The ultra-budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Cubot X1 against the Alcatel 1x (2019) to determine which offers the best value. The Alcatel 1x provides a known quantity with its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, while the Cubot X1's specifications are currently unavailable, making this a comparison of known versus unknown.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Alcatel 1x (2019) is the safer bet. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, while not powerful, offers a predictable level of performance. The Cubot X1, lacking published specifications, presents too much uncertainty for a confident recommendation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5008Y |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 52.7 x 44.5 x 14.2 mm (2.07 x 1.75 x 0.56 in) | 146.4 x 68.8 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Tempered glass | - |
| Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (~304 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.13 inches | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | Unspecified | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 850 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | - | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Cubot X1
- Potentially lower price point
- Unknown specs could offer surprising value
- May include newer software features
- Completely unknown specifications
- Potential for poor software support
- Uncertain build quality
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Known and reliable Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Predictable performance for basic tasks
- Established brand with some level of support
- Limited processing power
- Basic camera performance
- Outdated chipset technology
Display Comparison
Without specifications for the Cubot X1's display, a direct comparison is impossible. The Alcatel 1x (2019) likely features a basic IPS LCD panel, typical for its price range. Expect limited brightness and color accuracy. The absence of details regarding the Cubot X1’s panel technology – whether it’s IPS, TFT, or AMOLED – makes it difficult to assess its visual quality. Bezels on both devices are expected to be substantial, maximizing screen real estate at the expense of a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
The Alcatel 1x (2019) features a primary camera, but details on its sensor size and aperture are scarce. Image quality is expected to be adequate in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The Cubot X1’s camera specifications are also unavailable. Given the market segment, both devices likely rely on basic image processing algorithms. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Alcatel 1x is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The Alcatel 1x (2019) is powered by the Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 chipset fabricated on a 28nm process. This chipset is designed for basic Android Go functionality and light multitasking. The Cubot X1’s processor remains unknown. Given the price bracket, it’s likely to be a similar entry-level chipset, potentially from Mediatek or Unisoc. The 28nm process of the MT6739 suggests moderate power consumption and potential for thermal throttling under sustained load. Without knowing the Cubot X1’s chipset, it’s impossible to determine its performance relative to the Alcatel 1x.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, given the Mediatek MT6739’s power efficiency, the Alcatel 1x (2019) should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Cubot X1’s battery life will depend heavily on its chipset and battery capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, suggesting slow charging speeds via micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X1 if you are a risk-taker willing to gamble on potentially better specs at an even lower price point, and are comfortable with potentially limited software support. Buy the Alcatel 1x (2019) if you prioritize a known, functional experience, even if it means sacrificing potential performance gains, and need a device that will reliably handle basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Alcatel 1x (2019) capable of running modern apps?
The Mediatek MT6739 is a very basic chipset. While it can run many apps, expect slow loading times and potential lag with more demanding applications. It's best suited for lightweight tasks like calling, texting, and basic web browsing. Android Go edition is optimized for this level of hardware.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Alcatel 1x (2019)?
Software update support for the Alcatel 1x (2019) is limited. It likely shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition) and may have received a single major update to Android 9 Pie (Go Edition). Expect minimal security patches beyond that. The Cubot X1's software support is even more uncertain due to the lack of brand recognition.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Cubot X1, is it worth the risk to purchase?
The Cubot X1 presents a significant risk. Without detailed specifications, you're essentially buying a mystery box. While it *could* offer better value, it's equally likely to be a disappointing experience. Unless you're comfortable with potential issues and limited support, the Alcatel 1x (2019) is the safer choice.
