Design and Build Quality
The Alcatel 3X (2020) sports a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish, measuring 165mm x 75mm x 9mm and weighing 186g. Its rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and waterdrop notch offer a functional yet generic design. Competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A21s (167mm x 75mm, 192g) feature a more premium-looking glossy back but similarly use plastic. The Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite (165mm x 76mm, 200g) adopts a textured rear panel for better grip, while the Nokia 5.3 (164mm x 76mm, 185g) offers a matte polycarbonate build with a circular camera module, standing out for durability. All devices lack IP ratings, but the Nokia and Motorola feel sturdier against daily wear.
Display Comparison
Alcatel 3X features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution (1600×720 pixels), delivering adequate brightness (450 nits) but mediocre color accuracy (85% sRGB). The Samsung Galaxy A21s counters with a 6.5-inch PLS TFT panel at HD+, offering deeper blacks and 82% sRGB coverage—suitable for media consumption. Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite matches Alcatel’s 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD but suffers from lower peak brightness (400 nits). The Nokia 5.3 leads with a larger 6.55-inch HD+ screen and superior 450-nit brightness, though all share similar pixel density (~269 PPI). None support HDR, making high-end streaming a compromise.
Performance: Processor, RAM, and Storage
Powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) chipset and 4GB RAM, the Alcatel 3X struggles with multitasking, scoring 95K in AnTuTu v8. Real-world usage reveals lag in apps like Instagram and PUBG Mobile (Low settings, 25fps). The Samsung Galaxy A21s (Exynos 850, 4GB RAM) edges ahead with a 105K AnTuTu score and smoother One UI optimization. Motorola G8 Power Lite (Helio P35, 4GB RAM) hits 100K, handling casual games better. The Nokia 5.3 (Snapdragon 665, 4GB RAM) dominates with 135K in AnTuTu, enabling 30fps gameplay in COD Mobile. All offer 64GB storage, but Samsung and Nokia support faster UFS 2.1 expansion versus Alcatel’s eMMC 5.1.
Camera Capabilities
Alcatel 3X’s triple-camera setup (16MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP depth) captures decent daylight shots but falters in low light with noise. The 8MP selfie camera produces soft details. Samsung Galaxy A21s excels with a 48MP main sensor, delivering sharper images and superior Night Mode. Its 13MP front camera outperforms rivals. Motorola G8 Power Lite uses a 16MP main lens but lacks ultrawide, relying on a redundant 2MP macro. Nokia 5.3 combines a 13MP primary lens with a useful 5MP ultrawide, backed by Zeiss optics for natural color science. Video recording maxes at 1080p/30fps across all devices, with Alcatel and Nokia offering stabilization.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 5000mAh battery, the Alcatel 3X achieves 14 hours of screen-on time (SOT) in mixed use—streaming, browsing, and light gaming. However, its 10W charging takes 2.5 hours for a full recharge. The Samsung Galaxy A21s matches this capacity and SOT but includes 15W fast charging (0–100% in 2 hours). Motorola G8 Power Lite also houses 5000mAh, lasting 15 hours SOT due to its less power-hungry display. Nokia 5.3 trails with a 4000mAh cell, managing 12 hours SOT, and shares Alcatel’s sluggish 10W charging. All lack wireless charging, but Samsung’s faster wired tech gives it an edge.
Software and Updates
Alcatel 3X launched with Android 10 and minimal bloatware but received only one OS update (to Android 11). Security patches are irregular, ending after 18 months. Samsung Galaxy A21s debuted with Android 10/One UI 2.0 and secured Android 12, with quarterly patches for two years. Motorola G8 Power Lite runs near-stock Android 10 but stalled at Android 11, with sporadic updates. Nokia 5.3, part of Google’s Android One program, guaranteed Android 11 and 12 updates plus bi-monthly security fixes for three years, making it the longevity champion.
Price and Value Proposition
At launch, the Alcatel 3X cost $149, undercutting rivals significantly. The Samsung Galaxy A21s retailed at $199, justifying its premium with better cameras and updates. Motorola G8 Power Lite hit $169, prioritizing battery over cameras. Nokia 5.3 was priced at $189, balancing performance and software support. Today, refurbished units sell for:
- Alcatel 3X: $80–$100
- Samsung A21s: $110–$140
- Moto G8 Power Lite: $90–$120
- Nokia 5.3: $100–$130
For budget buyers, Alcatel’s entry price is compelling, but Nokia’s update policy and Samsung’s cameras offer stronger long-term value. Motorola appeals strictly to battery-centric users.
Ecosystem and Extras
Alcatel includes a basic silicone case and screen protector in-box—a rarity in budget phones. The Samsung Galaxy A21s integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem (Galaxy Buds, SmartThings), while Nokia 5.3 supports Google’s Find My Device and Assistant routines seamlessly. Motorola G8 Power Lite features Moto Actions (chop for flashlight, twist for camera). All retain 3.5mm headphone jacks and microSD slots, but Alcatel and Nokia offer dedicated Google Assistant buttons. Dual-SIM support is standard, though Samsung excludes NFC outside Europe.