Alcatel 1V 2019 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Alcatel 1V (2019) exemplifies simple yet effective design, making it a preferable choice for users seeking a straightforward smartphone experience. The device measures 149.1 x 72.2 x 8.9 mm, offering a compact form that fits well in hand while maintaining a stylish appearance. Weighing just 153.2 grams, it feels lightweight and comfortable for extended use.

One key feature is its plastic build that ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight, while its dual SIM capability ensures flexibility for users who want separate lines within one device. The phone’s aesthetic options come in Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, and Metallic Rose, offering a palette that aesthetically appeals to a wide audience.

Display

The device houses a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen, which, while not the largest by contemporary standards, offers a decent viewing experience with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels. This resolution, coupled with a 18:9 aspect ratio and a ~195 ppi density, ensures that visuals are passable for users. The moderate size allows the phone to maintain a practical screen-to-body ratio of ~72.5%, making it a balanced choice for media consumption without an overwhelming size.

Platform and Performance

Alcatel 1V operates on the Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), optimized for entry-level smartphones. This OS version is lighter and designed to efficiently manage less powerful hardware. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset, built on a 28 nm process, powers the device, featuring an octa-core CPU comprised of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55.

The device offers several RAM configurations - 1GB, 2GB, or 3GB, ensuring there’s a model to cater to varying customer performance needs. The IMG8322 GPU further supports basic gaming and app operation, although users should not expect high-end gaming capabilities.

Storage and Memory

Alcatel 1V comes with an internal storage option of 16GB, which is quite minimal for contemporary standards. However, it includes a microSDXC card slot, enabling users to expand storage according to their needs. The introduction of expandable storage is particularly appealing in entry-level smartphones, providing users with flexibility and enhanced usability.

Camera System

The Alcatel 1V features a modest camera setup. It includes a rear 8 MP camera that supports functionalities like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, capturing decent images in well-lit conditions. The rear camera is also capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps, offering acceptable performance for everyday documentation.

On the front, there's a 5 MP selfie camera with an LED flash, designed primarily for basic face shots and video calling. While it doesn’t promise the highest quality, it suits users who are content with just capturing moments without professional-grade quality.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2460 mAh battery, the Alcatel 1V offers modest battery life, likely providing a day's worth of usage on typical operations like calling, texting, and basic app usage. The removable nature of the battery is advantageous, allowing users to switch batteries if necessary.

Connectivity and Other Features

For connectivity, the Alcatel 1V supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks - offering flexibility and reasonable data speed capabilities with LTE Cat4 rated at 150/50 Mbps. It includes standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

Despite lacking NFC, the device compensates with an FM radio for users who enjoy listening to terrestrial broadcasts. Additionally, it comes with a 3.5mm audio jack and a loudspeaker, maintaining standard audio capabilities typical of smartphones in its class.

Regarding sensors, the phone includes an accelerometer and proximity sensors. An under-display fingerprint sensor is available, although it is market-dependent, providing enhanced security for users where available.

Pricing and Availability

Launched in September 2019 and released in Q4 of the same year, the Alcatel 1V is a part of Alcatel’s effort to provide affordable smartphone options. Priced at approximately 80 EUR, it offers an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for essential smartphone functionalities without the expense of high-end models.

Conclusion

The Alcatel 1V (2019) is aimed at users seeking an economical device that does not compromise on essential functionalities. Its practical design, coupled with sufficient performance for everyday tasks and basic multimedia needs, make it an excellent option within the budget smartphone segment. While it may not meet the expectations of power users or heavy multimedia consumers, it certainly offers substantial value for users with basic smartphone requirements.