Both the Energizer Ultimate U710S and the Alcatel 3L (2021) occupy the ultra-budget smartphone space, but they approach performance with slightly different strategies. The U710S leverages the older, but potentially more powerful, Mediatek Helio P23, while the 3L opts for the newer, more efficient Helio P22. This comparison dissects these chipset choices and their impact on the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and potentially longer software support, the Alcatel 3L (2021) is the better choice. Its newer 12nm process offers improved power management, offsetting the slight CPU clock speed difference. However, users needing a bit more raw processing power for demanding apps may find the U710S marginally faster.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 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 | 2020, February 17 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| 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) | 165.6 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 | - | 194 g (6.84 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 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, PDAF
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | - | About 330 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U710S
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- May handle slightly more demanding apps without immediate slowdown.
- Established Mediatek Helio P23 platform.
- Less power efficient due to the 16nm process.
- Likely to throttle more quickly under sustained load.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
alcatel 3L (2021)
- More power-efficient 12nm process.
- Likely to offer longer battery life.
- Potentially better sustained performance due to reduced throttling.
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speed.
- May experience minor slowdowns with very demanding apps.
- Helio P22 is a slightly less proven platform.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, display specifications are not provided. The focus here is on the chipset, which will impact the smoothness of scrolling and animations. The absence of high refresh rate support is a given on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Image processing will heavily rely on Mediatek’s ISP capabilities within each chipset. The P22’s newer architecture *may* offer slightly improved image processing algorithms, but this is speculative without detailed camera specs.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Energizer U710S features the Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23, built on a 16nm process, with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Alcatel 3L (2021) uses the MT6762D Helio P22, a 12nm chip with a similar octa-core setup of 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the U710S has a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed, the P22’s smaller 12nm fabrication process translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the Alcatel 3L is likely to maintain consistent performance for longer periods.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. The battery capacity is not specified, but the Alcatel 3L’s more efficient Helio P22 chipset will undoubtedly result in longer battery life on a single charge. The 12nm process consumes less power, extending usage time between charges, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U710S if you need a phone for occasional, light gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to trade some battery life for that extra processing headroom. Buy the Alcatel 3L (2021) if you prioritize all-day battery life, smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and a potentially longer software update lifespan due to the newer chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3L (2021) struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
No, the Alcatel 3L (2021)'s Helio P22 chipset is perfectly capable of handling everyday social media apps smoothly. The 12nm process ensures efficient performance, preventing noticeable lag during scrolling and video playback. While it won't be a gaming powerhouse, it's more than adequate for typical social media usage.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio P23 and P22 noticeable in real-world use?
The 100MHz difference in peak CPU clock speed is unlikely to be noticeable in most everyday tasks. The Helio P22’s superior power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling will have a more significant impact on sustained performance than the slight clock speed advantage of the P23. You'll likely see a difference in demanding scenarios, but for typical use, it's minimal.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond the 10W standard?
Neither the Energizer Ultimate U710S nor the Alcatel 3L (2021) supports fast charging beyond the 10W standard. This is typical for phones in this price range. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours.
