The Lenovo K12 and alcatel 3L (2021) represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price point, but subtle differences in their core hardware – specifically the Mediatek Helio G25 versus the Helio P22 – can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance in everyday tasks and potentially better long-term software support, the Lenovo K12 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a modest performance edge over the alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for common applications.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 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 MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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 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 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mineral Gray, Aqua Blue | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | XT2095-4 | 6056D |
| Price | - | About 330 EUR |
Lenovo K12
- Slightly faster processor (Helio G25)
- Potentially better long-term software support (Lenovo's track record)
- More responsive user experience
- Still an entry-level device with limited performance
- Likely similar camera performance to the alcatel 3L
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Very affordable price point
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Decent battery life (estimated)
- Slower processor (Helio P22)
- May feel sluggish with multiple apps open
- Potentially limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both probably featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Image processing will likely be basic on both, resulting in acceptable photos in good lighting conditions but struggling in low light. The usefulness of any 2MP auxiliary cameras is minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo K12’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.0 GHz, while the alcatel 3L (2021) uses the Helio P22 (MT6762D) with a peak clock speed of 1.8 GHz. While both utilize Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speed of the G25 translates to a measurable, albeit modest, performance advantage. This means slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the G25 will likely offer a marginally better experience. Both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, so thermal efficiency is comparable.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The lack of fast charging is a common limitation in this price segment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 if you need a phone that feels a bit more responsive for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. It’s a good fit for users who want a slightly more future-proof experience within this budget. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo K12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G25 is a step up from the P22, neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming. You'll likely be able to run PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops. Expect a compromised gaming experience.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Lenovo K12 and the alcatel 3L (2021)?
Lenovo generally provides more consistent software updates and a cleaner Android experience compared to alcatel. While both likely run a near-stock version of Android, the K12 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even a minor Android version upgrade.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio G25 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is subtle but present. The Helio G25's higher clock speed results in slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Users upgrading from a very old phone will notice the improvement more than those coming from a more recent device.
