Alcatel 1L Pro: An Affordable Smartphone Experience

Introduction

The smartphone market is a bustling ecosystem filled with options to suit every need and budget. Among the plethora of choices, Alcatel, renowned for its budget-friendly offerings, introduced the Alcatel 1L Pro in June 2021. Boasting 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’ll delve into every aspect of the Alcatel 1L Pro, analyzing its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and more.

Design and Build Quality

Designed with simplicity in mind, the Alcatel 1L Pro strikes a balance between compact form and a sizable display. Its dimensions of 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm and weight of 190g ensure a comfortable grip. The build comprises a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, a common setup in this price range. Available in Power Grey and Twilight Blue, users can add a personal touch to their device.

Enhancing security and convenience, the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides easy access to essential controls. While the plastic construction might not exude premium quality, it’s a reasonable trade-off considering the cost.

Display

Sporting a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, the Alcatel 1L Pro offers approximately 282 pixels per inch. Though not on par with high-end smartphones, it’s adequate for its price range. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio delivers a modern, immersive viewing experience, with minimal bezels occupying around 78.1% of the front panel.

Vibrant colors and satisfactory brightness levels make indoor usage enjoyable. However, visibility under direct sunlight might pose challenges. Nonetheless, the IPS LCD panel ensures decent viewing angles, making it suitable for media consumption and casual gaming.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and running on Android 11 (Go edition), the Alcatel 1L Pro offers optimized performance tailored to modest hardware. Its octa-core processor, comprising 4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, handles everyday tasks and light multitasking with ease.

With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSDXC), users have ample space for apps, photos, and media files. While not as swift as UFS, the eMMC 5.1 storage strikes a balance for its price segment. The IMG8322 GPU ensures satisfactory gaming experience for less demanding titles.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a modest camera setup, the Alcatel 1L Pro features a 13 MP main rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor. Autofocus and LED flash enhance versatility, delivering decent shots in various lighting conditions.

In well-lit environments, the device captures acceptable detail and color reproduction. However, low-light conditions reveal its limitations, with increased noise and reduced sharpness. The 2 MP depth sensor contributes to portrait mode, adding creativity to photography.

The 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture is suitable for video calls and casual selfies. HDR improves dynamic range, ensuring better exposure in challenging lighting conditions. Both front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Offering standard connectivity options, the Alcatel 1L Pro supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. It comes with either a single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, catering to users with multiple SIM cards.

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP support ensure reliable wireless connectivity. While GPS facilitates accurate navigation, the absence of NFC might disappoint users reliant on contactless payments. For FM radio enthusiasts, the device includes this feature alongside microUSB 2.0 port and OTG support.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, the Alcatel 1L Pro offers conservative capacity suitable for its power consumption profile. The power-efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset and Android 11 (Go edition) optimize battery life.

Moderate users can expect a full day on a single charge, though heavy users may require midday recharges. The Go edition’s power-saving features contribute to maximizing battery life.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Affordable Price: The Alcatel 1L Pro offers budget-friendly access to smartphone technology.
2. Fingerprint Sensor: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances security and convenience.
3. Android 11 (Go edition): Optimized OS ensures smoother performance on modest hardware.
4. Expandable Storage: MicroSDXC card slot accommodates additional storage needs.
5. Decent Camera Performance: Capable of delivering acceptable photography and video recording.

Cons:

1. Plastic Build: May not appeal to users seeking premium construction.
2. Limited RAM: 2GB RAM may struggle with heavy multitasking.
3. Outdoor Visibility: Display visibility under direct sunlight is somewhat limited.
4. Absence of NFC: Lacks NFC for contactless payments.
5. Average Battery Capacity: 3000 mAh battery may require midday recharges for heavy users.

Comparison with Similar Phones

Alcatel 1L Pro vs. Nokia 2.4

Both devices offer affordability as a key selling point. The Nokia 2.4 features a larger display, while the Alcatel 1L Pro boasts slightly higher pixel density. In terms of performance and camera capabilities, both are comparable, with the choice potentially boiling down to brand preference.

Alcatel 1L Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A02s

Competing closely in pricing and specifications, the Galaxy A02s features a larger display, akin to the Nokia 2.4. However, the Alcatel 1L Pro maintains a slightly higher pixel density. Both devices offer similar performance and camera capabilities, with brand preference likely influencing the decision.

Conclusion

The Alcatel 1L Pro offers a balanced set of features tailored to users seeking an affordable Android experience. While it may not boast premium construction or top-tier performance, its emphasis on simplicity, security, and essential functionalities makes it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers.

In the competitive landscape of budget smartphones, the Alcatel 1L Pro faces tough competition. Users should consider their priorities, whether it be display size, battery life, or specific camera features, when making a choice in this price segment.

In summary, the Alcatel 1L Pro represents the evolving realm of budget-friendly smartphones, delivering a commendable balance between affordability and essential features.