The Energizer E284S and Alcatel 3v (2019) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with vastly different hardware approaches. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if uninspiring, smartphone, the Alcatel 3v (2019) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Energizer E284S’s Unisoc T117, making everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable, despite the similar price points.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2022, Q2 | 2019, Q2. Released 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (DragonTrail Pro glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 62.5 x 15.6 mm (5.42 x 2.46 x 0.61 in) | 174.5 x 83.3 x 8.4 mm (6.87 x 3.28 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 131 g (4.62 oz) | 197.9 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | DragonTrail Pro |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 115.8 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1 GHz | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T117 | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 64MB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Downloadable | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Elegant Black |
| Models | - | 5032W |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Energizer E284S
- Potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset.
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Alcatel 3v.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely poor camera performance.
alcatel 3v (2019)
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Helio P22.
- 15W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- More enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks.
- Battery life may be shorter than the Energizer E284S.
- Camera quality is still limited.
- Build quality may feel less premium.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are scarce for the Energizer E284S, suggesting a very basic LCD. The Alcatel 3v (2019) also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on maximizing screen real estate within a budget. The lack of information on color accuracy or viewing angles for both suggests they are not intended for media consumption. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are sparse, but both likely feature basic sensors. The Alcatel 3v (2019) may have a slight edge due to the processing capabilities of the Helio P22, potentially allowing for better image processing. However, users should not expect high-quality photos or videos from either device. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Alcatel 3v is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Alcatel 3v (2019) features the Mediatek Helio P22, a 12nm octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. This architecture, while dated, provides a substantial advantage over the Energizer E284S’s Unisoc T117, a 1 GHz single-core processor. The Helio P22’s eight Cortex-A53 cores allow for better multitasking and smoother app launches. The Unisoc T117 is likely to struggle with even moderately demanding applications, resulting in noticeable lag. The Alcatel 3v’s performance is suitable for basic social media, messaging, and web browsing, while the Energizer E284S will feel noticeably slower.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration in this segment. While the exact battery capacity of the Energizer E284S is unknown, the Unisoc T117’s lower power consumption suggests it may offer longer battery life than the Alcatel 3v (2019). The Alcatel 3v (2019) supports 15W wired charging, which is a welcome addition, allowing for faster top-ups compared to potentially slower charging on the Energizer E284S. However, the performance trade-off for extended battery life may not be worthwhile for all users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E284S if you absolutely need the longest possible battery life and are willing to sacrifice performance. Its simpler chipset consumes less power, potentially extending usage between charges. Buy the Alcatel 3v (2019) if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for basic tasks like browsing and messaging. The Helio P22 offers a noticeable performance boost that makes the phone feel less sluggish.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3v (2019) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P22 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. You might experience some occasional lag when scrolling through image-heavy feeds or switching between apps, but it should be usable for basic social media interaction. The Energizer E284S will likely struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Alcatel 3v (2019) a significant advantage?
Yes, 15W charging is a notable benefit in this price range. While it won't be as fast as modern fast charging standards, it will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the phone compared to slower charging methods potentially used by the Energizer E284S. This is especially useful for users who rely on their phone throughout the day.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games will be playable on both devices, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding 3D titles. The Alcatel 3v (2019) will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU, but frame rates will likely be low and graphics settings will need to be reduced to the minimum.
