The ZTE Blade V20 and Alcatel 3X (2020) represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, even within this segment, key differences emerge, particularly in processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these nuances to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the ZTE Blade V20 emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer similar core functionality, the Blade V20’s unspecified, but likely more modern, octa-core processor paired with 18W charging provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and convenience over the Alcatel 3X’s older Helio P22 chipset and slower 10W charging.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, June. Released 2020, June |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 165 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | V1050 | 5061U, 5061K_EEA, 5061K, 5061U_EEA, 5061A |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
ZTE Blade V20
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Likely more modern processor architecture for improved performance.
- Potentially more refined software experience.
- Specific battery capacity is unknown.
- Camera specifications are not detailed.
alcatel 3X (2020)
- Very affordable price point.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- Established brand recognition.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Older Helio P22 chipset with less efficient architecture.
- Potentially larger bezels and outdated design.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The Alcatel 3X, being a 2020 model, may suffer from larger bezels compared to a potentially more modern design in the Blade V20. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over vibrant color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside depth or macro sensors. The Alcatel 3X’s Helio P22 chipset includes an image signal processor (ISP) capable of basic image processing, but the Blade V20’s processor likely has a more advanced ISP, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade V20 features an octa-core 2.0 GHz processor, while the Alcatel 3X utilizes the MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22, also an octa-core 2.0 GHz CPU, but based on the older Cortex-A53 architecture. The Helio P22’s 12nm process node is less efficient than what’s typically found in newer chipsets, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption for similar tasks. While clock speeds are identical, the architectural improvements in the Blade V20’s processor should translate to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The Blade V20 likely benefits from more recent software optimizations as well.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the ZTE Blade V20’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Alcatel 3X’s 10W charging. This means the Blade V20 will recharge considerably faster, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the more efficient processor in the Blade V20 could contribute to slightly longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V20 if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if faster charging is a priority. Buy the Alcatel 3X (2020) if you are on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a device for basic communication – calls and texts – and are willing to accept slower performance and charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Alcatel 3X (2020) sufficient for running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Yes, the Alcatel 3X can run basic social media apps. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between apps due to the Helio P22 chipset’s limitations. The ZTE Blade V20 will offer a smoother experience for these tasks.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the ZTE Blade V20 from 0% with the included 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time isn't specified, 18W charging should take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Alcatel 3X’s 10W charging, which could take upwards of 4 hours.
❓ Will either phone struggle with playing graphically demanding mobile games?
Both phones will struggle with graphically intensive games. The Helio P22 and the Blade V20’s processor are entry-level chipsets and aren’t designed for high-end gaming. Expect low frame rates and the need to lower graphics settings significantly.
