Alcatel 1SE (2020)

The Alcatel 1SE (2020) is a budget phone with a Triple camera system on the back. According to Alcatel, this camera system allows you to take the most beautiful photos, but we like to judge that for ourselves. In this review you will find whether we recommend the 1SE or not.

Screen, camera, action!

The 1SE (2020) features a large 6.22-inch screen with a drop-shaped notch at the top for the 5MP selfie camera. The resolution of the screen is HD+ in a 19:9 ratio. This is a so-called IPS panel that is known for its good colour reproduction and large viewing angles. The screen glass is nicely rounded at the edges, something that also applies to the edges. As a result, the device lies comfortably in the hand without sharp corners. The backside is made of plastic and has a ribbed pattern so it doesn't slip out of your hand quickly. Another advantage of this is that fingerprints are not visible on it. This will keep your 1SE 2020 longer beautiful and clean.

Sophisticated camera

On the back we also find the triple camera system. In this price category this is quite special. It is a 13MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens and 2MP depth camera. A separate zoom lens is missing, but the camera does have a portrait mode in which you can blur the background extra. Alcatel throws in the necessary AI to achieve the best results. For example, the camera automatically selects from 12 different scenes in which things such as colour and exposure are set for you. On the back is also where you'll find the fingerprint scanner. So it's not in the screen like other modern and much more expensive smartphones. The advantage of a physical scanner is that it works faster. If you don't want to give up your fingerprint, you can also unlock the Alcatel 1SE 2020 with your face.

Main Alcatel 1SE (2020) specifications

• 6,22-inch large HD+ Fixed Display with mini-notch
• 13+5+2MP camera system with ultra-wide-angle lens and depth mode for portrait photos
• 4G support for fast internet on the go
• Room for dual sim (slot shared with memory card)
• Octa-core SC9863A processor with 3 or 4GB of RAM
• 32 or 64GB storage, expandable with up to 128GB memory card

Relative unknown processor

Alcatel chooses a SC9863A chipset under the bonnet. We had to look it up as well but it is made by Unisoc (formerly Spectrum). This Chinese manufacturer designs some relatively simple chipsets. The one in the 1SE has 8 cores with clock speeds varying between 1.2 and 1.6 GHz. Do not expect an extremely powerful performance for this amount of money. The 1SE (2020) also has a 4000 mAh battery which is just fine. The storage memory starts at 32 GB which is quickly too small. Our advice is therefore, if your budget allows it, to go for the 64 GB model. You can instal a memory card (up to 128GB), but this will eliminate the Dual SIM possibility. Both cards share the same slot. Keep this in mind before you buy a copy.