Camera Hardware Specifications
The Alcatel 1S (2020) features a triple-camera array on its rear: a primary 13MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, a 2MP macro lens for close-ups, and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait effects. The primary sensor utilizes pixel-binning technology, combining four pixels into one for brighter 3MP shots in low light. Front-facing duties fall to a 5MP selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The setup lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) but includes phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) on the main lens for faster subject locking. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps.
Daylight Photography Performance
Under ample sunlight, the 13MP main shooter captures surprisingly vibrant images. Colors skew slightly warm but remain pleasingly natural for a budget device. Dynamic range is limited—bright skies often blow out highlights, and shadows lose detail. Activating HDR mitigates this somewhat, recovering subtle cloud textures and foreground elements, though processing delays cause ghosting with moving subjects. Autofocus locks reliably on static scenes but struggles with fast motion. Sharpness is adequate at full resolution, though pixel-peeping reveals soft edges and noise reduction smudging fine textures like foliage or fabric. The 1.12μm pixel size limits light intake, leading to occasional overexposure in harsh midday sun.
Low-Light and Nighttime Challenges
Indoors or at dusk, the camera’s weaknesses amplify. Without a dedicated night mode, the sensor relies heavily on software sharpening and noise reduction, producing murky, detail-deficient images. Photos exhibit noticeable grain (ISO often exceeds 1600) and color inaccuracy—yellows appear mustard-hued, blues turn teal. The f/2.0 aperture helps marginally but can’t compensate for tiny pixels. Flash usage creates harsh, unnatural exposures with stark shadows. Low-light autofocus hunts persistently; tapping manually improves success rates. Video suffers similarly: 1080p footage shows pronounced noise, shaky stabilization, and muted colors under streetlights.
Portrait Mode and Bokeh Effects
Portrait mode leverages the 2MP depth sensor to isolate subjects. Edge detection works best with high-contrast backgrounds (e.g., a person against a sunny wall), delivering soft, Gaussian-like bokeh. Complex edges—hair, glasses, or overlapping objects—often trigger artifacts, with background elements bleeding into the foreground. Blur intensity isn’t adjustable pre-capture, though the “Re-focus” tool allows post-shot adjustments in the gallery. The effect appears artificial at maximum strength but convinces subtly at 50–70%. Selfie portraits use software-only segmentation, struggling with frizzy hair or earrings, yet succeed for shoulder-up shots with simple backdrops.
Macro and Ultra-Wide Limitations
The dedicated 2MP macro lens focuses as close as 4cm, revealing textures like flower stamens or fabric weaves. However, resolution constraints mean images look soft and lack fine detail. Adequate lighting is critical—shadows introduce noise quickly. Depth of field is extremely shallow, demanding ultra-steady hands. The absence of an ultra-wide lens forces users to physically step back for broader scenes, risking perspective distortion. Cropping from the main sensor simulates zoom but degrades quality drastically beyond 2x.
Selfie Camera Analysis
The 5MP front camera produces passable selfies in daylight, with skin tones rendered naturally. Fixed focus struggles at arm’s length; subjects closer than 30cm blur. In low light, grain overwhelms details, and the screen-flash function washes out complexions. Beauty mode smoothes skin aggressively but can’t be fine-tuned—shutting it off retains minor processing. Group selfies fit three people comfortably; wider groups require panoramic stitching. Video calls perform adequately over Wi-Fi but compress details on mobile networks.
Video Recording Capabilities
The 1S records 1080p video at 30fps without 60fps or 4K options. Footage shows adequate sharpness in daylight but suffers from rolling shutter (wobbling vertical lines during panning). Electronic stabilization reduces hand tremors but introduces jelly-like motion artifacts. Audio capture is thin and susceptible to wind interference. Low-light videos exhibit pulsating exposure adjustments and muffled colors. The lack of manual controls (exposure lock, audio focus) limits creative flexibility. Slow-motion or time-lapse modes are absent.
Camera Software and Interface
Alcatel’s Android 10-based camera app prioritizes simplicity. Modes include Photo, Video, Portrait, Panorama, and Macro—accessible via a swipeable ribbon. A Pro mode offers basic ISO (100–800), exposure compensation (±3 EV), and white balance adjustments, but no shutter speed or focus control. Settings are sparse: gridlines, shutter sound toggle, and storage location. Touch-to-focus works reliably, though exposure metering often overbrightens dark subjects. Gallery integration allows quick edits: cropping, filters, and depth tweaks for portraits. Third-party apps like Open Camera unlock manual focus but can’t bypass hardware constraints.
Practical Shooting Tips
Optimize daylight shots by enabling HDR for balanced exposures—hold steady until processing completes. For portraits, position subjects 1–2 meters away against uncluttered backgrounds to enhance edge detection. In low light, use manual ISO in Pro mode (cap at 400) to curb noise, and prop the phone on a stable surface. Macro shots demand abundant light: shoot outdoors near noon or use a desk lamp angled diagonally. When filming video, avoid rapid pans and enable stabilization for walk-and-talk clips. Clean the lens regularly—its recessed design attracts pocket lint affecting clarity.
Competitive Context
Compared to rivals like the Redmi 9A or Nokia C3, the 1S (2020) offers superior daylight color science but trails in low-light performance. The Redmi’s 13MP camera delivers sharper macros, while the Nokia provides cleaner shadows via computational HDR. None include ultra-wide lenses at this price (~$100). The 1S’s triple-camera versatility stands out, but its aging sensor tech lags behind newer entrants like the Moto E7, which features a 48MP mode. Video capabilities are uniformly basic across competitors, though the Redmi supports motion-tracking focus. For social media snaps in good light, the 1S holds its ground; for night photography or action shots, alternatives fare better.
Accessory Compatibility and Workarounds
Mounting third-party lenses (e.g., clip-on fisheye) is impractical due to the flush camera bump. Use a tripod adapter for stable night shots or macro work. Software solutions enhance output: Snapseed boosts shadow detail, while GCam ports (available via APK) marginally improve dynamic range and noise reduction. Cloud storage services like Google Photos provide automatic enhancement for backed-up images. For video, external mics aren’t supported, but apps like “Open Camera” can route audio to Bluetooth devices. Avoid digital zoom—shoot at full resolution and crop later for finer control over framing.
Real-World User Scenarios
Document scanning excels: text appears crisp under office lighting using the native “Document” mode. Social media food photos benefit from the warm color profile—burgers and salads look appetizing without editing. Outdoor landscapes require HDR for sky/foreground balance; shoot in early morning for softer contrasts. Kids/pets in motion often result in blur; use burst mode (hold shutter) and select the sharpest frame. Group photos need ample, even lighting—overcast days prevent squinting and minimize dynamic range issues. For event videos, prioritize stationary shots to minimize shake and audio distortion.