The Nokia C1 2nd Edition and Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a noticeably smoother experience than the other, despite their similar target audience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a substantial performance uplift over the Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s quad-core SC7731e, resulting in a more responsive user experience, especially when multitasking. While neither phone excels, the Alcatel offers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 05 | 2021, June 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2021, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) | 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 154 g (5.43 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Power Grey, Twilight Blue |
| Models | TA-1380 | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C1 2nd Edition
- Potentially better brand reputation for software support (though limited)
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Significantly slower processor
- Poor multitasking performance
- Outdated CPU architecture
alcatel 1L Pro (2021)
- Faster octa-core processor
- More responsive user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient CPU architecture
- Camera quality likely similar to Nokia C1
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p or lower and offer modest brightness levels. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate is not a priority here.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – underwhelming. Both phones likely feature basic sensors, and details are scarce. It’s safe to assume image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Alcatel is largely a marketing gimmick; its usefulness is limited due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. The primary sensor’s size and aperture are unknown for both devices, making a direct comparison impossible, but expect limited dynamic range and detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1L Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This is a significant advantage over the Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s Unisoc SC7731e, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Alcatel are architecturally superior to the older Cortex-A7, offering improved performance and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better multitasking capabilities. The Alcatel will handle basic web browsing and social media far more comfortably.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer at least a full day of light use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be slow (5W or less) via micro-USB. The Alcatel’s more efficient processor *may* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The focus here is on longevity, not fast charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C1 2nd Edition if you absolutely need the most basic smartphone functionality and prioritize brand reputation for software updates (though updates are still limited at this price point). It’s suitable for users making their first smartphone purchase or needing a very simple device for calls and basic messaging. Buy the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) if you prefer a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps without significant lag. It’s a better option for those who occasionally browse the web or use social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1L Pro handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Alcatel 1L Pro’s octa-core processor should handle WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Nokia C1 2nd Edition when running these apps. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Nokia C1 2nd Edition a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly person?
The Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s simplicity could be appealing for a first-time smartphone user, particularly an elderly person. However, its slow processor may lead to frustration if they attempt to use multiple apps or browse the web. The Alcatel 1L Pro offers a more responsive experience, which might be preferable despite a slightly steeper learning curve.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is suitable for playing demanding modern mobile games. The processors lack the power and the GPUs are too weak. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings, but expect significant frame rate drops and lag. These phones are designed for basic communication and light tasks, not gaming.
