Alcatel 1L (2021) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Alcatel 1L (2021) is an impressive entry-level smartphone that offers great value for money. With its sleek design and compact form factor, it fits comfortably in the hand and is perfect for one-handed use. The 6.1-inch IPS LCD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for watching videos and browsing the web. Powered by a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, this device provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The dual rear camera setup captures decent photos, while the 5MP front camera is perfect for selfies. The 3000mAh battery ensures all-day usage without any worries. Available in Power Grey and Twilight Blue, the Alcatel 1L (2021) is an affordable option for those looking for a reliable smartphone. With a price tag of around 110 EUR, it offers great features at a budget-friendly price.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel 1L (2021) showcases a simple yet functional design that is suitable for everyday use. With dimensions of 155.9 x 74.5 x 9.9 mm (6.14 x 2.93 x 0.39 in) and weighing 179 g (6.31 oz), this smartphone is lightweight and compact, making it easy to hold and carry. Its construction consists of a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, which may not be as premium as other materials but still offers a sturdy build. The device features a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels and a screen-to-body ratio of around 78.6%, providing an immersive viewing experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the Alcatel 1L (2021) has a sleek and minimalistic appearance. It is available in two color options, Power Grey and Twilight Blue, offering a choice for individual preferences. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer good tactile feedback, enhancing the overall ergonomic design. The phone also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking.

While the materials used in the construction may not be the most premium, they contribute to the device's lightweight and comfortable feel. The plastic back and frame help in reducing the overall weight of the phone without compromising its durability. However, it is important to note that the plastic back may be prone to scratches and smudges over time.

In terms of durability, the Alcatel 1L (2021) is built to withstand everyday use. The device is made from durable materials that can withstand minor accidental drops and bumps. However, it is always recommended to use a protective case and screen protector to further enhance its longevity.

Overall, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a simple yet functional design that focuses on comfort and durability. Its lightweight construction, ergonomic design, and well-placed physical buttons make it a user-friendly device. While the materials used may not be the most premium, they contribute to the phone's affordability and practicality.

Display

The Alcatel 1L (2021) features a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. The screen size is decent, providing a good balance between compactness and usability. While the resolution may not be the highest in its class, it still offers a satisfactory pixel density of approximately 282 ppi.

Being an IPS LCD panel, the display of the Alcatel 1L (2021) delivers accurate colors and decent vibrancy. However, it may not match the color reproduction and contrast levels of OLED displays found in higher-end smartphones. The brightness levels of the display are adequate for indoor use, but it might struggle a bit under direct sunlight for outdoor visibility.

In terms of touch responsiveness, the Alcatel 1L (2021) performs well, providing smooth and accurate touch inputs. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the display protection or the presence of Gorilla Glass, which could affect its durability.

The viewing angles of the display are expected to be satisfactory, allowing for comfortable viewing from different angles without significant color shifting. The presence of an anti-reflective coating would have further enhanced the outdoor visibility by reducing glare.

The Alcatel 1L (2021) does not feature a notch design, and the bezels surrounding the display are noticeable, which is expected in a budget-friendly device. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 78.6%, indicating that the display occupies a significant portion of the front panel.

While there is no information regarding the presence of features like an always-on display, blue light filter, or adaptive brightness, these are commonly found in many smartphones nowadays and may also be present in the Alcatel 1L (2021). Similarly, details about screen calibration options, HDR support, or wide color gamut are also not available.

In conclusion, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a decent display for its price range, with a satisfactory screen size, resolution, and color accuracy. However, it may lack some advanced features and technologies found in higher-end devices.

Performance

The Alcatel 1L (2021) is powered by the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 chipset, which features a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This combination provides a decent level of performance for everyday tasks and light usage.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Alcatel 1L (2021) performs reasonably well in its price range. The quad-core CPU allows for smooth multitasking and app loading speeds, ensuring a generally smooth user experience. Synthetic benchmarks indicate that the processor efficiency is adequate for handling day-to-day tasks and basic applications.

When it comes to GPU benchmarks, the PowerVR GE8320 GPU delivers satisfactory results. While it may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, it is capable of handling casual gaming and running graphic-intensive applications without significant lag. Gaming benchmarks suggest that the Alcatel 1L (2021) can provide a decent gaming experience for casual gamers, although it may struggle with more demanding games at higher graphics settings.

The Alcatel 1L (2021) also benefits from system optimization and thermal management, ensuring that the device maintains a consistent level of performance without overheating. This is particularly important during extended gaming sessions or when running resource-intensive applications. The phone's thermal management system helps prevent performance throttling and ensures a lag-free experience.

Overall, the performance of the Alcatel 1L (2021) is in line with its price range. While it may not offer top-of-the-line performance or compete with flagship devices, it provides a smooth user experience for everyday use. Its CPU and GPU are capable of handling basic tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming. The device's system optimization and thermal management also contribute to its overall performance, allowing for sustained performance even during extended usage.

In conclusion, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a satisfactory level of performance for its price point. While it may not excel in terms of raw power, it delivers a smooth and lag-free user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its chipset performance, GPU benchmarks, and overall system optimization contribute to its efficient performance and make it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers.

Software and User Interface

The Alcatel 1L (2021) runs on the Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, providing users with the latest software experience. This version of Android is specifically optimized for entry-level devices, ensuring smooth performance even with limited hardware resources. The Go edition also comes with a set of pre-installed apps that are designed to be lightweight and consume less data and storage. This helps in optimizing the device's performance and enhancing user-friendliness.

In terms of customization, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a clean and intuitive user interface. It allows users to personalize their device by choosing from a variety of themes, wallpapers, and app icons. The interface is easy to navigate, making it suitable for users who may not be tech-savvy.

One aspect worth mentioning is the absence of bloatware on the Alcatel 1L (2021). Bloatware refers to pre-installed apps that may not be essential and can take up valuable storage space. With the absence of bloatware, users have more control over the apps they want to install, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient device.

Additionally, the Alcatel 1L (2021) features a fingerprint sensor on the rear for added security and convenience. This allows users to unlock their device with just a touch, providing a seamless and secure user experience.

Overall, the software of the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a user-friendly interface, optimized performance, and minimal bloatware. It provides a smooth and efficient experience for users, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with reliable software capabilities.

Camera

The Alcatel 1L (2021) features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13-megapixel primary camera with an aperture of f/1.9 and a 2-megapixel macro lens with an aperture of f/2.4. The 13-megapixel main camera offers a decent resolution for capturing detailed images, while the wide aperture allows for better low-light performance and depth of field effects in portrait mode. The camera also supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, enhancing the overall image quality and dynamic range.

In terms of image quality, the Alcatel 1L (2021) performs well in daylight photography, capturing sharp and detailed images with natural colors. The camera's sensor size and image stabilization ensure steady shots and reduce blurriness, especially during handheld photography. However, the camera's low-light performance might be limited due to the absence of a dedicated night mode and lower overall sensitivity. Nonetheless, the camera's noise reduction algorithms help to minimize noise in low-light conditions.

When it comes to video recording, the Alcatel 1L (2021) supports 1080p video recording at 30fps. While it lacks the ability to record in 4K resolution, the camera does offer video stabilization to reduce shakiness and produce smoother footage. Additionally, the camera supports slow-motion video and time-lapse modes, providing creative options for capturing unique moments. The device supports various video formats, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.

Overall, the camera of the Alcatel 1L (2021) is suitable for everyday photography needs, delivering satisfactory image quality and video capabilities. While it may not excel in low-light conditions, its features like portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode enhance the versatility of the camera and allow users to capture a wide range of scenes and subjects.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network compatibility, ensuring reliable and fast data speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading. With its 4G LTE capabilities, you can expect a smooth and seamless internet experience.

When it comes to wireless connectivity, the Alcatel 1L (2021) is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi networks and enjoy high-speed internet access. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct, which enables you to transfer files and data easily between devices.

In terms of Bluetooth, the Alcatel 1L (2021) comes with Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable and efficient connection for wireless audio streaming and file sharing. This latest Bluetooth version ensures improved range and faster data transfer speeds compared to previous versions.

For navigation purposes, the Alcatel 1L (2021) features GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS positioning systems, allowing you to accurately track your location and navigate with ease. Whether you're driving or walking, you can rely on the device to provide accurate directions.

In terms of physical connectivity, the Alcatel 1L (2021) includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. While it doesn't support USB-C, the microUSB port is still widely used and compatible with various accessories and chargers.

Additionally, the Alcatel 1L (2021) supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This can be especially useful for those who need to separate personal and work contacts or for travelers who frequently switch between different SIM cards.

Overall, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a good range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and dual SIM support. It provides reliable network compatibility and data speeds, ensuring a smooth and connected experience.

Additional Features

The Alcatel 1L (2021) comes with a range of additional features that enhance the user experience. Although it does not have water resistance or dust resistance capabilities, it offers expandable storage through a microSD card slot. This means users can easily increase their storage capacity to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos. The device also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously for added convenience. In terms of sensors, the Alcatel 1L (2021) includes an accelerometer, which detects motion and orientation, and a proximity sensor. These sensors enable various features and functionalities, such as automatic screen rotation and the ability to turn off the screen during phone calls. While the device does not support wireless charging or have advanced sensor suites, it offers practical features that enhance its usability.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Alcatel 1L (2021) is a budget-friendly smartphone that competes in the entry-level segment of the market. When comparing it to related gadgets, we can see how it stacks up against its competitors in terms of features, specifications, performance, and pricing.

In terms of specifications, the Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels. It is powered by a Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 chipset and comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. The phone runs on Android 11 (Go edition) and features a 13MP dual main camera setup and a 5MP front-facing camera.

Compared to other related phones in the market, the Alcatel 1L (2021) falls in the lower end of the spectrum in terms of specifications. For example, when compared to devices like the Xiaomi Redmi 9A or the Samsung Galaxy A01, both of which offer higher resolution displays and more powerful processors, the Alcatel 1L may not be able to deliver the same level of performance.

However, where the Alcatel 1L (2021) stands out is its affordability. With a price tag of around 110 EUR, it offers a budget-friendly option for those who are looking for a basic smartphone experience. In terms of value for money, it can be a suitable choice for users who have limited requirements and are on a tight budget.

In the competitive landscape of entry-level smartphones, the Alcatel 1L (2021) faces tough competition from other brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme. These brands offer devices with similar specifications but may have a stronger market presence and brand reputation.

To differentiate itself, Alcatel could focus on unique features or a more aggressive pricing strategy. By offering better value for money or targeting specific niche markets, Alcatel could gain a competitive advantage in the market. Additionally, improving the performance and specifications of their devices could help them capture a larger market share.

Overall, the Alcatel 1L (2021) is a budget-friendly smartphone that competes in the entry-level segment. While it may not offer the most powerful specifications, its affordability makes it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers. However, in a competitive market, Al

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

The Alcatel 1L (2021) offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking a reliable smartphone. With its compact design and decent specifications, it caters to the basic needs of everyday users. The phone features a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, a quad-core processor, and a 13 MP dual rear camera setup. Although it runs on Android 11 (Go edition), the device may face performance limitations due to its 2GB RAM. However, for its price point, it delivers satisfactory performance. The Alcatel 1L (2021) is a suitable choice for those on a budget who prioritize affordability over advanced features and are looking for a reliable and functional smartphone.