The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Note 30 and Tecno Spark 10 5G represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity on a tight budget. However, a significant disparity in chipset architecture separates these two devices, impacting everything from everyday responsiveness to gaming capabilities. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark 10 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Cubot Note 30’s older Helio P35. While the Cubot may offer slightly better battery endurance due to the less powerful chip, the performance gains of the Tecno are more impactful.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, April 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.5 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | KI8 |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
Cubot Note 30
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Tecno Spark 10 5G.
- Less future-proof due to older chipset.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Tecno Spark 10 5G
- Superior performance thanks to the Mediatek Dimensity 6020.
- Faster charging with 18W wired support.
- Better 5G connectivity and future-proofing.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Cubot Note 30.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Image processing may be overly aggressive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Tecno Spark 10 5G’s advantage lies in its potential for smoother scrolling and animations due to the more powerful GPU driving the UI. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for budget displays – adequate but not color-critical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses, likely including a depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens (which are often of limited practical use). The image processing capabilities of the Dimensity 6020 in the Tecno Spark 10 5G will likely result in better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the Helio P35 in the Cubot Note 30. Sensor size is the key factor here, and without that information, it's hard to say which phone will capture better images in low light.
Performance
This is where the Tecno Spark 10 5G truly shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a generation ahead of the Helio P35 (12nm) in the Cubot Note 30. The Dimensity 6020’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers significantly better single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Helio P35’s 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores are a substantial architectural upgrade, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. The Tecno will handle demanding apps and light gaming far more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Cubot Note 30, with its less power-hungry Helio P35 chipset, will likely offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge. The Tecno Spark 10 5G compensates with 18W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups. While the Cubot’s charging speed is unknown, it’s unlikely to match the Tecno’s 18W capability. This means the Tecno can recover a significant portion of its battery capacity in a shorter amount of time, mitigating the impact of its potentially higher power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 30 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and battery life is your absolute top priority. Buy the Tecno Spark 10 5G if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and want a device that will remain usable for longer thanks to its superior processing power and 5G capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10 5G’s Dimensity 6020 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6020 is built on a 7nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm process used in the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35. This improved efficiency translates to lower heat generation. While some throttling is possible during extended gaming, the Tecno Spark 10 5G is better equipped to handle sustained loads without significant performance drops compared to the Cubot.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10 5G a significant advantage?
Yes, 18W charging is a noticeable benefit. While neither phone is expected to have a massive battery, the faster charging speed on the Tecno Spark 10 5G allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed, minimizing downtime. This is particularly useful for users who frequently use their phone throughout the day.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I realistically notice between the Helio P35 and the Dimensity 6020 in everyday tasks?
The difference will be quite noticeable. The Dimensity 6020’s Cortex-A76 cores are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio P35. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. Even simple tasks like browsing the web or scrolling through social media will feel snappier on the Tecno Spark 10 5G.
