The BLU G71+ and the alcatel 3L (2021) represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother experience, the BLU G71+ emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A75 CPU provides a significant performance advantage over the alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, making everyday tasks and light multitasking noticeably faster. However, the alcatel 3L remains a viable option for those with extremely basic needs and a tight budget.
| 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, 66 | 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 | 2022, January | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.35 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 | 175 g (6.17 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 (~83.0% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 4900 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bronze, Blue, Green, White | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | - | About 330 EUR |
BLU G71+
- Significantly faster processor with Cortex-A75 cores
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- Likely more efficient processor for improved battery life
- Battery capacity is unknown
- Camera specifications are not readily available
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Slow processor with older Cortex-A53 cores
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor Alcatel provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, the performance disparity suggests the G71+ likely targets a slightly more refined user experience, potentially including a higher refresh rate or improved color calibration. The alcatel 3L, given its cost-focused design, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz panel. Without specific nit brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both displays are adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The focus should be on practical image quality rather than megapixel counts. The G71+'s processor advantage *could* translate to slightly faster image processing and better low-light performance, but this is speculative without further data. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The BLU G71+ features an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A75 cores. These cores represent a significant leap in performance over the alcatel 3L’s MediaTek Helio P22. The Helio P22 employs a combination of Cortex-A53 cores – four at 1.8 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The A75 cores in the G71+ offer substantially improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and overall processing power, resulting in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and better multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 is also less efficient than what's likely used in the G71+, potentially leading to more heat generation under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the BLU G71+. The alcatel 3L (2021) supports 10W wired charging. Without knowing the G71+'s battery size, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the more efficient processor in the G71+ could potentially offset a smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The 10W charging on the alcatel 3L is relatively slow, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71+ if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calls and texts – think social media browsing, occasional gaming, and smoother app switching. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for essential communication, with minimal expectations for performance or multitasking. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or as a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 3L (2021) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The alcatel 3L’s MediaTek Helio P22 processor is relatively weak. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and difficulty multitasking. Switching between apps will likely be a frustrating experience.
❓ Is the BLU G71+ a good choice for playing mobile games?
The BLU G71+ is a better option for gaming than the alcatel 3L, but it's still a budget device. It can handle less demanding games at lower settings. However, graphically intensive titles will likely require significant compromises in visual quality and frame rates.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the alcatel 3L (2021) with the 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the alcatel 3L (2021) will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than many modern smartphones.
