Alcatel 1SE (2020) 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 1SE (2020) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a surprising array of features. With its sleek design and slim profile, it is both stylish and comfortable to hold. The 6.22-inch IPS LCD display provides a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Android 10 operating system and an octa-core processor, the phone delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. The triple rear camera setup, including a 13 MP main lens and 5 MP ultra-wide lens, captures impressive photos and videos, while the 5 MP front camera ensures stunning selfies. With a 4000 mAh battery, you can enjoy extended usage without worrying about running out of power. Available in attractive colors like Agate Green and Power Gray, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers excellent value for its affordable price.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) has a fairly simple physical appearance with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. It measures 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) and weighs 175 g (6.17 oz), making it relatively lightweight and easy to hold. While it may not have the premium aesthetics of more expensive smartphones, it still looks decent and functional. The device features a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. Although the resolution may not be the highest, it delivers satisfactory visuals with decent color reproduction.

In terms of ergonomics and comfort, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is designed to be comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. Its compact size and slim profile contribute to a comfortable grip, making it suitable for extended use. However, the plastic construction may not provide the same premium feel as devices with glass or metal bodies.

When it comes to durability and construction, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) may not be the most rugged device on the market. The plastic materials used in its build may not offer the same level of durability as more expensive smartphones. However, with proper care, it should be able to withstand daily use without major issues. It is worth noting that the device does not have any official IP rating for water or dust resistance, so caution is advised when using it in challenging environments.

Overall, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a functional design and build that caters to its price range. While it may not have the premium aesthetics or high-end materials of more expensive devices, it still provides a comfortable and ergonomic user experience. Its plastic construction may not offer the same level of durability as devices with stronger materials, but it should be sufficient for everyday use.

Display

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) features a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with a screen resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19:9. The screen size is quite decent, providing a satisfactory viewing experience. However, the display resolution falls on the lower side, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 270 ppi. This might lead to slightly less sharp and detailed visuals compared to higher-resolution displays.

The LCD technology utilized in the Alcatel 1SE delivers decent color accuracy and vibrancy, but it may not match the vividness and contrast levels offered by OLED displays. The brightness levels of the display are adequate for indoor usage, but outdoor visibility might be compromised under direct sunlight.

Unfortunately, there is no mention of any specific display protection such as Gorilla Glass, which could be a potential drawback in terms of durability. The viewing angles are expected to be good due to the IPS LCD panel. However, details about the presence of an anti-reflective coating are not mentioned, so the screen's performance in terms of minimizing glare remains uncertain.

The Alcatel 1SE does not feature any notch design, which could be a preference for users who prefer a more traditional display layout. The bezels around the display are noticeable, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of around 80.7%. It's worth noting that the device does not mention any support for an always-on display feature.

In terms of additional display features, the Alcatel 1SE does not mention the presence of a blue light filter or adaptive brightness. However, these features are commonly found in many smartphones today, so their absence may be a disadvantage for users who prioritize eye comfort and automatic brightness adjustment.

Overall, while the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a decent display size and adequate color performance, its lower resolution and lack of specific display features could be considered limitations in comparison to other smartphones in its price range.

Performance

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a decent performance for its price range, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious users. Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, which features an octa-core CPU, the device delivers satisfactory processing power for everyday tasks. The CPU consists of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz. This configuration allows for smooth multitasking and app loading speeds, ensuring a generally lag-free user experience.

In terms of gaming capabilities, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) provides a satisfactory gaming experience for casual gamers. The device's GPU, the IMG8322, offers decent graphics performance for its price range. While it may not be able to handle the latest and most demanding games at high settings, it can handle less graphically intensive games with relative ease. Gaming benchmarks indicate that the device performs adequately in gaming scenarios, although it may struggle with more demanding titles.

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) also demonstrates efficient thermal management, ensuring that the device does not overheat during extended periods of use or gaming sessions. This is particularly important for maintaining consistent performance and avoiding performance throttling.

In terms of synthetic benchmarks, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) achieves respectable scores relative to its price range. While it may not compete with higher-end devices in terms of benchmark tests, it performs well within its category. These benchmark scores are indicative of the device's overall performance and highlight its processor efficiency.

Overall, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a satisfactory performance considering its price point. It provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks, decent gaming performance for casual gamers, and efficient thermal management. While it may not excel in all performance metrics, it offers a well-rounded performance package for budget-conscious users.

Software and User Interface

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) runs on the Android 10 operating system, providing users with a familiar and user-friendly interface. The device is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, an octa-core processor that ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. The phone comes with different memory options, including 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, which can be expanded using a microSD card. This allows users to store their files, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

In terms of customization, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers users the ability to personalize their device with various themes, wallpapers, and widgets. The Android operating system also allows for further customization through the installation of third-party launchers and apps, providing users with a more tailored experience.

As for pre-installed apps, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) comes with a range of useful applications, including Google's suite of apps such as Gmail, Maps, and Chrome. These apps provide users with essential tools for communication, navigation, and web browsing. Additionally, the device may come with some manufacturer-specific apps, but the extent of pre-installed bloatware may vary depending on the region and carrier.

Overall, the software experience on the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is smooth and user-friendly, offering a good balance between customization and simplicity. The Android 10 operating system provides a reliable foundation, while the pre-installed apps offer essential functionality out of the box. Users also have the flexibility to customize their device further to suit their preferences through various themes, wallpapers, and third-party apps.

Camera

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) comes equipped with a triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13 MP wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.2, a 5 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. This combination allows users to capture a variety of scenes with different perspectives and depths. The main camera offers decent image quality, especially in well-lit conditions such as daylight photography. It produces images with natural colors and good sharpness. However, in low-light situations, the camera's performance may suffer due to its limited low-light sensitivity and lack of image stabilization. For night photography, the device offers a dedicated night mode that helps improve low-light performance by reducing noise and enhancing details. The camera also includes features like HDR, panorama mode, and portrait mode for added versatility. When it comes to video recording, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) can shoot videos in 1080p resolution, but lacks the capability for 4K video. Video stabilization is available, ensuring smoother footage, and slow-motion and time-lapse modes allow users to get creative with their videos. Overall, while the camera of the Alcatel 1SE (2020) may not offer top-of-the-line performance, it provides a decent photography experience for everyday use.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a decent range of connectivity options to keep users connected on the go. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network compatibility, allowing users to connect to their preferred mobile network provider. When it comes to wireless connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, which enables users to connect to Wi-Fi networks and enjoy fast internet speeds. The Bluetooth 4.2 version allows for easy and quick sharing of files with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, it lacks NFC functionality, which means users cannot use their device for contactless payments or other NFC-related tasks. In terms of physical connectivity, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It does not support USB-C, which is a more modern and convenient connection type. Additionally, the device does not offer wireless charging capabilities. For navigation purposes, the device includes GPS, which allows users to accurately track their location and navigate using various mapping applications. Overall, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) provides a decent range of connectivity options, although it may not have the latest features such as 5G or USB-C connectivity.

Additional Features

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a range of additional features that enhance its functionality. Firstly, it comes with a hybrid dual SIM card slot, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This is particularly useful for those who want to separate their personal and work contacts or for frequent travelers who need to use different networks. The device also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, enabling users to increase the device's memory capacity for storing more photos, videos, and apps. In terms of sensors, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is equipped with an accelerometer, which detects motion and orientation changes, making it useful for gaming and fitness applications. Additionally, it has proximity sensors that can detect the presence of nearby objects without physical contact. These additional features enhance the versatility and convenience of the Alcatel 1SE (2020) for users.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) is an entry-level smartphone that competes with other devices in the market. When comparing it to related gadgets, several factors come into play, including market positioning, features, specifications, performance, pricing, and competitive advantage.

In terms of market positioning, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is positioned as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers. It competes with devices such as the Samsung Galaxy A10e and the Moto E6, which also target the entry-level market segment.

In terms of features and specifications, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. It is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and comes with options for 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage. The device also features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 13MP wide lens, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it has a 5MP selfie camera.

When comparing performance, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) may lag behind some of its competitors due to its lower-end chipset and limited RAM options. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy A10e and the Moto E6 offer better performance in a similar price range.

In terms of pricing, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is priced at around 150 EUR, making it an affordable option for those on a tight budget. However, it faces stiff competition from other budget-friendly devices that offer similar or better specifications and features at a similar price point.

While the Alcatel 1SE (2020) may not stand out in terms of performance or unique features, its competitive advantage lies in its affordability. It offers decent specifications and features for its price, making it a value-for-money option for consumers looking for a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

In the competitive landscape, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) faces tough competition from various brands offering similar devices in the budget segment. Companies like Samsung, Motorola, and Xiaomi have a strong presence in this market and offer devices with better specifications and performance at a similar price range.

Overall, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) competes with other budget

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic smartphone experience. With its decent performance, 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, and triple camera setup, it provides adequate functionality for everyday tasks and casual photography. The device also features a fingerprint sensor for added security and a reliable 4000mAh battery for all-day usage. However, it's important to note that the phone's Unisoc SC9863A chipset may not deliver the same level of performance as higher-end models. Overall, the Alcatel 1SE (2020) is a suitable choice for individuals on a tight budget who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge features.