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TCL took to CES 2021 not only to launch its own self-branded phones and tablets, as well as some new accessories. But it’s also introduced an array of devices from Alcatel at CES, including two new phones, dubbed the Alcatel 1L and 3L. But neither of these devices or those launching alongside them are standard, run-of-the-mill budget phones. These are affordable handsets aimed at giving users options when it comes to some top-billed features.
Alcatel 1L & 3L are phones aimed at different audiences in the budget segment
Kicking off TCL’s Alcatel phones launched for CES 2021, and arguably the bigger of the announcements, the company started with the Alcatel 3L and 1L. Now, both gadgets bear the “L” model designation but these couldn’t be more different. Not least of all, the Alcatel 3L is running Android 11 out-of-the-box while the 1L runs Android 11 Go Edition. But that’s just the beginning of aspects that set these similar-yet-different handsets apart from one another.
The Alcatel 3L is aimed at delivering great display and camera experiences at a low cost, just for starters. The company packed no fewer than three main cameras, powered by AI, into the rear panel. Those are led by a 48-megapixel primary snapper, followed by a 2-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth camera.
The primary camera here is also a quad-pixel sensor, allowing more light and detail under low-light conditions. The Alcatel 3L’s camera AI allows up to — and automatically detects — 22 different scenes. That’s with auto adjustments made based on conditions ensuring optimal photos for the hardware.
The front-facing camera, conversely, is an HDR-enabled 8-megapixel snapper with face tracking.
Around the front of the device is also where users will find a 6.52-inch HD+ “Vast Display” panel set at a ratio of 20:9. The 88.5-percent screen-to-body ratio may not be groundbreaking. But the company does indicate that the curved-edge 2.5D glass offers four viewing modes. And that those include Eye Comfort Mode, Reading Mode, Dark Mode, and Sunlight Mode.
Under the hood, the Alcatel 3L is powered by an octa-core processor with up to a healthy 4GB RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. Other prominent features include a dedicated Google Assistant hardware button and Smart Album. The latter feature automatically manages photos, separating them out into categories.
Alcatel 1L is budget-friendly but reliable
On the other hand, the Alcatel 1L is the more budget-friendly of the two phones at this year’s CES. With Alcatel gearing this device towards providing a reliable option without a big price tag. It features a 6.1-inch 19.5:9-ratio HD+ display panel. That’s a notched display, but it includes the same Eye Comfort Mode and 2.5D glass as its 3L counterpart. And it shares a high screen-to-body ratio at 86-percent too.
Underpinning that, Alcatel includes 32GB of expandable storage, 2GB RAM, and Android 11 Go Edition. And the OS is powered by a quad-core processor, keeping things as smooth as can be for the device’s price bracket.
Meanwhile, a 3,0000mAh battery and smart manager assure that, according to Alcatel, this phone will last all day long.
In terms of other headlining features, Alcatel again includes AI-powered cameras. Beginning with the dual-primary-camera array, led by a 13-megapixel snapper. A 2-megapixel macro lens is part of that configuration too. Face Tracking and photo tools from the Alcatel 3L are found on the front 5-megapixel camera too. And that’s HDR-enabled for better selfies under more lighting conditions.
Specs
For those in need of the pure specifications for the Alcatel 1L and Alcatel 3L phones shown at CES 2021, the company has provided those as follows.
| Alcatel 1L | Alcatel 3L | |
| Screen | Display size: 6.1”, V-notch Resolution: 720 x 1560 pixels, HD+ Aspect ratio: 19.5:9 Screen-to-body ratio: 81% (VA/BD). 86% (VA/TP) Technology: IPS, Capacitive screen, 5 touch-points, 2.5D glass |
Display size: 6.52”, Mini-Notch Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels, HD+ Aspect ratio: 20:9 Screen-to-body ratio: 88.45% (VA/TP), 83.8% (VA/BD) Technology: IPS, Capacitive screen, 10 touch-points, 2.5D glass Features: One-handed mode, Dark mode, Reading mode, Eye-comfort mode |
| SoC | CPU: MTK6761D Quad-core 4 x Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz GPU: IMG GE8300 |
CPU: MTK6762D Octa-Core: 4xCortex-A53 @1.8GHz+4xCortex-A53 @1.5GHz GPU: IMG GE8320 600MHz |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 32GB ROM microSD up to 128GB |
64GB microSD up to 512GB |
| Ports | 3.5mm audio jack micro USB |
3.5mm audio jack micro USB |
| Cameras | Rear camera: 13MP+2MP(Macro) AF Sensor size: 1/3 inch Sensor pixel size: 1.12um+1.75um Lens aperture: F1.85(13MP), F2.4(2MP) Lens (FOV): 77°(13MP), 88°(2MP) Focus speed: 0.3s Camera flash: Single tone EIS: Yes # elements: 5P+3P Video playback & video capture: 1080P@30fps Features: Macro, Bokeh, HDR, Panorama, Face TrackingFront camera: 5MP FF Sensor size: 1/5 inch Sensor pixel size: 1.12µm Lens aperture: F2.2 Lens (FOV): 77° # elements: 3P Video playback: 1080P@30fps Video capture: 720@30fps Features: HDR, Face Beauty, Bokeh, Face Tracking |
Rear camera: 48MP PDAF + 2MP FF (Depth) + 2MP FF (Macro) Single-tone LED flash Sensor size: 1/2+1/5+1/5 inch Sensor pixel size: 1.6um(4in1)+1.75um+1.75um Lens aperture: F1.8+F2.4+F2.4 Lens (FOV): 79°+90°+84° # elements: 6P+3P+3P Video playback & video capture: 1080P@30fps Features: Multi-Frame De-noise, Face detection, AI Scene Detection 2.0, HDR, Panorama, AI composition, AI Filter, Google Lens, Pro-mode, Light Trace, Gallery (Smart Album, Best Shot); Video stabilization (EIS), Low light Video, Stop MotionFront camera: 8MP FF Sensor size: 1/4 inch Sensor pixel size: 1.12µm Lens aperture: F2.0 Lens (FOV): 78° # elements: 4P Video playback & video capture: 1080P@30fps Features: HDR, Face detection, Face beauty, Bokeh, Night-Shot, Low light video |
| Sensors | Accelerometer (G sensor) Proximity sensor Light sensor GPS |
Accelerometer (G sensor) Proximity sensor Light sensor E-Compass GPS/Glonass/Galileo/BDS with A-GPS |
| Connectivity | 2G Bands: 850/900/1800/1900 3G Bands: 1/2/4/5/8 4G Bands: 2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/28(full)/66 2G data: GPRS/EDGE 3G data: HSPA+ (42M bit/s DL, 5.76Mbit/s UL) 4G data: Cat 4 (150Mbit/s DL, 50Mbit/s UL) Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n ,Wi-Fi direct SIM Card: Single SIM (1 Nano SIM +1 microSD) USB OTG; Bluetooth 5.0 |
2G Bands: 850/900/1800/1900 3G Bands: 1/2/4/5/8 4G Bands: 2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/28(full)/66 2G data: GPRS/EDGE 3G data: HSPA+ (42M bit/s DL, 5.76Mbit/s UL) 4G data: Cat 4 (150Mbit/s DL, 50Mbit/s UL) Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n ,Wi-Fi direct SIM Card: Single SIM (1 Nano SIM +1 microSD) USB OTG; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor, Face Key, Secure Input | Fingerprint sensor, Face Key, Secure Input |
| OS | Android 11 (Go Edition) | Android 11 |
| Colors | Power Grey, Twilight Blue | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Dimensions | Length: 6.137 in (155.9 mm) Width: 2.93 in (74.5 mm) Height: 0.389 in (9.9mm) |
Length: 7.283 in (185 mm) Width: 11.22 in (285 mm) Height: 0.224 in (5.7 mm) |
| Weight | 179g | 194g |
| Battery & Charging | Battery: 3000mAh (typical) Charge: 5V1A |
Battery: 4000mAh (typical) Charge: 5V2A |
Where and when to buy Alcatel new phones?
Alcatel’s new handsets won’t be going on sale until March and the company hasn’t given many details about which “selected markets” they will be available in. But it has outlined how much they’ll cost and buyers’ color options. The more powerful of the two handsets, the Alcatel 3L will be available in both Jewelry Black and Jewelry Blue. And that’s slated to hit the market in March for just €149 — approximately $181.
The Alcatel 1L will be available in Power Grey or Twilight Blue when it hits the market at around the same time. That’s at a suggested price tag of just $135, making it a shoo-in for those who need a reliable smartphone at a budget cost.
