The LG K22 and Alcatel 1V (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, catering to users prioritizing extreme affordability. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which one offers a better user experience, particularly regarding performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit basic, smartphone experience, the Alcatel 1V (2021) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably faster performance than the LG K22’s older Snapdragon 215, despite both utilizing Cortex-A53 cores.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - International | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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, 40 - Brazil | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 12. Released 2020, September 12 | 2021, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.13 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 | 169.5 g (6.00 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | 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, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | FM radio (market/operator dependent) |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | 6002A, 6002D |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
LG K22
- Brand recognition (LG)
- Potentially more durable build quality (based on LG's historical reputation)
- Simple, uncluttered software experience
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 215)
- Less efficient 28nm manufacturing process
- No specified charging standard
alcatel 1V (2021)
- Faster processor (Helio A22)
- More efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- 10W wired charging support
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially lower build quality
- Limited software support
Display Comparison
Neither the LG K22 nor the Alcatel 1V (2021) boast impressive displays. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are largely unavailable, typical of this price segment. However, the focus should be on usability rather than visual fidelity. Expect basic LCD panels with standard 60Hz refresh rates. The lack of detailed display specs suggests both prioritize cost savings over visual quality, making this a non-differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are scarce. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups primarily intended for casual snapshots. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect washed-out colors and limited detail in low-light conditions on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1V (2021) utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the LG K22’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, fabricated on a larger 28nm process and clocked at 1.3 GHz. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 translates to improved power efficiency and the higher clock speed provides a tangible performance boost in everyday tasks. While both use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the A22’s manufacturing process and clock speed give it a clear advantage in responsiveness and app loading times. The Snapdragon 215 will likely struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, the Alcatel 1V (2021) includes 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the LG K22’s specifications. While 10W isn’t fast charging by modern standards, it’s a significant advantage over no specified charging capability. The more efficient Helio A22 chipset in the Alcatel 1V will also contribute to longer battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if you prioritize brand recognition within the LG ecosystem and are comfortable with a slower, more basic experience. It's a reasonable option for first-time smartphone users with minimal demands. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2021) if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more modern chipset, making it better suited for light multitasking and app usage. It’s the superior choice for those needing a functional device without significant performance bottlenecks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1V (2021) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset in the Alcatel 1V (2021) is sufficient to run most popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a fluid experience with multiple apps open simultaneously, it will handle basic social media browsing and usage effectively, a task the Snapdragon 215 in the LG K22 may struggle with.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Alcatel 1V (2021) considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to the fast charging technologies available on more expensive smartphones. However, for a device in this price range, it's a welcome addition. Expect a full charge to take several hours, but it's still significantly better than having no specified charging capability, as is the case with the LG K22.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games?
Both phones can handle *very* basic mobile games, but don't expect a great experience. The Alcatel 1V (2021) with its Helio A22 will perform slightly better, allowing for playable framerates in less demanding titles. The LG K22’s Snapdragon 215 will likely struggle even with simple games.
