The TCL 20B and Alcatel 3L (2021) represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices leverage Mediatek’s Helio P22 chipset, but subtle differences in CPU configuration and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 20B emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Helio P22 chipset, the TCL 20B’s 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging, a crucial advantage for those prioritizing convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Violet | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | 6159K | 6056D |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 330 EUR |
TCL 20B
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Consistent 1.8GHz CPU clock speed across all cores.
- Potentially better sustained performance.
- No detailed display specifications available.
- Camera performance likely limited by sensor and software.
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Potentially better power efficiency during light tasks (big.LITTLE architecture).
- Likely lower price point.
- Comparable core performance to TCL 20B.
- Slower 10W charging.
- CPU clock speed varies between cores, potentially leading to inconsistent performance.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Alcatel provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences, with color accuracy and brightness being average for this segment. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Given the price point, expect a primary sensor around 13MP, potentially paired with depth or macro sensors of lower resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device will exacerbate low-light issues.
Performance
Both the TCL 20B and Alcatel 3L (2021) are powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm). However, the Alcatel 3L employs a big.LITTLE architecture with a quad-core setup running at 1.8GHz (Cortex-A53) paired with another quad-core set at 1.5GHz (Cortex-A53). The TCL 20B utilizes an octa-core configuration of Cortex-A53 cores all clocked at 1.8GHz. While both configurations offer similar peak performance, the Alcatel’s big.LITTLE design *could* offer slightly better power efficiency during light tasks, delegating those to the slower cores. However, the TCL 20B’s consistent 1.8GHz clock speed across all cores may provide a more stable experience during sustained workloads. Neither chipset is suited for demanding gaming or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000mAh range. The key differentiator is charging speed. The TCL 20B supports 18W wired charging, enabling significantly faster top-ups compared to the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging. This translates to a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time for the TCL 20B, reducing downtime and improving usability for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20B if you prioritize faster charging and anticipate frequent use throughout the day. The 18W charging will minimize interruptions. Buy the Alcatel 3L (2021) if you are on a very strict budget and can tolerate slower charging speeds; it offers a comparable core experience at potentially a lower price point, depending on retailer promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Alcatel 3L's big.LITTLE CPU architecture noticeably improve battery life compared to the TCL 20B?
While the big.LITTLE architecture *can* improve efficiency during very light tasks like browsing or checking email, the difference is likely to be minimal in real-world usage. The TCL 20B’s faster charging speed will likely have a more significant impact on overall usability, as it reduces downtime.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones suitable for taking high-quality photos in low-light conditions?
No. Both the TCL 20B and Alcatel 3L (2021) are entry-level smartphones and lack features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or large image sensors. Expect noisy and blurry photos in low-light environments. These cameras are best suited for well-lit conditions.
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, both phones will struggle with demanding games. The Mediatek Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset and lacks the processing power and graphics capabilities to run these games smoothly at high settings. You may be able to play at the lowest settings with reduced frame rates, but expect lag and stuttering.
