The Samsung Galaxy M11 and Alcatel 1V (2021) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this through different approaches to hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy M11 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the Snapdragon 450 chipset, despite being older, provides a more consistent and capable experience than the Alcatel 1V’s Helio A22, particularly for multitasking and moderately demanding apps.
| 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 - 6002A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 30. Released 2020, May 4 | 2021, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 76.3 x 9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Metallic Blue, Violet | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | SM-M115F, SM-M115F/DSN, SM-M115M, SM-M115M/DS | 6002A, 6002D |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | £ 129.00 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | £ 149.99 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 177.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M11
- More powerful Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better build quality (Samsung brand reputation)
- Slightly higher price point
- Older chipset architecture
alcatel 1V (2021)
- Lower price
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Simpler user experience
- Less powerful Helio A22 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially lower build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the M11’s slightly higher price point *suggests* a potentially better panel, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Both are likely to feature basic camera setups, and detailed specs are scarce. The Alcatel 1V’s camera is unlikely to offer significant improvements over the M11’s. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Any additional sensors (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) are unlikely to add substantial value to the photography experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process, features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Alcatel 1V’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor running at 2.0 GHz, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm node. Despite the higher clock speed, the Helio A22’s fewer cores and generally lower GPU performance mean the Snapdragon 450 will likely deliver a smoother experience in multi-tasking and app loading. The 14nm process of the SD450, while older, is a mature technology, and the eight cores provide a significant advantage in parallel processing.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. The Alcatel 1V’s 10W charging is slower than the Galaxy M11’s 15W charging. While neither phone will offer blazing-fast charging speeds, the M11 will reach a full charge slightly quicker. The efficiency of the Helio A22 on the Alcatel 1V might offer comparable battery life to the M11, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity (spec not provided).
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M11 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks, such as social media and light web browsing, and appreciate the potential for smoother multitasking thanks to the 3GB or 4GB of RAM options. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2021) if your primary need is a very basic, affordable smartphone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and you prioritize simplicity over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1V struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Alcatel 1V’s Helio A22 chipset is designed for basic tasks. While it can run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. The limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB) will exacerbate this issue.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M11 a good option for playing mobile games?
The Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy M11 is capable of running some less demanding mobile games, but don't expect a high-performance gaming experience. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may need to reduce graphics settings to achieve playable performance. More graphically intensive games will likely be unplayable.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With its 15W charging, the Samsung Galaxy M11 will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Alcatel 1V’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, potentially 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
The Alcatel 1V (2021) is the better choice for basic communication. Its lower price point and sufficient performance for calls and texts make it an ideal option for users who don't require advanced features or demanding apps.
