Alcatel 3L Review

Alcatel 3L Review

Large display budget smartphone with 5010mAh battery and Android 15 Go

The Alcatel 3L combines a large 6.5-inch display with a substantial 5010mAh battery, running the optimized Android 15 Go edition. This budget-friendly device offers essential smartphone features with impressive battery life for users seeking reliable daily performance.

3.0/5

Alcatel 3L

Key Specifications

Design & Build
164.44 x 75.78 x 8.75mm, 185.5g, Space Gray
Display
6.5″ HD+ (576×1280), 60Hz, 400 nits, 20:9 ratio, 89% screen-to-body
Battery & Charging
5010mAh battery, 10W charging, 15 hours DOU, USB Type-C
Performance
UNISOC SC9863A1, Octa-core A55 up to 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM + 64GB ROM
Camera System
5MP main camera, 5MP front camera, 1080P video recording
Memory
2GB RAM (+4GB expansion), 64GB ROM, 49GB available space
Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio jack, GPS/Glonass/Galileo
Security
Face Unlock, Accelerometer sensor

Key Overview

FeaturesSpecification
ProcessorUNISOC SC9863A1 Octa-core ARM Cortex A55
RAM & Storage2GB RAM + 64GB ROM (+4GB RAM expansion)
Operating SystemAndroid 15 Go Edition
Display Size6.5 inches
Display ResolutionHD+ (576 x 1280 pixels), 215 PPI
Refresh Rate60Hz
Brightness400 nits (Typical)
Battery Capacity5010mAh (Typical)
Charging10W charging, USB Type-C 2.0
Main Camera5MP FF, F2.4, 1080P@30FPS video
Front Camera5MP FF, F2.4, 720P@30FPS video
Dimensions164.44 x 75.78 x 8.75 mm
Weight185.5g
Color OptionsSpace Gray
ConnectivityBluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio jack
SecurityFace Unlock, Accelerometer
Battery Life15 hours Daily Operating Usage

Strengths

  • Large 6.5-inch display with 89% screen-to-body ratio
  • Massive 5010mAh battery with 15 hours daily usage
  • Android 15 Go Edition optimized for performance
  • 64GB internal storage with generous 49GB available space
  • Face Unlock feature for convenient security
  • USB Type-C charging port
  • 3.5mm audio jack retained
  • Good display brightness at 400 nits
  • RAM expansion up to 4GB for better multitasking
  • Comprehensive audio and video format support

Limitations

  • Limited 2GB RAM for basic multitasking
  • Basic 5MP cameras on both front and rear
  • HD+ resolution rather than Full HD on large display
  • 60Hz refresh rate when higher rates are becoming standard
  • No fingerprint sensor for biometric security
  • Slow 10W charging for 5010mAh battery
  • Outdated Bluetooth 4.2 technology
  • No NFC support for contactless payments
  • Single color option (Space Gray)
  • UNISOC SC9863A1 is an entry-level processor

Final Verdict

The Alcatel 3L positions itself as a budget smartphone that prioritizes screen size and battery life above all else. Its 6.5-inch display with an impressive 89% screen-to-body ratio provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption, while the massive 5010mAh battery promises exceptional endurance with up to 15 hours of daily usage. Running Android 15 Go Edition ensures the device operates smoothly despite its modest hardware specifications, making it an attractive option for users who value screen real estate and battery longevity.

Performance is handled by the UNISOC SC9863A1 chipset, which, while entry-level, is sufficient for basic smartphone tasks when paired with the optimized Go edition of Android. The 2GB of RAM is the device’s primary limitation, though the 4GB virtual RAM expansion helps mitigate some multitasking constraints. Where the 3L excels is in storage, offering 64GB internal space with approximately 49GB available to users – a generous allocation in this price segment that reduces the immediate need for microSD expansion.

The camera system maintains a straightforward approach with identical 5MP sensors on both front and rear. While this configuration covers basic photography and video calling needs with 1080P recording capability, image quality is understandably limited. The inclusion of Face Unlock provides convenient security access, though the absence of a fingerprint sensor is notable. The single Space Gray color option keeps manufacturing simple but limits personalization choices.

Connectivity features include the essential Bluetooth 4.2 and 3.5mm audio jack, while the USB Type-C port ensures modern charging convenience. The 10W charging, while adequate, feels slow given the large battery capacity, requiring nearly 4 hours for a full charge. The comprehensive support for various audio and video formats enhances media playback versatility.

The Alcatel 3L succeeds as a budget-friendly device that delivers where it matters most for its target audience: large screen experience and exceptional battery life. While it makes expected compromises in processing power, camera quality, and some modern features, it focuses its resources on the aspects that directly impact daily usability for budget-conscious consumers. For users seeking an affordable smartphone with a large display for media consumption and reliable all-day battery performance, the 3L represents solid value. Its combination of Android 15 Go optimization, generous storage, and focus on core functionality makes it particularly suitable as a first smartphone, secondary device, or for users who prioritize battery endurance and screen size over advanced features.

Disclaimer: This review is based on specifications for the Alcatel 3L. Actual performance may vary based on usage patterns and regional variations.