The BLU Studio X10L and the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) represent the very bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. While both aim to deliver a functional Android experience at a low price, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers the better overall value. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a demonstrably more responsive experience than the BLU Studio X10L’s quad-core Cortex-A53, making everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2021, June 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 142.9 x 73.1 x 9.9 mm (5.63 x 2.88 x 0.39 in) | 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green | Power Grey, Twilight Blue |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 110 EUR |
BLU Studio X10L
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- May be suitable for basic communication needs.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the alcatel 1L Pro.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely a lower-quality display.
alcatel 1L Pro (2021)
- Octa-core processor offers a smoother user experience.
- More efficient CPU architecture for potentially better battery life.
- Better suited for light multitasking and social media.
- May be slightly more expensive than the BLU Studio X10L.
- Camera quality is still limited by sensor size and processing.
- Unisoc chipset may not receive frequent software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, specifics are missing. The alcatel 1L Pro’s potential for a slightly larger screen size (based on typical alcatel designs) could offer a marginally better viewing experience. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to assess image quality beyond size.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the alcatel 1L Pro is largely marketing fluff; its image quality will be minimal. The primary camera’s performance will depend more on image processing than sensor quality, and both devices likely employ basic software algorithms. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU Studio X10L’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU is an older architecture, designed for basic smartphone functions. In contrast, the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with a combination of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and offers better performance per clock cycle than the A53. The eight cores of the alcatel 1L Pro will significantly improve multitasking capabilities and responsiveness compared to the BLU Studio X10L, especially when running multiple apps or browsing the web. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip isn't cutting edge, but it's a reasonable trade-off at this price point.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Unisoc SC9863A’s more efficient architecture in the alcatel 1L Pro could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the BLU Studio X10L. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely slow on both devices, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10L if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to tolerate significant performance limitations for basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for light multitasking and social media browsing, and are willing to spend a small premium for the improved processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the alcatel 1L Pro (2021) won't offer a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle apps like Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional slowdowns, but it will be significantly more responsive than the BLU Studio X10L when running these applications.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for receiving regular software updates?
Historically, Unisoc chipsets have not been known for frequent or long-term software support. The alcatel 1L Pro (2021) may receive a limited number of security updates, but major Android version upgrades are unlikely. This is a common trade-off for budget smartphones.
❓ Can the BLU Studio X10L handle basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
The BLU Studio X10L can likely run very simple games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, but performance will be sluggish and graphics settings will need to be set to the lowest possible levels. More demanding games will likely be unplayable.
