The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Energizer E4 and Alcatel 3L (2021) represent two distinct approaches to affordability. The E4 prioritizes basic functionality, while the 3L attempts to offer a more modern experience with an octa-core processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, no-frills phone for calls and basic tasks, the Alcatel 3L (2021) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Energizer E4’s Unisoc SC6531DA, justifying the slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 115 x 46 x 13.5 mm (4.53 x 1.81 x 0.53 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 65 g (2.29 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~116 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.77 inches, 9.9 cm2 (~18.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 312 MHz | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC6531DA | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 4MB | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | QVGA | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | SOS feature | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Gold, Silver | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | About 10 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Energizer E4
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Potentially long standby time
- Very limited performance
- Outdated chipset
- Likely poor camera quality
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- 10W wired charging
- More modern Android experience
- Battery life may be shorter than E4
- Camera quality is still limited
- May experience occasional lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications for the Energizer E4, we can assume it utilizes a basic LCD panel. The Alcatel 3L (2021) also features an LCD, but its focus is on affordability rather than visual fidelity. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited color accuracy. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution is standard in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be limited on both devices. Without detailed sensor information for the Energizer E4, it’s safe to assume a basic camera setup. The Alcatel 3L (2021) likely features a more versatile camera system, but image quality will still be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Alcatel 3L is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Energizer E4’s Unisoc SC6531DA, with its 312 MHz CPU, is designed for minimal power consumption and basic tasks. In contrast, the Alcatel 3L (2021) utilizes the Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked up to 1.8 GHz. This translates to a dramatically smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or running apps. The Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores, while not cutting-edge, are far more capable than the single-core architecture of the Unisoc chip. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 also contributes to better efficiency compared to the likely larger node of the Unisoc.
Battery Life
Battery life is a complex equation. While the Energizer E4 likely has a smaller battery capacity, its extremely low-power chipset could result in comparable or even longer standby times. The Alcatel 3L (2021) benefits from 10W wired charging, allowing for a faster recharge compared to the E4, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. However, the more powerful processor of the Alcatel 3L will consume more power during active use, potentially reducing overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E4 if you need an extremely basic phone for essential communication and have limited technical expertise. It’s ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and long-term battery life over performance. Buy the Alcatel 3L (2021) if you prefer a more modern smartphone experience with smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more capable camera, even if it means slightly shorter battery life and a more complex interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3L (2021) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook 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 usable and responsive experience for everyday social media browsing.
❓ Is the Energizer E4 suitable for elderly users who primarily need a phone for making calls and sending texts?
Absolutely. The Energizer E4’s simplicity and focus on basic functionality make it an excellent choice for elderly users or anyone who prefers a straightforward phone experience. Its limited features minimize the learning curve and reduce the risk of accidental settings changes.
❓ Can the Alcatel 3L (2021) handle light gaming, such as casual puzzle games?
Yes, the Alcatel 3L (2021) can handle light gaming, such as puzzle games and simple arcade titles. However, it's not designed for demanding 3D games. Expect lower frame rates and potentially some lag in more graphically intensive games.
❓ What type of charging port does the Alcatel 3L (2021) use?
The Alcatel 3L (2021) uses a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is a standard port for devices in this price range, but it's slower and less convenient than the newer USB-C standard.
