The Wiko Y52 and Alcatel 1B (2022) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which phone offers the better value proposition for specific use cases.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Alcatel 1B (2022) emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Wiko Y52’s Unisoc SC9832E, translating to smoother app loading and a more responsive user interface.
| 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, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143.2 x 73.5 x 10.2 mm (5.64 x 2.89 x 0.40 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2020 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Grey, Deep Blue, Green | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | W-K521-EEA | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Y52
- Potentially longer software support (Wiko's brand presence)
- May be more readily available in certain European markets
- Simple, straightforward Android experience
- Less powerful Unisoc SC9832E chipset
- Older 28nm fabrication process leads to lower efficiency
- Likely slower app loading and overall performance
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio A22 chipset
- 12nm fabrication process for improved efficiency
- Faster CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.4 GHz)
- More responsive user interface
- Alcatel's software update track record is less consistent
- May have limited availability in some regions
- Camera performance likely similar to Wiko Y52
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this segment) with limited color accuracy. However, the absence of detailed display specs makes a direct comparison impossible. We can infer that both will struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here is purely functional, prioritizing visibility over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the price point, expect basic sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting, but don't expect anything resembling flagship-level photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1B (2022) utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a significant advantage over the Wiko Y52’s Unisoc SC9832E, a 28nm chipset with a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. The smaller fabrication node of the Helio A22 translates to improved power efficiency and, crucially, higher sustained performance. While both are entry-level CPUs, the A22’s higher clock speed and more modern architecture will result in faster app launch times and a more fluid user experience. The Unisoc chip, being older and less efficient, will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns under even moderate load.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Neither device’s battery capacity is specified, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Alcatel 1B’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset should translate to slightly better battery endurance, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Wiko Y52. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect several hours for a full charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Y52 if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to Wiko’s more established presence in some European markets, and if your usage is *extremely* light – primarily calls, texts, and basic messaging apps. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2022) if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks like social media browsing, light web surfing, and occasional video playback, benefiting from the more powerful CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1B (2022) struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A22 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some occasional slowdowns when multitasking or loading media-heavy content, but the core functionality should be usable. The Wiko Y52's Unisoc chip may exhibit more frequent and noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1B (2022) suitable for playing mobile games?
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is not ideal for gaming. While simple 2D games may be playable at low settings, demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag. The Helio A22's integrated GPU is simply not powerful enough for modern mobile gaming. The Wiko Y52 will perform even worse in this regard.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE?
Yes, both the Wiko Y52 and Alcatel 1B (2022) support 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for mobile data access. However, speeds will vary depending on network conditions and carrier support.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. This helps to optimize performance and reduce storage usage.
