The Nokia 2 V Tella and Alcatel 1x (2019) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices offer basic functionality, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate real-world performance and usability. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Nokia 2 V Tella emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a smaller 16nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency over the Alcatel 1x’s older 28nm MT6739, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 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, October 21. Released 2020, October 21 | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 150.6 x 71.6 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.82 x 0.36 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 |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
2 MP | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | - | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Nokia 2 V Tella
- More efficient processor (Helio A22)
- Likely smoother performance
- Potentially longer battery life
- Still a very basic smartphone
- Limited camera capabilities
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Extremely affordable
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Outdated and inefficient processor (MT6739)
- Slower performance
- Potential for overheating
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details regarding resolution and brightness are unavailable. The key difference lies in the underlying hardware powering the display, which is indirectly impacted by the chipset's efficiency. A more efficient chipset like the Helio A22 in the Nokia 2 V Tella can potentially allocate more resources to display processing, resulting in slightly smoother animations, though this is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be extremely limited. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be low. Both phones likely feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be particularly poor. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality is far more dependent on sensor size and software processing, neither of which are specified.
Performance
The Nokia 2 V Tella’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16nm) is the clear winner in the performance category. While both phones feature a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, the A22’s newer architecture and smaller fabrication process (16nm vs. 28nm for the Alcatel 1x’s MT6739) translate to better performance and power efficiency. The 28nm process of the MT6739 is significantly older and less efficient, leading to more heat generation and potential throttling under even moderate loads. This means the Nokia 2 V Tella will handle multitasking and app switching more smoothly, and for a longer duration, before experiencing performance slowdowns.
Battery Life
Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but the Nokia 2 V Tella benefits from the more efficient Helio A22 chipset. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the A22’s 16nm process will draw less power than the Alcatel 1x’s 28nm MT6739, resulting in longer battery life on a single charge. Both phones support 10W wired charging, meaning charging times will be relatively slow – expect several hours to fully charge from 0%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 2 V Tella if you need a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media. The newer chipset offers a smoother, less laggy experience. Buy the Alcatel 1x (2019) if you are on an extremely tight budget and simply need a phone for calls and very light use; it represents the absolute minimum viable smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 2 V Tella handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
The Nokia 2 V Tella’s Helio A22 chipset is capable of running these apps, but expect a basic experience. Scrolling may not be perfectly smooth, and loading times will be slower compared to more powerful devices. It’s suitable for casual use, but heavy users may experience frustration.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1x (2019) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Alcatel 1x (2019) is a viable option for basic communication. Its primary function is to make and receive calls and send text messages, and it will perform these tasks adequately. However, be aware that its older processor may struggle with even simple tasks beyond these core functions.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps simultaneously without slowing down?
Multitasking is limited on both devices. The Nokia 2 V Tella will handle a few apps slightly better due to its more efficient processor, but neither phone has enough RAM or processing power for extensive multitasking. Expect apps to reload frequently when switching between them.
