The Samsung Galaxy A01 and Alcatel 1V (2020) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A01 edges out the Alcatel 1V. While both are incredibly basic, the Snapdragon 439’s slightly more powerful CPU configuration and broader software support provide a marginally smoother experience, justifying its typically higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5007U |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5007U |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A015M | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 28, 66 - 5007G, 5007A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 17. Released 2020, January | 2020, January. Released 2020, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 146.2 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) | 158.7 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.25 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.6 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Prime Black, Pine Green, Metallic Black, Agate Green |
| Models | SM-A015F, SM-A015F/DS, SM-A015G, SM-A015G/DS, SM-A015M, SM-A015M/DS, SM-A015T1, SM-S111DL, SM-A015V, SM-A015A, SM-A015AZ, SM-A015U, SM-A015U1 | 5007U, 5007G, 5007A, 5007U_EEA |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 16GB 2GB RAM | $ 72.90 | - |
| RENEWED | $ 88.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy A01
- Slightly more powerful CPU configuration with Snapdragon 439
- Potentially better software support from Samsung
- More efficient CPU core arrangement
- Typically more expensive than the Alcatel 1V
- Limited RAM (2GB) can hinder multitasking
- Camera performance will be basic
alcatel 1V (2020)
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Compact and lightweight design
- Less powerful CPU compared to the Snapdragon 439
- Potentially limited software updates
- Camera quality will be subpar
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but expect limited outdoor visibility and muted colors. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, expect low-resolution sensors and poor low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; its utility is minimal. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality. Users should expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in anything less.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A01 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, a 12nm chip with an octa-core CPU split into two clusters: 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.45 GHz Cortex-A53. This configuration offers a slight performance advantage over the Alcatel 1V’s MediaTek Helio P22 (also 12nm) which utilizes a uniform octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The A01’s split core design allows for more efficient task allocation, potentially resulting in snappier app switching and a more responsive user experience. Both phones, however, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely slow due to the use of standard micro-USB ports and low-wattage chargers. The focus here isn't on fast charging, but on maximizing longevity between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 if you need a phone with a slightly more responsive user interface and potentially longer software support, even if it means spending a little more. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2020) if your absolute priority is minimizing cost and you only need a phone for the most basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 receive Android updates?
Samsung typically provides at least one major Android update for its A-series devices, but given the A01's position as an entry-level model, updates may be limited. Expect security patches to be infrequent as well. It likely shipped with Android 10 and may receive Android 11 or 12.
❓ Can the Alcatel 1V handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Alcatel 1V’s Helio P22 chipset is not designed for demanding games like PUBG Mobile. While it might be possible to run the game at the lowest settings, expect significant lag, frame drops, and a generally poor gaming experience. It's best suited for casual games and basic apps.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM enough for everyday use on either phone?
2GB of RAM is the bare minimum for running Android smoothly. Both phones will struggle with multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously. Closing unused apps frequently is crucial to maintain performance.
