The BLU G50 Mega and the alcatel 3L (2021) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, and overall usability to determine which offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the alcatel 3L (2021) emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, while older, features a more capable CPU architecture than the BLU G50 Mega’s Cortex-A55, resulting in a smoother user experience despite similar RAM configurations.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November. Released 2020, November | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 72.5 x 9.3 mm (6.15 x 2.85 x 0.37 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25µm, AF
12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25µm, AF | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 330 EUR |
BLU G50 Mega
- Larger display size for media consumption
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Simple, straightforward Android experience
- Less powerful processor leading to slower performance
- Likely lower quality display panel
- Uncertain battery capacity
alcatel 3L (2021)
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio P22 chipset
- Smoother user interface and faster app loading times
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Smaller display size
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance is still limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The BLU G50 Mega’s larger size is its primary advantage, offering a more immersive viewing experience for videos. However, without brightness specifications, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility. The alcatel 3L’s smaller display may offer slightly higher pixel density, potentially resulting in sharper text, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors for capturing images. The presence of multiple cameras on both phones (often including a 2MP macro lens) is largely for marketing purposes; these secondary sensors offer minimal image quality improvements. The alcatel 3L’s image processing may be slightly more refined due to Mediatek’s ISP, but overall, expect subpar image quality in low-light conditions and limited dynamic range.
Performance
The alcatel 3L (2021) holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762D) utilizes a 12nm process and features an octa-core CPU configuration with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. This contrasts with the BLU G50 Mega’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor. While both are entry-level, the Cortex-A53 architecture in the Helio P22 is demonstrably more powerful than the Cortex-A55, leading to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 12nm fabrication process also contributes to better efficiency. Both devices likely feature limited RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both the BLU G50 Mega and the alcatel 3L (2021) feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – slow by modern standards. Without knowing the battery capacity of the BLU G50 Mega, it’s difficult to definitively assess battery life. However, the alcatel 3L’s more efficient chipset may translate to slightly longer usage times on a single charge, even with a comparable battery capacity. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours in both cases.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G50 Mega if you absolutely need the largest possible display for media consumption and are willing to accept compromises in performance. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prioritize a more responsive user interface for daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media, even if it means a slightly smaller screen. Both are suitable for basic communication, but the alcatel 3L offers a more fluid experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 3L (2021) struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
While the alcatel 3L (2021) won’t deliver a flagship-level experience, its Helio P22 chipset is capable of running these apps reasonably well. Expect some occasional lag when switching between apps or loading content, but it should be usable for casual browsing and short video viewing. The BLU G50 Mega will likely exhibit more noticeable lag due to its less powerful processor.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by today’s standards. Both the BLU G50 Mega and the alcatel 3L (2021) will require several hours to fully charge from 0%. It’s best to charge them overnight to ensure they’re ready for the next day. Neither phone is suitable for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games and less demanding 3D titles will be playable on both phones, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The alcatel 3L (2021)'s Helio P22 will provide a slightly smoother gaming experience than the BLU G50 Mega's Cortex-A55 processor. More demanding games like PUBG Mobile will likely be unplayable or require significant graphics settings reductions.
