The Energizer Ultimate U710S and Alcatel 1V (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie significant differences in processing power and efficiency, making one a more compelling choice for users who demand even a modest level of performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the Energizer Ultimate U710S is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P23 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 1V’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more responsive for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 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 | 2020, February 17 | 2021, February |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 180.3 x 86.8 x 9.2 mm (7.10 x 3.42 x 0.36 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | AGC glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, PDAF
VGA | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 6002A, 6002D |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U710S
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially smoother app performance
- Likely lower battery efficiency under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel 1V
alcatel 1V (2021)
- More power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Potentially longer battery life during light use
- Lower price point
- Significantly slower processor
- Struggles with multitasking
- Laggy app performance
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Details are sparse, but both will likely feature low-resolution panels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. The absence of information regarding panel technology (IPS vs. TFT) or brightness levels suggests both prioritize cost reduction over display quality. Expect significant compromises in viewing angles and color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the target price point, expect basic sensors and minimal image processing capabilities. Details are lacking, but it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality is far more dependent on sensor size and software optimization, neither of which are strengths here. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their photographic potential.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Energizer U710S utilizes the Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23, an octa-core processor built on a 16nm process. This means four cores operate at 2.0 GHz (Cortex-A53) and four at 1.5 GHz (Cortex-A53). The Alcatel 1V (2021) is equipped with the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a more efficient 12nm process. While the A22’s 12nm node is more efficient, the P23’s eight cores provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Energizer. The P23’s architecture allows for better parallel processing, benefiting even simple tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the budget nature of these devices, it’s likely to be in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Helio P23 in the Energizer U710S, despite being on a larger node, may consume more power under load, potentially offsetting some of the battery capacity advantage. However, the more efficient multi-core architecture could also allow it to complete tasks faster, reducing overall power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U710S if you need a phone capable of handling more than just the most basic tasks – light web browsing, social media, and messaging will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2021) if your primary need is a very inexpensive device for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and you prioritize absolute cost savings over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Energizer U710S handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
The Energizer U710S, with its Helio P23 chipset, is more likely to run Facebook and Instagram smoothly compared to the Alcatel 1V. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, the octa-core processor provides enough processing power for these apps to function acceptably, especially with limited background processes.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1V (2021) suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Alcatel 1V (2021) is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for these functions, and its lower price point makes it a good option for users with minimal smartphone needs. However, expect slow performance if you attempt to use more demanding apps.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps simultaneously without slowing down?
Multitasking is a significant weakness for both phones, but the Energizer U710S handles it better. The Alcatel 1V will likely struggle with even two apps open at once, experiencing noticeable lag. The U710S can manage a few more apps, but don't expect a seamless experience.
