The Nokia C2 Tennen and Alcatel 1B (2022) represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target users prioritizing affordability above all else, but subtle differences in their underlying hardware can impact real-world performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Alcatel 1B (2022) edges out the Nokia C2 Tennen. Its 12nm process node on the Helio A22 chipset offers a slight, but measurable, improvement in power efficiency, potentially translating to longer battery life during typical usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 15 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 172 g (6.07 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 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 500 entries | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | VGA | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP |
| 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 |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 3 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Steel | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia C2 Tennen
- Established brand reputation (Nokia)
- Potential for more frequent software updates
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Less power-efficient chipset (16nm)
- Likely shorter battery life compared to Alcatel
- No significant performance advantage
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Potentially longer battery life
- Slightly better thermal management
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Build quality may be less robust
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1440. However, display quality is not a key differentiating factor given the price point. The absence of information regarding brightness nits or color gamut coverage suggests both displays are geared towards basic visibility rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the target market, both likely feature basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The inclusion 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.
Performance
Both the Nokia C2 Tennen and Alcatel 1B (2022) are powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, featuring a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The critical difference lies in the manufacturing process: 16nm for the Nokia and 12nm for the Alcatel. This smaller node size on the Alcatel 1B (2022) translates to lower power consumption at the same clock speed, meaning the Alcatel should exhibit slightly better thermal management and potentially longer runtimes. While the CPU is identical, the 12nm process gives the Alcatel a marginal edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Alcatel 1B (2022)'s 12nm Helio A22 chipset offers a power efficiency advantage. Coupled with 10W wired charging on both devices, the Alcatel is likely to achieve a slightly longer battery life and potentially a faster 0-100% charge time, despite any potential differences in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 Tennen if you prioritize brand reputation for software updates and a potentially more durable build quality, even if it comes at a slight performance cost. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2022) if you are strictly focused on maximizing battery life and getting the most out of the Helio A22 chipset within a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1B (2022) struggle with multitasking?
Given the Helio A22 chipset and limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB), the Alcatel 1B (2022) will struggle with heavy multitasking. Running multiple apps simultaneously may result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloads. It's best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Is the Nokia C2 Tennen a good choice for gaming?
The Nokia C2 Tennen is not a good choice for gaming. The Helio A22 chipset is an entry-level processor and will struggle to run even basic games smoothly. Expect low frame rates and significant lag in most titles. It's suitable for very casual gaming only.
❓ How long will the battery last on the Alcatel 1B (2022) with typical usage?
With typical usage (calls, messaging, light web browsing), the Alcatel 1B (2022) should last a full day on a single charge, thanks to the power-efficient 12nm Helio A22 chipset. However, heavy usage (video streaming, gaming) will significantly reduce battery life.
