The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Energizer Ultimate U505s and the Alcatel 1B (2022) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, differing chipset choices suggest distinct performance profiles. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Alcatel 1B (2022) emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, built on a more efficient 12nm process and clocked higher at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Energizer U505s' older MT6739.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, March | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 138.5 x 73.5 x 10.6 mm (5.45 x 2.89 x 0.42 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 | - | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT 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 GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U505s
- Potentially longer software support from Energizer brand.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Durable build quality (typical of Energizer products).
- Older, less efficient MT6739 chipset.
- Slower performance compared to the Alcatel 1B.
- Likely lower image quality due to older ISP.
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset.
- Faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
- Potentially better battery life.
- Slightly improved image processing.
- Alcatel's software update track record is less consistent.
- Build quality may feel less premium than the Energizer.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. The Alcatel 1B's newer chipset *could* translate to slightly better image processing for display output, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be modest on both devices, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. It's reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of the Helio A22 in the Alcatel 1B *may* offer slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, but this is heavily dependent on software optimization. Any 2MP macro cameras present on either device should be considered largely for marketing purposes, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1B (2022) features the Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761), a 12nm process chip with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This represents a significant architectural and process node advantage over the Energizer U505s’ Mediatek MT6739, which uses an older process and is clocked at 1.5 GHz. The 12nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and potentially less thermal throttling. While both are quad-core, the A22’s Cortex-A53 cores are a generation newer, offering incremental improvements in instruction processing. This will be most noticeable in app loading times and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Alcatel 1B’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset will likely result in better battery life during typical usage. While charging wattage is unknown, the A22’s power efficiency will also contribute to faster overall charge times, even with a similar wattage charger. The 12nm process inherently consumes less power than the older process used by the MT6739.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U505s if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to Energizer's brand recognition. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2022) if you prefer a more responsive user experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, and value the benefits of a newer, more efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1B (2022) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Alcatel 1B's Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience slightly longer loading times compared to higher-end devices, but the core functionality should be usable without significant lag. However, running multiple apps simultaneously may cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the Energizer Ultimate U505s a good choice for someone who primarily makes phone calls and sends texts?
Yes, the Energizer Ultimate U505s is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its MT6739 chipset is capable of handling calls and texts reliably. However, if you anticipate using any apps beyond basic messaging, the Alcatel 1B (2022) offers a more responsive experience.
❓ Can either of these phones handle light gaming?
Both phones can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games will likely experience significant lag and low frame rates. The Alcatel 1B (2022) will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect anything beyond basic playability.
