alcatel 1B (2022) Review: Features, Price, and Performance
Network Technology:
- GSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch:
- Announced: May 31, 2022
- Status: Available (Released May 31, 2022)
Body:
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in)
- Weight: 172 g (6.07 oz)
- SIM: Nano-SIM (Dual SIM option available)
Display:
- Type: TFT LCD
- Size: 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm² (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density)
Platform:
- OS: Android 11 (Go edition)
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
- CPU: Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
- GPU: PowerVR GE8300
Memory:
- Card Slot: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Internal Storage: 32GB 2GB RAM (eMMC 5.1)
Main Camera:
- Single: 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Selfie Camera:
- Single: 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Sound:
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Comms:
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP
- Positioning: GPS
- NFC: No
- Radio: FM radio
- USB: microUSB 2.0
Features:
- Sensors: Accelerometer
Battery:
- Type: Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Miscellaneous:
- Colors: Prime Black, Atlantic Blue
- Models: 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J
- Price: Around 100 EUR
Design and Finish :
The Alcatel 1B (2022) features a simple, minimalist design that is typical of budget smartphones. The phone has a plastic back and a polycarbonate frame, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold. Although it doesn't use the high-quality materials found in flagship devices, the phone's design is sturdy enough for everyday use.
The phone comes in a few basic color options, including green, black, and blue, all of which offer a clean, modern look. The 6.0-inch screen is surrounded by relatively thick bezels, which is typical for budget devices. It measures 160.3 x 76.0 x 9.0 mm and weighs about 168 grams, making it light and easy to carry around. However, the bezels are quite wide compared to premium phones.
The Alcatel 1B (2022) also features a rear fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking and a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio. The lack of an IP rating for water and dust resistance is unsurprising at this price point, and users should be careful when exposing the phone to moisture.
Screen :
The Alcatel 1B (2022) features a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1560 pixels) and a pixel density of about 295 ppi. The screen is good for the price and is sharp enough for browsing, watching videos, and using basic apps. Colors are relatively vibrant, but it's clear that this is not a high-end display. Text and image clarity is reasonable, but the display doesn't offer the contrast or deep blacks found on high-end devices with OLED screens.
The HD+ resolution is adequate for the screen size and allows you to view content without it becoming pixelated. The brightness level is moderate, so you can use the screen in most indoor environments, although it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight. This is a functional display and will work well enough for basic tasks for users who aren't looking for a high-end media experience. Performance and Software
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, an entry-level processor paired with 2GB of RAM. This chipset is designed for light tasks such as web browsing, social media, and simple apps. It won't easily handle heavy multitasking, intense gaming, or demanding applications, but it does offer a functional experience for users with moderate needs.
The phone comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is fairly limited, but can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card. This allows users to store additional apps, photos, videos, and music without worrying about running out of storage space. However, installing large apps or storing media-heavy content on the device can fill up the available internal storage quickly.
In terms of software, the Alcatel 1B (2022) runs on Android 11 Go Edition. Android Go is a lightweight version of Android optimized for devices with less RAM and less powerful processors. It includes stripped-down versions of key Google apps like Gmail Go, YouTube Go, and Google Maps Go, and is designed to run more efficiently on devices with limited resources. The Go Edition provides a relatively smooth user experience for basic tasks, even on low-end hardware. While the device doesn't support all the advanced features found on high-end Android smartphones, the software is user-friendly and responsive enough for its target audience. However, budget devices typically get fewer updates, so users looking for regular software updates and long-term support may be disappointed.
Camera Setup :
The camera setup on the Alcatel 1B (2022) is simple, as you'd expect from an entry-level smartphone. The device has a 13 MP main camera at the back with an f/2.0 aperture and a 5 MP selfie camera at the front.
If you take occasional photos, the rear camera works well under good lighting conditions. It takes clear and relatively sharp images, but colors can be a bit washed out and details can be blurred, especially in low light. The lack of additional lenses such as ultra-wide-angle or telephoto lenses further limits the versatility of the camera setup. In low light, images tend to be noisy and details are less visible, but the camera app offers basic features such as HDR to improve photo quality in bright conditions.
The front camera is not particularly outstanding, but it does take decent selfies, without the advanced features and quality of more expensive devices. It's good enough for video calls and basic selfies, but those looking for high-quality selfies and detailed portrait shots will probably not be satisfied. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is enough for normal video recording. However, while you can expect basic stabilization, it does not come with advanced video features such as 4K recording or slow-motion options.
Battery Life :
One of the strengths of the Alcatel 1B (2022) is its 3000mAh battery, which, combined with power-efficient hardware, delivers a decent battery life for normal, everyday use. With moderate usage, including tasks such as browsing, social media, and watching videos, users can expect to get a full day of use without needing to recharge the device. For less demanding users who use the device primarily for texting, calling, and social apps, battery life could be even longer. However, the Alcatel 1B (2022) doesn’t have fast charging capabilities and the charging speed is 10W, which means that charging is relatively slow but works fine for a device in this category.
Connectivity and Other Features :
In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel 1B (2022) offers 4G LTE support, which is more than adequate for an entry-level smartphone. You can expect average speeds for web browsing, social media, and video streaming, but they won't be as fast as devices that support 5G. It also has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS for location services.
In terms of security, the Alcatel 1B (2022) comes with a fingerprint sensor on the back, which is a nice feature for a budget phone, and it also allows for easy face unlock. The fingerprint sensor may not be as fast or reliable as the sensors on premium phones, but it still offers users additional convenience. The device also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare on more expensive phones, but is a nice feature for those who prefer wired headphones or don't want to bother with Bluetooth pairing.
Conclusion :
In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel 1B (2022) offers 4G LTE support, which is more than adequate for an entry-level smartphone. You can expect average speeds for web browsing, social media, and video streaming, but they won't be as fast as devices that support 5G. It also has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS for location services.
In terms of security, the Alcatel 1B (2022) comes with a fingerprint sensor on the back, which is a nice feature for a budget phone, and it also allows for easy face unlock. The fingerprint sensor may not be as fast or reliable as the sensors on premium phones, but it still offers users additional convenience. The device also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare on more expensive phones, but is a nice feature for those who prefer wired headphones or don't want to bother with Bluetooth pairing.
Conclusion :
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is a budget smartphone that gives you what you need at a low price. It doesn't wow with performance, camera quality, or cutting-edge features, but it offers a solid experience for users who want a reliable device to perform basic tasks. Its simple design, decent display, and functional performance make it a great choice for smartphone beginners, budget-conscious users, or those looking for a second phone.
