The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lenovo A8 2020 and the Alcatel 3x (2019). Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 3x (2019) edges out the Lenovo A8 2020 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and generally better camera performance. While both are budget options, the Alcatel offers a more refined experience for a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5048Y |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5048Y |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 66 - 5048A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 15 | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 164.9 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (max 2 at a time) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6763V Helio P23 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Jewelry Black, Jewelry Green, Jewelry Rose |
| Models | L10041 | 5048Y, 5048A, 5048Y_EEA, 5048I, 5048U_EEA |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Lenovo A8 2020
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
alcatel 3x (2019)
- Better performance than A8 2020
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly larger display (likely)
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Slow charging
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Alcatel 3x (2019) might have a slightly larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. Expect adequate but not exceptional color accuracy and brightness on both.
Camera Comparison
The Alcatel 3x (2019) typically features a triple camera setup (main, ultrawide, depth sensor) offering more versatility than the Lenovo A8 2020's likely dual-camera setup. Image quality on the Alcatel is generally better, with more detail and better low-light performance. Both phones will struggle with fast-moving subjects.
Performance
The Alcatel 3x (2019)'s Helio P23 chipset, despite being on a slightly older 16nm process, generally outperforms the Lenovo A8 2020's Helio P22 (12nm). The P23's dual-cluster CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz + 4x1.5 GHz) provides a performance boost, especially in multitasking and gaming. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 3000-4000mAh. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A8 2020 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and ultra-low price. The Alcatel 3x (2019) is better suited for those who want a slightly more capable device with a better camera and smoother performance, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Alcatel 3x (2019) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio P23 chipset. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either device.
❓ Are these phones 4G capable?
Yes, both the Lenovo A8 2020 and the Alcatel 3x (2019) support 4G LTE connectivity.
