The Plum Ram Plus LTE and the alcatel 3v (2019) represent two ends of the ultra-budget smartphone spectrum. The Plum, likely a newer entrant, leverages the Unisoc T107, while the alcatel 3v relies on the more established Mediatek Helio P22. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing basic smartphone functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 3v (2019) is the better choice. While the Plum Ram Plus LTE may offer newer features, the Helio P22’s octa-core architecture and 12nm process provide a more refined and consistently performant experience, especially considering the Unisoc T107’s limited information and likely lower performance ceiling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2019, Q2. Released 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (DragonTrail Pro glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) | 174.5 x 83.3 x 8.4 mm (6.87 x 3.28 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 108.4 g (3.81 oz) | 197.9 g (6.98 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | DragonTrail Pro |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 115.8 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| | External display: 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Elegant Black |
| Models | - | 5032W |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Plum Ram Plus LTE
- Potentially newer software features
- May offer a more modern design
- Likely lower initial price point
- Unisoc T107 chipset lacks performance data
- Potential for software instability
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
alcatel 3v (2019)
- Proven Mediatek Helio P22 chipset
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups
- More mature software ecosystem
- Older device (2019 release)
- May lack the latest software features
- Potentially less appealing design
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The alcatel 3v, being a 2019 model, may benefit from slightly better panel calibration and color accuracy due to more mature manufacturing processes. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates for the Plum Ram Plus LTE raises concerns for users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a meaningful comparison is limited. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The alcatel 3v’s potential for better image processing algorithms, developed over a longer period, could yield slightly more pleasing results. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the resolution and optics to deliver genuinely useful macro shots.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The alcatel 3v’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This architecture, while not high-end, is well-understood and capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The Unisoc T107, in contrast, lacks detailed architectural information. Unisoc typically targets the ultra-budget segment, and the T107 likely prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. The 12nm process of the Helio P22 offers a significant advantage in thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads compared to a potentially larger node process on the Unisoc chip. This translates to more consistent performance for the alcatel 3v.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Plum Ram Plus LTE. The alcatel 3v (2019) supports 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over potentially slower charging speeds on the Plum. While battery life ultimately depends on usage patterns, the 15W charging allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. Without knowing the Plum’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to assess its endurance, but the alcatel 3v’s charging speed provides a tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram Plus LTE if you need the absolute newest device and are comfortable with potential software quirks and limited performance data. Buy the alcatel 3v (2019) if you prefer a device with a proven chipset, a more mature software experience, and a guaranteed 15W charging capability, making it ideal for users who value reliability and consistent performance over cutting-edge features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P22 capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. Its octa-core CPU and Mali-T720 MP3 GPU are sufficient for these everyday tasks, providing a fluid user experience.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the alcatel 3v (2019)?
The alcatel 3v (2019) can handle casual gaming titles, but demanding games like PUBG Mobile will require significantly reduced graphics settings and may still experience frame drops. The Helio P22 is not a gaming-focused chipset, so expectations should be tempered.
❓ Is the Unisoc T107 known for overheating during prolonged use?
Due to limited data on the Unisoc T107, it's difficult to definitively say. However, given its likely lower-end positioning, it may struggle with thermal management during extended, intensive tasks, potentially leading to performance throttling. The alcatel 3v's 12nm Helio P22 is more likely to maintain consistent performance.
❓ Does the alcatel 3v (2019) receive regular software updates?
Software update support for the alcatel 3v (2019) is limited, as it is an older device. While it likely shipped with Android 8.0 or 9.0, major Android version updates are unlikely. Security patches may have been infrequent or discontinued.
