The LG W10 Alpha and the alcatel 1x (2019) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the most compelling experience for essential tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the LG W10 Alpha emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the alcatel 1x’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5008Y |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 19. Released 2020, February 19 | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 147.3 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.80 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 146.4 x 68.8 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1512 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.7 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3450 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | LMX210, LMX210LMW, LM-X210LMW | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
LG W10 Alpha
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the alcatel 1x
- Camera performance likely similar to the alcatel 1x
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption
- Simpler user experience
- Likely more affordable
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Slower app loading times
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, specifics like resolution and brightness are unavailable. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority for either manufacturer.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and generally underwhelming. Both devices likely feature basic sensors, and details are scarce. It's safe to assume image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W10 Alpha’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU comprised of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the alcatel 1x’s Mediatek MT6739, which utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 1.5 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the octa-core architecture of the Unisoc chip provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more complex processes. The Cortex-A55 cores are also more efficient than the older A53 cores, potentially leading to better battery life under load. Users will experience faster app loading times and smoother scrolling on the LG W10 Alpha.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Mediatek MT6739’s lower processing power suggests the alcatel 1x might offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge, assuming similar battery capacities. The Unisoc SC9863A, while more powerful, is also relatively efficient. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely to be slow due to the budget nature of both phones. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W10 Alpha if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously without significant slowdown, or if you anticipate using slightly more demanding applications like basic photo editing. Buy the alcatel 1x (2019) if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very light web browsing, and you prioritize absolute simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG W10 Alpha struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the LG W10 Alpha won't deliver a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, running multiple apps simultaneously might lead to some slowdown. The alcatel 1x will likely struggle more with these apps, especially with multiple chats open.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset and is not generally known for overheating. It's designed for basic tasks and won't generate significant heat under normal usage conditions. The alcatel 1x's Mediatek MT6739 is also unlikely to overheat due to its lower performance capabilities.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is well-suited for modern mobile gaming. While simple 2D games might be playable, demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant lag and low frame rates. The LG W10 Alpha will offer a slightly better experience, but don't expect a smooth gaming experience on either device.
