Alcatel 1 smartphone
Alcatel

Alcatel 1

July 2018 3/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Alcatel 1 is an entry-level smartphone released in 2018, designed for basic communication and light usage. Running on Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition), it features a compact 5-inch display and a modest 2000 mAh battery, making it suitable for users seeking a highly affordable and straightforward mobile experience.
Display5.0-inch IPS LCD (480x960)
ChipsetMediaTek MT6739
Main Camera5 MP (interpolated to 8MP)
Battery2000 mAh
Starting from $39

💰 Alcatel 1 Price

The Alcatel 1 lowest price is $39, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.0 inches
Resolution480 x 960 pixels
Aspect Ratio18:9 ratio
Pixel Density~215 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 8.1 Oreo (Go edition)
ChipsetMediaTek MT6739 (28 nm)
CPUQuad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUIMG PowerVR GE8100

Memory

RAM1GB
Internal Storage8GB or 16GB
Card SlotmicroSDHC, up to 32GB (dedicated slot)

Main Camera

Single5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm (interpolated to 8MP)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP, f/2.8 (interpolated to 5MP)
VideoYes

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable
Talk timeUp to 17 hours (2G), 11 hours (3G), 8 hours (4G)
Standby timeUp to 310 hours (2G), 300 hours (3G), 210 hours (4G)

Body

Dimensions137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in)
Weight134 g (4.73 oz)
BuildPlastic body with brushed metallic finishing
ColorsMetallic Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS
USBMicro-USB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedJuly 2018
StatusAvailable

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Compact and lightweight, easy for one-handed use
  • Android Go Edition provides a streamlined software experience
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio
  • Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

  • Very slow performance and limited multitasking capabilities
  • Low-resolution display with poor visual quality
  • Cameras offer poor image quality, especially in challenging conditions
  • Battery life significantly reduced under moderate to heavy use
  • Limited internal storage and RAM
  • May struggle with modern apps and demanding tasks
★ Our Verdict

The Alcatel 1 is an extremely basic smartphone with significant performance limitations, a low-resolution display, and poor camera quality, making it suitable only for the most fundamental tasks and users with minimal expectations.

When considering a used or refurbished Alcatel 1, prioritize checking the battery health, as its 2000 mAh capacity already offers limited endurance, which will degrade further with age. Inspect the screen for scratches or dead pixels, and verify that the Micro-USB charging port functions correctly, as these are common wear points. Given its very entry-level specifications, this phone is best suited as a secondary device, an emergency phone, or for users with extremely basic needs like calls, texts, and very light app usage. Do not expect smooth performance for social media, gaming, or video streaming. Always purchase from reputable sellers who offer a clear return policy and a warranty, even if limited, for refurbished electronics.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Alcatel 1 smartphone
  • Micro-USB cable
  • Charger
  • Earphones

For new devices, Alcatel typically offers a 24-month handset warranty and a 6-month battery warranty; however, warranty terms for used/refurbished phones will vary by seller.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the main difference between the Alcatel 1 (2018) and Alcatel 1 (2021)?

The primary difference is the operating system; the 2018 model runs Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition), while the 2021 model features Android 11 (Go edition). Both models share very similar hardware specifications, including the display, processor, RAM, and battery capacity.

Is the Alcatel 1 suitable for social media and gaming?

No, the Alcatel 1 is not recommended for extensive social media use or gaming due to its limited RAM (1GB) and entry-level processor, which result in very slow performance and frequent struggles with modern applications.

Does the Alcatel 1 have expandable storage?

Yes, the Alcatel 1 includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the internal storage by up to 32GB.

What kind of battery life can I expect from a used Alcatel 1?

The Alcatel 1 comes with a 2000 mAh battery. While it might last a full day with very light use (calls, texts), its life significantly decreases with more demanding tasks like video streaming or browsing. For a used device, expect potentially shorter battery life due to degradation over time.

What are the camera specifications of the Alcatel 1?

The Alcatel 1 features a 5 MP main camera (interpolated to 8MP) with LED flash and a 2 MP selfie camera (interpolated to 5MP). Both cameras offer basic functionality and produce generally poor image quality, especially compared to newer smartphones.

Is the Alcatel 1 a good option for a first smartphone for a child?

Given its very low cost and basic functionality, the Alcatel 1 could serve as a first smartphone for a child for essential communication. However, its slow performance and inability to handle many modern apps might lead to frustration. Consider its limitations carefully before purchasing.