Unnecto Primo 3G vs. alcatel 1V (2021): A Deep Dive into Ultra-Budget Smartphones

The Unnecto Primo 3G and the alcatel 1V (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both devices aim to provide basic connectivity at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their limited specifications to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing essential features over cutting-edge technology.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a basic, functional smartphone, the alcatel 1V (2021) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage over the unknown internals of the Unnecto Primo 3G, offering a smoother, more responsive user experience, even if still limited.

PHONES
Phone Names Unnecto Primo 3G alcatel 1V (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1900HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A
4G bands-2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A
SpeedHSPAHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA / LTE
 GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D
Launch
Announced2013. Released 20132021, February
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, April
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions108 x 46 x 13.2 mm (4.25 x 1.81 x 0.52 in)165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMSingle SIM or Dual SIM (dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight70 g (2.47 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 Flashlight-
Display
Resolution128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~20.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTIPS LCD
Platform
CPU-Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset-Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OS-Android 11 (Go edition)
Memory
Call recordsYes-
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal1GB 256MB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM
Phonebook1000 entries-
 -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, HDR, panorama
Single0.8 MP5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single-5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video-1080p@30fps
 No-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningNoGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/operator dependent)
USBProprietaryUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
GamesYes-
JavaNo-
MessagingSMS, MMS-
Sensors-Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
 Audio/video player Organizer Voice memo-
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 600 mAh batteryLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, StoneSpace Gray, Atlantic Blue
Models-6002A, 6002D
Price-About 100 EUR

Unnecto Primo 3G

  • Potentially lower price point (depending on region)
  • May support specific 3G networks not covered by alcatel
  • Compact form factor

  • Unknown processor and performance
  • Likely outdated chipset
  • No published specifications

alcatel 1V (2021)

  • Mediatek Helio A22 provides usable performance
  • 4G connectivity
  • 10W charging

  • Limited camera capabilities
  • Basic display quality
  • Slow charging speed

Display Comparison

Given the lack of display specifications for the Unnecto Primo 3G, a direct comparison is difficult. The alcatel 1V (2021) likely features a basic IPS LCD panel, common in this price bracket. Expect limited brightness and color accuracy on both devices. The alcatel 1V’s resolution is likely 720x1440, providing a marginally sharper image than what the Unnecto Primo 3G likely offers. Bezels will be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. The alcatel 1V (2021) likely features a basic 8MP main sensor, while the Unnecto Primo 3G’s camera specifications are unknown. Image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions. Expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. Any secondary cameras on either device (likely 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing gimmicks and offer minimal practical benefit. The alcatel 1V’s image processing, while basic, will likely be more refined than whatever the Unnecto Primo 3G offers.

Performance

The alcatel 1V (2021) is powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. This chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a significant advantage over the unknown processor within the Unnecto Primo 3G. The 12nm node allows for better power efficiency compared to older, larger process nodes likely used in the Unnecto. While not a powerhouse, the Helio A22 can handle basic Android tasks without significant lag, a benefit for users who primarily use messaging apps and web browsing. The Unnecto Primo 3G, lacking published specs, likely relies on an older, less efficient chipset, resulting in a slower and less responsive experience.

Battery Life

Battery capacity for both devices is unknown, but given their price point, expect capacities around 3000mAh. The alcatel 1V (2021) supports 10W wired charging, which, while slow, is a standard for this segment. The Unnecto Primo 3G’s charging capabilities are unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but both devices should be able to last a full day with light use. The Helio A22’s 12nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially giving the alcatel 1V a slight edge in battery endurance.

Buying Guide

Buy the Unnecto Primo 3G if you absolutely need a 3G-only device for a specific carrier or region where 4G is unavailable, and price is the *sole* determining factor. Buy the alcatel 1V (2021) if you prioritize even a modest level of performance for basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and light social media use, and require 4G connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the alcatel 1V (2021) capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset in the alcatel 1V (2021) is sufficient to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag, although multitasking with many apps open simultaneously may cause slowdowns. It's designed for basic social media and communication tasks.
❓ What type of SIM card does the alcatel 1V (2021) use, and does it support dual SIM functionality?
The alcatel 1V (2021) typically uses a Micro-SIM card. It also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two different SIM cards simultaneously, which is useful for separating work and personal calls or for taking advantage of different carrier plans.
❓ Given the limited specifications, is the alcatel 1V (2021) suitable for gaming?
The alcatel 1V (2021) is not designed for gaming. While it can run very basic 2D games, demanding 3D titles will likely be unplayable due to the Helio A22’s limited GPU capabilities and the phone’s overall low processing power. Expect significant lag and low frame rates.