The Energizer Ultimate U608s and the Alcatel 3L (2021) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to processing power. This comparison dissects the core differences between the Mediatek Helio A22 in the Energizer and the Helio P22 in the Alcatel, revealing which device offers the better experience for everyday tasks and light use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Alcatel 3L (2021) is the better choice. Its octa-core Helio P22 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Energizer U608s’ quad-core Helio A22, making it smoother for app switching and handling moderately demanding applications. However, the Energizer may offer slightly better battery life due to the less powerful processor.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 73.3 x 9.8 mm (6.12 x 2.89 x 0.39 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156.8 g (5.54 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.08 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U608s
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Likely more affordable
- Significantly slower performance for multitasking
- Laggy experience with demanding apps
- Limited gaming capabilities
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- 10W wired charging support
- Slightly shorter battery life
- May be marginally more expensive
- Still limited for graphically intensive games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (likely IPS LCD for both) and resolution are not specified. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. The lack of high refresh rates or HDR support is a given.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The Alcatel 3L (2021) may have a slight edge if it incorporates any software optimizations for image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results from either. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 3L (2021) utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous core configuration – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This allows for a balance between performance and power efficiency. Conversely, the Energizer U608s is equipped with the Helio A22, a quad-core processor with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the individual core clock speed is higher on the A22, the P22’s eight cores provide superior multitasking capabilities. The P22’s architecture allows it to handle more simultaneous tasks without significant slowdown, making it better suited for running multiple apps or switching between them quickly. Both are built on a 12nm process, suggesting similar power consumption characteristics under light load, but the P22 will draw more power during sustained tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but given their target market, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Energizer U608s, with its less powerful Helio A22, will likely exhibit slightly longer battery life under light usage scenarios. However, the Alcatel 3L (2021) supports 10W wired charging, which is a significant advantage. While not fast charging by modern standards, it will replenish the battery faster than the Energizer, which likely lacks any dedicated fast charging support.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U608s if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and prioritize maximizing battery life above all else. Buy the Alcatel 3L (2021) if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming, and are willing to accept slightly shorter battery runtimes. The Alcatel is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight with lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3L (2021) be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Alcatel 3L (2021)'s Helio P22 chipset with its octa-core configuration is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer the smoothest experience with demanding filters or effects, it will provide a usable and enjoyable experience for most users.
❓ Is the Energizer Ultimate U608s suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Energizer Ultimate U608s is an excellent choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its Helio A22 processor is adequate for calls and texts, and its likely lower power consumption will translate to longer battery life, making it ideal for those who don't require advanced features.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Helio A22 in the Energizer U608s will struggle significantly, even at the lowest settings. The Helio P22 in the Alcatel 3L (2021) will offer a slightly better experience, but you'll still need to run the game at the lowest graphics settings and expect frequent frame drops. These phones are not designed for gaming.
