The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot A30 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The A30 prioritizes processing power with a modern octa-core chipset, while the Spark Go 2021 opts for a simpler, quad-core solution. This comparison will dissect these choices and determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and responsiveness, the Cubot A30 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for demanding apps and smoother overall operation. The A30’s impressive 52:43h battery endurance further solidifies its position.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 170.4 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.71 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Pink | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 52:43h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot A30
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Exceptional battery endurance (52:43h)
- Long battery lifespan (800 cycles)
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially average quality
- Camera details are limited, likely basic performance
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Potentially lower upfront cost
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Likely lightweight and compact design
- Quad-core processor will struggle with demanding apps
- Battery life likely shorter than Cubot A30
- Performance may feel sluggish during multitasking
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, making a direct comparison impossible. However, given the price bracket, both devices likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of details like refresh rate or peak brightness suggests neither phone will excel in this area. Users should expect standard viewing experiences, prioritizing functionality over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests both will likely include a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. The absence of OIS or advanced image processing features indicates image quality will be heavily reliant on lighting conditions. Users shouldn't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cubot A30’s Unisoc Tiger T616, a 12nm octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A75 (2x2.0 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x1.8 GHz) cores, offers a significantly more powerful architecture than the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz processor. The A75 cores in the A30 provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness, while the six A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more fluid user experience on the Cubot A30. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 will likely struggle with demanding applications and exhibit noticeable lag during heavy use.
Battery Life
The Cubot A30 boasts an impressive 52:43h endurance rating and a claimed 800 charge cycles, indicating a focus on longevity. While the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s battery capacity is unknown, the less powerful processor likely contributes to reasonable battery life. However, the A30’s significantly higher endurance suggests it will comfortably last a full day of moderate to heavy use, while the Spark Go 2021 may require more frequent charging. The 800 cycle claim for the A30 also suggests a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A30 if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, enjoy occasional gaming, or simply want a more responsive user experience. Its octa-core processor and longer battery life make it ideal for power users on a budget. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize simplicity and potentially lower upfront cost, accepting a noticeable performance trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot A30 handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc Tiger T616 is capable, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates in demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. The A30 is better suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2021 a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 is perfectly adequate for basic communication and social media use. Its quad-core processor can handle these tasks without significant issues. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between apps.
❓ How long will the Cubot A30's battery realistically last with moderate use?
With moderate use – including browsing, social media, and occasional calls – the Cubot A30 should easily last a full day, and potentially even two days, thanks to its 52:43h endurance rating. Heavy users can still expect a full day of use.
