The Energizer E242s and Alcatel 1V (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, catering to users prioritizing functionality over frills. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone capabilities at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which one offers a better user experience. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Alcatel 1V (2021) emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Energizer E242s’ older MT6739, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 10 | 2021, February |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 10 | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 130.8 x 53.6 x 13 mm (5.15 x 2.11 x 0.51 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 116 g (4.09 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.3 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Gold, Silver | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 6002A, 6002D |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Energizer E242s
- Potentially wider availability due to longer market presence.
- May be found at an even lower price point in some regions.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Older, less efficient Mediatek MT6739 chipset.
- Slower performance compared to the Alcatel 1V.
- Likely limited software update support.
alcatel 1V (2021)
- More modern and efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset.
- Faster CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.5 GHz).
- 10W wired charging support.
- Improved power efficiency for longer battery life.
- May be harder to find in certain markets.
- Still a very basic smartphone with limited features.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a stunning visual experience. Specifications for display resolution and panel type are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely utilize low-resolution LCD panels. However, the Alcatel 1V benefits from the more modern chipset, which may allow for slightly better image processing and color reproduction. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details regarding sensor size and image quality are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing capabilities will be constrained by the chipsets, resulting in limited dynamic range and detail. Expect significantly better camera performance from even slightly more expensive smartphones.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1V’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761), fabricated on a 12nm process, represents a significant architectural improvement over the Energizer E242s’ Mediatek MT6739. The A22’s Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offer a performance advantage over the MT6739’s 1.5 GHz cores. While both are quad-core CPUs, the newer architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to better efficiency and responsiveness. This means faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Alcatel 1V. The MT6739 is an older design, and will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for either device. However, the Alcatel 1V’s 12nm chipset offers a power efficiency advantage. This, combined with the 10W wired charging support, suggests the Alcatel 1V will likely offer comparable or slightly better battery life than the Energizer E242s, despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity. The more efficient chipset will translate to less power draw during everyday use, extending the time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E242s if you absolutely need a phone with a slightly longer track record of availability and are comfortable with potentially slower performance. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2021) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern, power-efficient chipset. The Alcatel 1V is the better option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1V (2021) struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Alcatel 1V (2021) won't offer a blazing-fast experience, its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient to run basic social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, especially when scrolling through image-heavy feeds. However, it should be usable for casual social media browsing.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1V (2021) a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Alcatel 1V (2021) is an excellent choice for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its efficient chipset and basic functionality make it well-suited for these core tasks. The improved performance over the Energizer E242s will ensure a smoother and more reliable experience, even during prolonged calls.
❓ Can I play games on the Alcatel 1V (2021)?
The Alcatel 1V (2021) is not designed for gaming. While simple 2D games may be playable, more demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant lag and performance issues. The Helio A22 chipset lacks the graphical power necessary for a smooth gaming experience.
