The ZTE Blade V10 Vita and Alcatel 1x (2019) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, often found as incredibly affordable options or bundled with prepaid plans. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers a more usable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the ZTE Blade V10 Vita emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 1x’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading, even if both struggle with demanding tasks.
| 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 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5008Y |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, March | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.19 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 146.4 x 68.8 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (64/3GB model only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | - | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
ZTE Blade V10 Vita
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- Potentially more efficient processor for slightly better battery life.
- Likely benefits from minor software optimizations due to being a newer device.
- Still a very basic smartphone with limited performance.
- Camera quality will be subpar.
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- May be readily available with prepaid plans.
- Quad-core processor struggles with even basic tasks.
- Outdated chipset and architecture.
- Likely limited software support.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the Alcatel 1x’s age suggests a potentially lower brightness panel. The ZTE Blade V10 Vita, being a slightly newer device, *may* benefit from minor display improvements, but neither will offer vibrant colors or excellent viewing angles. Expect basic LCD panels suitable for essential viewing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Given the market segment, both likely feature low-resolution sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Unisoc SC9863A *may* offer slightly better image signal processing capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality from the ZTE Blade V10 Vita. Expect washed-out colors, poor low-light performance, and limited detail in both cases. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device are largely marketing gimmicks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The ZTE Blade V10 Vita’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), while the Alcatel 1x (2019) uses a Mediatek MT6739 quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture in the Unisoc chip is more efficient than the A53, and the additional cores provide a significant advantage in multitasking. The MT6739 will struggle with even moderately demanding apps, while the V10 Vita will offer a smoother, albeit still slow, experience. Both are likely paired with limited RAM, further exacerbating performance bottlenecks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their price points and chipsets, expect capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. The 28nm process node used by both chipsets isn’t particularly power-efficient. The ZTE Blade V10 Vita’s more efficient processor *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but real-world usage will heavily depend on screen brightness and app usage. Charging speeds are likely slow on both, with standard 5W charging being the most probable scenario.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V10 Vita if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and anticipate running multiple apps, even if lightly. The octa-core processor offers a tangible benefit for everyday tasks. Buy the Alcatel 1x (2019) if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point, accepting significant performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade V10 Vita handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
The ZTE Blade V10 Vita’s octa-core processor will provide a noticeably smoother experience with social media apps compared to the Alcatel 1x. While it won’t be lightning-fast, you should be able to browse feeds and post updates without excessive lag. However, expect longer loading times for images and videos.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1x (2019) a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Alcatel 1x (2019) is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and managing contacts. However, if you anticipate using any apps beyond the basics, the ZTE Blade V10 Vita offers a more future-proof experience.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps simultaneously without slowing down?
Multitasking is a significant weakness for both devices. The Alcatel 1x will struggle severely with even two apps open at once. The ZTE Blade V10 Vita, with its octa-core processor, can handle a few more apps, but expect noticeable slowdowns and app reloading when switching between them.
❓ What kind of software experience should I expect on these phones?
Both devices likely run a heavily customized version of Android, potentially Android Go Edition, to optimize performance on limited hardware. Expect a simplified interface and pre-installed bloatware. Software updates are unlikely to be frequent or long-term supported.
