The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Wiko Power U10 and the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, significant differences in their underlying chipsets dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother overall experience, the Wiko Power U10 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a more modern 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 1L Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite clock speed differences.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, June 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 173.8 x 78.6 x 9.5 mm (6.84 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Blue, Denim Blue, Turquoise | Power Grey, Twilight Blue |
| Models | W-V745-EEA, W-V745-OPE | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Power U10
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Likely better thermal management
- Potentially smoother user experience
- Specific battery capacity unknown
- Camera quality likely still limited by budget sensors
alcatel 1L Pro (2021)
- Very low price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Older and less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Noticeable lag and slowdowns during multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Details are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies beneath the surface: the chipset’s ability to efficiently drive the display. The Wiko’s Helio G35, while not a display powerhouse, benefits from a more modern architecture, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Alcatel’s older Unisoc chip. Expect both to have similar resolutions, likely 720p+, to conserve battery.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will rely on budget sensors. The Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) often includes a 13MP main sensor, while the Wiko Power U10’s main sensor resolution is unknown. However, image quality isn’t solely determined by megapixels. The Helio G35’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more capable than the Unisoc’s, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Wiko. Avoid placing much stock in any included 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device.
Performance
This is where the Wiko Power U10 truly shines. The Mediatek Helio G35, fabricated on a 12nm process, is significantly more efficient and offers a more modern CPU architecture than the Alcatel 1L Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While the Alcatel has an octa-core CPU, its Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz are less performant than the Wiko’s combination of 2.3GHz and 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 12nm process also translates to better thermal management, meaning the Wiko is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking or running slightly more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in this segment. While the Wiko Power U10’s battery capacity is unknown, the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) typically features a 3000mAh battery. The Wiko’s more efficient Helio G35 chipset, due to its 12nm fabrication, will likely offset any potential capacity difference. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but the Wiko may offer slightly longer screen-on time. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, given their budget nature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Power U10 if you need a phone that feels reasonably snappy for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. It’s the better option for those who value a more responsive user interface. Buy the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) if your primary concern is absolute minimal cost and you only need a phone for the most basic functions – calls, texts, and very occasional light browsing – and are willing to tolerate noticeable lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Wiko Power U10 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops. It's not designed for demanding gaming, but it's a step up from the Alcatel 1L Pro in this regard.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) sufficient for basic social media and web browsing?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is capable of handling basic tasks like social media and web browsing, but expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex webpages. It's best suited for users with very minimal smartphone needs.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
Storage details are missing, but both phones likely offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for devices in this price range. Check specific retailer listings for confirmation.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for calls and texts. However, the Wiko Power U10’s more efficient chipset might translate to slightly longer battery life, which could be beneficial for heavy phone users.
