Nokia C20 vs. Alcatel 1B (2022): A Deep Dive into Ultra-Budget Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic, reliable smartphone for calls, messaging, and light app usage, the Alcatel 1B (2022) emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia C20’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite having fewer cores.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia C20 | alcatel 1B (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM, Brazil | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 06 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sand, Dark Blue | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | TA-1339, TA-1348, TA-1352, TA-1356 | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C20
- Potentially better software support from Nokia.
- Eight CPU cores offer theoretical multitasking benefits.
- Established brand reputation.
- Less efficient 28nm chipset.
- Likely slower performance compared to the Alcatel 1B.
- Older processor architecture.
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More efficient 12nm Mediatek Helio A22 chipset.
- Higher CPU clock speed for faster performance.
- Potentially better battery life.
- Less established brand in terms of software updates.
- Fewer CPU cores compared to the Nokia C20.
- May lack certain software features found on Nokia devices.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided) optimized for power efficiency rather than visual fidelity. However, the lack of detailed display specs makes a direct comparison impossible. We can assume both will prioritize LCD technology over OLED to minimize cost. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, further reducing the immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras primarily suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in images lacking detail and dynamic range. The Alcatel 1B may have a slight edge if it utilizes a marginally larger primary sensor, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1B (2022) utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. This smaller node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency compared to the Nokia C20’s Unisoc SC9863A, which is fabricated on a larger 28nm process. While the Nokia C20 has eight cores (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), the Alcatel 1B’s Cortex-A53 cores run at a higher 2.0 GHz clock speed. The A53 architecture, while older, is generally more capable than the A55 at this clock speed. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Alcatel 1B, despite having fewer cores. The 12nm process also means the Alcatel 1B will likely run cooler under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, both phones are likely equipped with batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Alcatel 1B’s more efficient 12nm chipset will contribute to longer battery life between charges, even with a similar capacity battery. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB and offering 5W or 10W charging. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C20 if you prioritize brand reputation for software updates and a potentially longer lifespan, even if it means sacrificing some performance. It's a reasonable choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a very simple device. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2022) if you prefer a more responsive user experience for the same price, and are comfortable with a less established brand in terms of software support. This is the better option for those who occasionally use more demanding apps or want a slightly smoother overall experience.