ultra-Budget Smartphones

The Blackview A55 and alcatel 1V (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing functionality over premium features. Both devices aim to deliver a smartphone experience at the lowest possible price point, but subtle differences in features and specifications can make one a better choice depending on individual needs. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the most value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the alcatel 1V (2021) edges out the Blackview A55 due to its inclusion of 10W wired charging. While both phones share identical core performance, the convenience of faster charging, even at 10W, provides a tangible benefit in daily use.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview A55 alcatel 1V (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 402, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D
Launch
Announced2021, December 062021, February
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, DecemberAvailable. Released 2021, April
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.5 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6761V Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11Android 11 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm
Triple8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF other unspecified cameras-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/operator dependent)
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
Type4780 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Green, Blue, GradientSpace Gray, Atlantic Blue
Models-6002A, 6002D
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 100 EUR

Blackview A55

  • Identical processor to alcatel 1V (2021) for similar performance.
  • Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer).
  • Compact and lightweight design (likely).

  • Lack of specified charging standard – potentially slower charging.
  • Missing battery capacity information.
  • Likely limited software support and updates.

alcatel 1V (2021)

  • 10W wired charging for a more convenient charging experience.
  • Established brand reputation (Alcatel).
  • Potentially better software optimization.

  • Identical processor to Blackview A55 – performance is not superior.
  • Limited RAM and storage capacity (likely).
  • Basic camera system.

Display Comparison

Both the Blackview A55 and alcatel 1V (2021) likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price point. Specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are optimized for power efficiency rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either phone, and both will likely lack features like HDR support or high refresh rates.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both phones feature basic cameras primarily for capturing snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will result in blurry images in low light. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are likely to offer minimal benefit due to their low resolution and lack of features. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6761V Helio A22 (12 nm) chipset, paired with a Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and light app usage. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency for this class of device. Neither phone is suitable for demanding games or multitasking; expect noticeable lag when running multiple applications simultaneously. RAM capacity is a critical missing spec, but both will likely feature 2GB or 3GB, further limiting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for the Blackview A55, but it's likely similar to the alcatel 1V (2021)'s capacity, given their similar target market. The alcatel 1V (2021) supports 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Blackview A55, which lacks any charging specification. While 10W isn't fast by modern standards, it provides a standardized charging experience and reduces the time required to reach a full charge compared to potentially slower, non-standard charging methods.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview A55 if you need a phone primarily for very light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing, and aren't concerned about fast charging. Buy the alcatel 1V (2021) if you prefer the convenience of a standard 10W charging solution, even if it doesn't dramatically reduce charging times, and want a slightly more polished software experience typical of Alcatel's offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will either of these phones run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, both the Blackview A55 and alcatel 1V (2021) should be able to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading heavier content. The Mediatek Helio A22 is sufficient for basic social media usage.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
No, neither the Blackview A55 nor the alcatel 1V (2021) are suitable for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile. The Mediatek Helio A22 chipset lacks the processing power and graphics capabilities required for a smooth gaming experience. You may be able to run very basic 2D games, but expect significant performance limitations.
❓ How long will the battery last on a single charge with typical usage?
With typical usage (calls, texts, light browsing), you can expect the battery to last a full day on both devices. However, heavy usage (video streaming, gaming) will significantly reduce battery life. The lack of specified battery capacity for the Blackview A55 makes precise estimates difficult.
❓ Do either of these phones support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated, it's highly probable that both the Blackview A55 and alcatel 1V (2021) support microSD card expansion, given their target market and limited internal storage. This is a crucial feature for users who need to store a large number of photos, videos, or files.