The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 8 and the Alcatel 1B (2022) aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers a better user experience, particularly regarding performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Alcatel 1B (2022) is the better choice. Its newer 12nm Helio A22 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Cubot Note 8’s older 28nm MT6739WW, despite both utilizing the same Cortex-A53 CPU architecture.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Cubot Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- May have expandable storage (market dependent)
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Likely poorer multitasking capabilities
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22)
- Better sustained performance
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Likely better battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by low-end hardware
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on the chipset, we can infer both likely utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The Alcatel 1B, being a newer release, *may* benefit from slightly improved color calibration, but both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. The absence of any display specifications necessitates a focus on the core performance differences.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely be rudimentary on both, prioritizing speed over quality. The Alcatel 1B *might* benefit from slightly improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities integrated into the Helio A22, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1B’s Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, is significantly more efficient than the Cubot Note 8’s 28nm MT6739WW. While both CPUs feature quad-core Cortex-A53 cores clocked at different speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.3 GHz), the process node is crucial. The 12nm process allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption, translating to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. This means the Alcatel 1B will handle app switching and multitasking more smoothly, and is more likely to maintain performance during prolonged use. The higher clock speed on the Alcatel 1B further contributes to this advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but given their price points, we can expect capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. The Alcatel 1B’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset will translate to significantly better battery life in real-world usage. The 12nm process consumes less power, allowing the phone to operate for longer on a single charge. While charging wattage is also unknown, the Alcatel 1B’s efficiency advantage will likely result in a longer overall usage time, even with similar charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 8 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significantly slower performance and potentially shorter battery life. It's a viable option for extremely basic tasks like calls and texts. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2022) if you want a more responsive device capable of handling light multitasking, social media browsing, and occasional gaming without excessive lag. The improved chipset offers a better long-term user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1B (2022) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Alcatel 1B’s Helio A22 chipset is sufficient to run most popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably responsive experience for browsing feeds and posting updates. The Cubot Note 8 may struggle with these apps, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 8 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Cubot Note 8 is a viable option for basic communication. Its primary function – making calls and sending texts – will not be significantly hampered by its slower processor. However, even for these basic tasks, the Alcatel 1B will offer a more responsive experience, and is still similarly priced.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is more likely to handle these games with acceptable performance. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Helio A22’s slightly better GPU and efficiency will allow for smoother gameplay. The Cubot Note 8 may experience noticeable lag and frame drops, especially during more demanding sections of these games.
