Design and Build: Durability and Aesthetics
The Alcatel 3X (2020) features a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Its 6.52-inch frame is slim (8.39mm) but feels lightweight (186g). Competitors like the Motorola Moto G Power (2020) opt for a textured plastic back, offering superior grip, while the Nokia 2.4 uses a Nordic-inspired matte finish. The Samsung Galaxy A11 matches Alcatel’s glossy aesthetic but lacks a fingerprint scanner. All devices are splash-resistant, but none offer IP ratings, making the Moto G Power’s rugged design the practical winner.
Display Showdown: Size vs. Quality
Alcatel’s 6.52-inch HD+ (720×1600) LCD delivers adequate brightness but struggles in direct sunlight. The 20:9 aspect ratio suits media consumption, though pixel density (269 PPI) lags behind rivals. The Moto G Power boasts a sharper 1080p display (399 PPI), while the Redmi 9 (6.53-inch FHD+) offers richer colors. The Galaxy A11’s PLS TFT panel suffers from weaker viewing angles. For budget buyers, the Alcatel 3X’s screen size is a perk, but Xiaomi and Motorola provide crisper visuals.
Performance: Entry-Level Chipsets Tested
Powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 and 4GB RAM, the Alcatel 3X handles light multitasking smoothly but stutters with heavy apps or gaming. The Moto G Power’s Snapdragon 665 and 4GB RAM deliver 25% faster GPU performance, excelling in casual gaming. The Redmi 9 (MediaTek Helio G80) dominates benchmarks, while the Nokia 2.4 (Unisoc SC9863A) trails in speed. Storage-wise, Alcatel’s 64GB + microSD support is standard, matching most rivals except the base Galaxy A11 (32GB).
Camera Capabilities: Quad vs. Tripe vs. Dual
Alcatel’s quad-camera setup (16MP primary + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) impresses on paper but falters in execution. Low-light shots show noise, and the 8MP selfie camera lacks detail. The Moto G Power (triple 16MP/8MP/2MP) delivers consistent daytime photos and superior night mode. The Redmi 9’s 13MP primary sensor captures vibrant images, and its 8MP ultrawide outshines Alcatel’s 5MP offering. For video, all devices cap at 1080p/30fps, with Motorola providing better stabilization.
Battery Life: The Marathon Runners
With a 5,000mAh battery, the Alcatel 3X lasts 1.5–2 days on moderate use. The Moto G Power (5,000mAh) extends this to 3 days, thanks to efficient software optimization. The Redmi 9 (5,020mAh) and Nokia 2.4 (4,500mAh) offer similar endurance, but Alcatel’s 10W charging is sluggish. Motorola and Xiaomi support 15W–18W fast charging, reducing downtime by 30%.
Software and Updates: Near-Stock vs. Bloatware
Alcatel 3X runs Android 10 with minimal bloatware but promises only one OS update. The Moto G Power (Android 10) offers near-stock Android and two years of security patches. Nokia 2.4 (Android 10) leads with Android One (guaranteed OS upgrades), while Samsung’s A11 (One UI 2.0) adds feature-rich customization. Xiaomi’s Redmi 9 (MIUI 12) includes ads in its UI, a notable drawback.
Audio and Connectivity: Jacks, Ports, and Extras
All phones retain 3.5mm headphone jacks and FM radio support. Alcatel and Motorola feature USB-C ports, while Samsung and Nokia use micro-USB. Dual-band Wi-Fi is standard, but Alcatel lacks NFC (available on Moto G Power and Galaxy A11). Speaker quality is comparable—mono and serviceable for podcasts, though tinny at high volumes.
Price and Value: The Budget Throne
- Alcatel 3X (2020): Launched at $149.
- Moto G Power (2020): $249 (often discounted to $199).
- Redmi 9: $149 (global) / Not officially sold in US.
- Nokia 2.4: $139.
- Samsung Galaxy A11: $179.
The Alcatel 3X undercuts U.S. rivals with aggressive pricing, offering a large display, quad cameras, and solid battery life. However, the Moto G Power justifies its higher cost with a sharper display, faster performance, and reliable updates. The Redmi 9 (where available) is Alcatel’s fiercest global rival, packing superior hardware at the same price. For under $150, the Alcatel 3X is a compelling choice for casual users, but power seekers should stretch for the Moto G Power.
User Experience: Real-World Verdict
Alcatel 3X users praise its screen size and battery but report lag after 6–8 months. Motorola’s clean software ages gracefully, and Xiaomi’s hardware shines despite software quirks. Samsung’s One UI appeals to customization fans, while Nokia’s Android One ensures longevity. Gamers should avoid Alcatel and Nokia; the Helio G80 in Redmi 9 or Snapdragon 665 in Moto G Power handle titles like PUBG Mobile at low settings.
Ecosystem and After-Sales Support
Alcatel’s limited U.S. carrier support (works on T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile) and sparse service centers hurt repairability. Motorola and Samsung lead in warranty coverage and part availability. Xiaomi’s global expansion improves support in Europe/Asia, but Nokia leverages HMD’s network for reliable service.
Target Audience Breakdown
- Alcatel 3X: First-time smartphone buyers, media streamers.
- Moto G Power: Battery-focused users, light gamers.
- Redmi 9: Value-maximizers in non-U.S. markets.
- Nokia 2.4: Update purists, minimalist users.
- Galaxy A11: Samsung ecosystem entrants.
The Final Tally
|| Alcatel 3X | Moto G Power | Redmi 9 |
|—————|—————-|——————-|————-|
| Display | 6.52″ HD+ | 6.4″ FHD+ | 6.53″ FHD+ |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh | 5,020mAh |
| Performance| Helio P22 | Snapdragon 665 | Helio G80 |
| Cameras | Quad (16MP) | Triple (16MP) | Quad (13MP) |
| Software | Android 10 | Android 10 | MIUI 12 |
| Price | $149 | $199–$249 | $149 |
In the sub-$150 tier, the Alcatel 3X (2020) holds its ground with a big screen and multi-lens cameras, but the Moto G Power’s refinements make it the value champion for most users. Xiaomi’s Redmi 9 ties Alcatel on price while outperforming it globally—proof that value is a fiercely contested battleground.