The Motorola G Pure and the alcatel 3L (2021) represent the very bottom end of the smartphone market, competing for the attention of users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices utilize MediaTek Helio chipsets, but subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and underlying architecture can impact real-world performance. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola G Pure edges out the alcatel 3L (2021). While both phones offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the G Pure’s Helio G25 chipset, with its slightly higher CPU clock speeds, provides a marginal performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the more responsive option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 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 | 2021, October 07 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 14 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 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 |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | - |
| 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 (~80.6% 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 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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/2.4, 1.12µm | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Indigo | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | XT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2 | 6056D |
| Price | $ 63.99 / C$ 123.00 | About 330 EUR |
Motorola G Pure
- Slightly faster CPU performance with the Helio G25
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Generally better software support from Motorola
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance is likely basic
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Often available at a lower price point
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Compact and lightweight design
- Helio P22 chipset offers less performance
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
Neither the Motorola G Pure nor the alcatel 3L (2021) boast impressive displays. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both are likely 720p+ displays given the price point. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. The absence of high refresh rates or HDR support is expected. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price bracket, expect basic 13MP or 8MP main sensors. The alcatel 3L (2021) often includes a 2MP macro lens, a feature that provides minimal benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will be basic, with limited dynamic range and noise reduction. Low-light performance will be poor on both. The primary differentiator will likely be software optimization, but neither phone is expected to compete with mid-range or flagship camera systems.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Motorola G Pure features the MediaTek Helio G25, while the alcatel 3L (2021) uses the Helio P22. Both are 12nm chips, indicating similar power efficiency. However, the G25’s CPU configuration – 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 – offers a slight advantage over the P22’s 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This 200MHz difference in the high-performance cores translates to marginally faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Both rely on integrated PowerVR GPUs, and neither is suited for demanding gaming. The G25’s GPU is likely a slightly newer iteration, offering a small graphical edge.
Battery Life
Both the Motorola G Pure and the alcatel 3L (2021) feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. A full 0-100% charge will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Battery capacity details are missing, but both likely hover around the 4000-5000 mAh range. Given the relatively undemanding chipsets and low-resolution displays, both phones should comfortably last a full day of moderate use, including browsing, social media, and calls. The efficiency of the Helio G25 might provide a slight edge in battery longevity, but the difference will be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola G Pure if you need a phone that feels a little more responsive for basic tasks like browsing and social media, and if you occasionally play less demanding mobile games. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are willing to accept slightly slower performance in exchange for potential savings. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola G Pure handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag?
Yes, the Helio G25 chipset in the Motorola G Pure is sufficient to run most social media apps smoothly. While it won't offer a high-end experience, you should expect acceptable performance for browsing feeds, posting content, and watching videos. The alcatel 3L (2021) will also run these apps, but may exhibit slightly more lag during multitasking.
❓ Is the alcatel 3L (2021) a good option for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Absolutely. The alcatel 3L (2021) is a very affordable entry point into the world of smartphones. It provides essential functionality like calling, texting, web browsing, and access to apps. While it lacks advanced features, it's a simple and reliable option for first-time smartphone users.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps simultaneously without slowing down?
Both phones have limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB), so multitasking is not their strong suit. Running several apps concurrently will likely result in slowdowns and app reloading. The Motorola G Pure, with its slightly more powerful chipset, will handle multitasking marginally better than the alcatel 3L (2021).
