Using Alcatel TCL A3 and TCL A3X smartphones to mine VerusCoin (VRSC)

It’s time to take another look at budget smartphones that can be used to mine cryptocurrencies like VerusCoin (VRSC). Let’s check whether Alcatel TCL A3 and Alcatel TCL A3X smartphones are suitable for VerusCoin mining. Both the TCL A3 and TCL A3X are available at very good prices. Especially when you look at the prices of carrier-locked phones, they are an ideal option to use as a cryptocurrency miner. But the biggest question is whether the current price of around $40 USD (for an operator locked device) is worth it for these devices when looking at the mining performance they offer and that is what we will find out. Out now. And as you may have already noticed from some of my previous posts, even smartphones, some cheaper, some not, are not at all suitable for mining use due to the specific software configuration of their OS (running in 32-bit mode). The internal hardware supports 64-bit, so another thing to check on these devices as well…

Alcatel TCL A3 was released in 2011 and comes with Android 11 (after 20 system software updates, it is still using Android 11). It is powered by Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) chipset with octa-core 2.0GHz. The Cortex-A53 (8-core A53 CPU, 64-bit) has 3GB RAM, a removable back cover, and a removable 3000mAh battery (something we rarely see these days). It uses an older micro USB connector for power and data transfer, but the Total package we received from Verizon (within Tracfone) includes a power adapter as well as a data cable. Right now you can get the Total by Verizon TCL A3, 32GB, Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked) for $39.88 USD on Amazon, which is a really great deal (quantity limits and up to 2 devices per order).

The Alcatel TCL A3X is very similar and was launched with Android 11 in 2011 and is powered by Snapdragon 460 (11nm) chipset with an octa-core 1.8GHz Kryo 240 CPU, 3GB RAM and a non-removable back cover and a non-removable 3500mAh battery. . The A3X appears to be a slightly improved version of the A3 model that should also offer some performance gains. There is no removable back cover or battery. It doesn’t really matter because the phone won’t power on without a battery anyway (A3). The TCL A3X also comes with a micro USB connector for power and data transfer, and as well as a data cable, Tracfone also includes a power adapter inside the package. The regular price for this product is $79.99 USD, but you can currently get it for half that price or less. Tracfone Alcatel TCL A3X, 32GB, Prime Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked) is currently available on Amazon for $39.88 USD (up to 2 devices per order) with a 20% off coupon available. Reduce the current price to $31.90 USD!

So the price of Alcatel TCL A3 is really good. It’s even better with the Alcatel TCL A3X deal, which is currently cheaper and should be slightly better in terms of performance. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a USB-C cable and it’s an older micro USB. However, this is not an issue considering that both devices come with cables and chargers in the package. Both have 8-core 64-bit CPUs. The two different chipsets have similar performance and fortunately, both come with Android OS running in 64-bit mode, allowing them to run VerusCoin (VRSC) mining software. This applies to these as well as other mobile miners. Even though there is no OS update after Android 11, it is still fully functional for mining purposes so you can continue using it. Here you can learn more about the situation with the 32-bit Android OS and why it is important to not only have a 64-bit CPU, but also an operating system like the one fortunately found on the TCL A3 and A3X.

Now that you know that mining VRSC using the ccminer miner is a good idea, how is the mining performance? Well, the very surprising thing here is that the hashrate you can expect is very similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy A03s, which is one of the popular mining options. The Alcatel TCL A3 (left) provides a stable VRSC mining hash rate of approximately 3650 KH/s (3.65 MH/s) with a power usage of approximately 3.2W measured at the wall. As expected, the Alcatel TCL A3X (right) performs slightly better, with a VRSC mining hashrate of around 3865 KH/s (3.86 MH/s) and power usage of around 2.7W measured at the wall, making it more efficient as well. The slightly higher performance of the TCL A3X may not be worth it at regular list price, but the current promotional price makes it cheaper than the TCL A3, making it a clear winner here. If you missed out on the current deal and are only looking for the model locked at regular list price, the TCL A3 is definitely a more attractive choice at half the price of the A3X, albeit with slightly lower performance and slightly higher power usage.

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