Introduction: Alcatel 1L Pro
The smartphone market is teeming with a variety of options, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Alcatel, a brand known for offering budget-friendly smartphones, introduced the Alcatel 1L Pro in June 2021. Packed with Android 11 (Go edition) and a modest set of specifications, the Alcatel 1L Pro aims to deliver a satisfactory user experience without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every aspect of the Alcatel 1L Pro, analyzing its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and more.

Design and Build Quality:
The Alcatel 1L Pro is designed with simplicity in mind. With dimensions of 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm and a weight of 190g, the device sits comfortably in the hand, offering a balance between a compact form factor and a sufficiently large display. The build consists of a glass front, plastic back, and a plastic frame, which is standard for phones in this price range. The device is available in two colors: Power Grey and Twilight Blue, adding a touch of personalization for users.

The inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances the security and convenience of unlocking the device. The button placement is ergonomic, ensuring easy access to essential controls. However, the use of plastic in the construction may not appeal to those seeking a more premium feel, but it is a reasonable compromise given the cost considerations.

Display:

The Alcatel 1L Pro sports a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. While this might not compete with higher-end smartphones, it is satisfactory for a device in this price range. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio provides a modern and immersive viewing experience, with the display occupying around 78.1% of the front panel, minimizing bezels.

The colors are vibrant, and the brightness levels are adequate for indoor use. However, outdoor visibility might be a bit challenging under direct sunlight. The inclusion of an IPS LCD panel ensures decent viewing angles, making it suitable for media consumption and casual gaming. The overall display quality is commendable considering the device’s affordability.

Performance and Software:

Under the hood, the Alcatel 1L Pro is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, built on a 28nm process. The octa-core processor consists of 4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While this configuration may not deliver flagship-level performance, it is well-suited for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

Running on Android 11 (Go edition), the Alcatel 1L Pro offers a streamlined and optimized version of the operating system designed for devices with modest hardware. The Go edition ensures smoother performance, even with the limited 2GB RAM. The device comes with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media files. The use of eMMC 5.1 storage, while not as fast as UFS, is a reasonable compromise for a device in this price segment.

The GPU, IMG8322, handles graphical tasks, allowing for a satisfactory gaming experience for less demanding titles. However, resource-intensive games may not run as smoothly, and users looking for a gaming-centric device might need to explore higher-end options.

Camera Capabilities:
The camera setup on the Alcatel 1L Pro is modest, featuring a dual-camera setup on the rear and a single selfie camera. The main rear camera is a 13 MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor. The inclusion of autofocus and LED flash enhances the versatility of the camera, allowing for decent shots in various lighting conditions.

In well-lit environments, the Alcatel 1L Pro captures images with acceptable detail and color reproduction. However, in low-light conditions, the limitations of the camera become evident, with an increase in noise and a decrease in sharpness. The 2 MP depth sensor contributes to the bokeh effect in portrait mode, adding a touch of creativity to the photography experience.

The 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture is suitable for video calls and casual selfies. The inclusion of HDR improves the dynamic range in selfie shots, ensuring better exposure in challenging lighting situations. Both the rear and front cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps, providing users with the ability to capture decent quality videos.

Connectivity and Additional Features:
The Alcatel 1L Pro offers a standard set of connectivity options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring compatibility with various carriers. The device comes with either a single SIM (Nano-SIM) or a Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, providing flexibility for users with multiple SIM cards.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring a reliable internet connection. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP support allows for wireless audio streaming and file transfer. The inclusion of GPS ensures accurate navigation, while the absence of NFC may disappoint users who rely on contactless payments.

For users who still enjoy listening to FM radio, the Alcatel 1L Pro includes this feature, offering an alternative entertainment option. The microUSB 2.0 port and OTG support cater to users who prefer the convenience of a wired connection for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life:
The Alcatel 1L Pro is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. While this capacity may seem conservative compared to some high-end smartphones, it is appropriate for a device with a lower power consumption profile. The power-efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset and the Android 11 (Go edition) contribute to optimizing the battery life.

For users with moderate usage patterns, the Alcatel 1L Pro should comfortably last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy users or those engaging in resource-intensive tasks may find the need for a midday recharge. The inclusion of power-saving features in the Go edition of Android aids in maximizing battery life.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

1. Affordable Price: The Alcatel 1L Pro offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking a basic smartphone experience.
2. Fingerprint Sensor: The inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances security and provides convenient device unlocking.
3. Android 11 (Go edition): The optimized version of Android ensures smoother performance on modest hardware, improving the overall user experience.
4. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC card slot allows users to expand storage, accommodating additional apps, photos, and media files.
5. Decent Camera Performance: The camera setup, while modest, delivers acceptable performance for everyday photography and video recording.

Cons:

1. Plastic Build: The plastic construction may not appeal to users seeking a more premium feel, but it is a reasonable compromise for the price.
2. Limited RAM: With only 2GB of RAM, the device may struggle with heavy multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
3. Outdoor Visibility: The display’s outdoor visibility is somewhat limited under direct sunlight, affecting the user experience in bright conditions.
4. Absence of NFC: The lack of NFC may disappoint users who rely on contactless payments and other NFC-based functionalities.
5. Average Battery Capacity: While sufficient for moderate usage, heavy users may find the 3000 mAh battery limiting, requiring more frequent recharges.

Comparison with Similar Phones:
To provide a holistic view of the Alcatel 1L Pro’s standing in the market, let’s compare it with two similar budget-friendly smartphones: the Nokia 2.4 and the Samsung Galaxy A02s.

Alcatel 1L Pro vs. Nokia 2.4:
Both phones fall into the budget-friendly category, offering affordability as a key selling point. The Nokia 2.4 features a larger 6.5-inch display, providing a more immersive visual experience. However, the Alcatel 1L Pro has a slightly higher pixel density, contributing to sharper images.

In terms of performance, both phones utilize octa-core processors suitable for everyday tasks. The Nokia 2.4 comes with a larger battery (4500 mAh), potentially offering extended battery life compared to the Alcatel 1L Pro.

Camera capabilities on both devices are similar, with dual-camera setups for versatile photography. The choice between the two may come down to personal brand preference and specific feature priorities.

Alcatel 1L Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A02s:
The Samsung Galaxy A02s competes closely with the Alcatel 1L Pro in terms of pricing and specifications. The A02s features a larger 6.5-inch display, similar to the Nokia 2.4, providing a more significant visual canvas. However, the Alcatel 1L Pro maintains a slightly higher pixel density.

In terms of performance, both devices employ octa-core processors suitable for basic usage. The Galaxy A02s, like the Alcatel 1L Pro, features a 3000 mAh battery, emphasizing the balance between affordability and battery life.

Camera capabilities are comparable, with both phones featuring dual-camera setups. The choice between the two may come down to brand preference, design, or specific software features offered by Samsung or Alcatel.

Conclusion:
The Alcatel 1L Pro enters the budget smartphone arena with a balanced set of features, aiming to cater to users seeking an affordable Android experience. With a focus on simplicity, security, and essential functionalities, the device offers a viable option for those on a tight budget.

While the plastic build and limited RAM may be considered drawbacks, they are reasonable compromises given the device’s price point. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor, expandable storage, and an optimized Android 11 (Go edition) contribute to the overall appeal of the Alcatel 1L Pro.

In the competitive landscape of budget smartphones, the Alcatel 1L Pro faces tough competition from other brands like Nokia and Samsung. Users should carefully consider their priorities, whether it be a larger display, extended battery life, or specific camera features, when choosing among the available options in this price segment.

In conclusion, the Alcatel 1L Pro serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of budget-friendly smartphones, offering a commendable balance between affordability and essential features.