The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A36 and the Alcatel 1V (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware suggest one offers a more compelling experience for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the ZTE Blade A36 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T7200 chipset, featuring a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 1V’s older Helio A22. Crucially, the A36 boasts significantly better battery endurance, making it ideal for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
| 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, 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 | 2025, June 18 | 2021, February |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 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 | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | 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 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | Z2472 | 6002A, 6002D |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 54:13h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class D (80 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE Blade A36
- Significantly better performance with the Unisoc T7200 chipset.
- Exceptional battery life (54h 13m endurance).
- Longer battery lifespan with 800 charge cycles.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Camera performance likely limited by budget sensors.
alcatel 1V (2021)
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- Compact and lightweight design (likely).
- Outdated and underpowered MediaTek Helio A22 chipset.
- Poor performance for multitasking or demanding apps.
- Limited battery life compared to the A36.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to drive the display, where the A36 has a clear advantage. Expect both to offer basic 720p+ resolution displays, adequate for everyday tasks but lacking in vibrancy and sharpness compared to higher-end panels.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding camera sensors are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the superior processing power of the Unisoc T7200 in the A36 likely translates to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance, even with similar sensors. Expect both to struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A36’s Unisoc T7200 (12nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.6 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial boost in multi-core performance compared to the Alcatel 1V’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) which is a quad-core processor using only Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the A22 has a higher clock speed, the A75 cores in the T7200 are significantly more powerful per clock cycle, resulting in smoother app launches and better multitasking. The T7200’s architecture is better suited for modern app demands.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A36 shines in battery endurance, offering a remarkable 54 hours and 13 minutes of usage. This is likely due to the more efficient Unisoc T7200 chipset and optimized power management. Both phones support 10W wired charging, meaning charge times will be similar – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. However, the A36’s longer endurance means you’ll need to charge it less frequently, a significant benefit for many users. The A36 also boasts 800 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before battery degradation.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A36 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media scrolling, light gaming, and video playback without significant lag. It’s the better option for users who value performance and extended battery life. Buy the Alcatel 1V (2021) if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T7200 in the ZTE Blade A36 capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7200 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. Its octa-core architecture and Cortex-A75 cores provide sufficient processing power for these everyday applications, offering a noticeably better experience than the Alcatel 1V’s Helio A22.
❓ How much faster will app loading times be on the ZTE Blade A36 compared to the Alcatel 1V?
App loading times on the ZTE Blade A36 will be significantly faster. The Unisoc T7200’s more modern architecture and higher processing power will result in apps launching almost instantly compared to the Alcatel 1V, which will experience noticeable delays, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Will the 10W charging on the ZTE Blade A36 be a significant inconvenience given its larger battery?
While 10W charging isn't fast, the ZTE Blade A36's exceptional battery life mitigates this inconvenience. You'll charge it less frequently, offsetting the slower charging speed. Overnight charging is perfectly viable, ensuring a full battery each morning.
