The BLU View Mega and the alcatel 3L (2021) represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 3L (2021) is the superior choice. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the alcatel 3L’s Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive user experience than the BLU View Mega’s quad-core Helio A22. The 10W charging is also a welcome addition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April. Released 2020, April | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 78 x 9.4 mm (6.59 x 3.07 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 |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE6300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | - |
| 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 | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 0 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | - | About 330 EUR |
BLU View Mega
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic communication
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited camera performance
- Basic display quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications beyond the chipsets, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic functionality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be limited. The absence of any mention of refresh rates or protective glass suggests standard 60Hz panels and a lack of scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. Any marketing around 'megapixel count' should be viewed with skepticism, as image quality is more dependent on sensor size and image processing. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging. The alcatel 3L’s slightly more powerful chipset *may* allow for marginally better image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The alcatel 3L (2021) utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762D), an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. This configuration provides a substantial performance advantage over the BLU View Mega’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761), which has a quad-core Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the A22 has a higher clock speed per core, the P22’s eight cores allow for better multitasking and handling of more demanding applications. The P22’s GPU will also offer a more capable graphics experience. The alcatel 3L will feel noticeably snappier in daily use.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the alcatel 3L (2021) benefits from 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the BLU View Mega’s unspecified charging capabilities, which likely defaults to a slower, less efficient method. This means the alcatel 3L can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime. While battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, the faster charging provides a practical benefit for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU View Mega if your absolute priority is minimizing upfront cost and you only need a phone for the most basic tasks like calls, texts, and light messaging. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you want a more fluid experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 3L (2021) be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22 chipset in the alcatel 3L (2021) is capable of running most popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a much smoother experience than the BLU View Mega’s Helio A22, especially when multitasking between apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the alcatel 3L (2021) a significant improvement over what the BLU View Mega likely offers?
Absolutely. While 10W isn't fast charging by modern standards, it's a substantial improvement over the likely slower, less efficient charging method on the BLU View Mega. This translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and making the alcatel 3L more convenient for daily use.
❓ Can I expect to play demanding mobile games on either of these phones?
Neither the BLU View Mega nor the alcatel 3L (2021) are designed for demanding mobile gaming. While you might be able to play less graphically intensive games at low settings, expect significant frame rate drops and potential lag. The alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but it’s still not ideal.
