The Doogee X96 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone market. Both aim to provide essential functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the Doogee X96 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core CPU, making multitasking and app loading smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40, 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 | 2021, September 30 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 |
| Quad | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Doogee X96
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More responsive user experience.
- Potentially better app compatibility due to wider processor support.
- 10W charging is slow.
- Limited display specifications suggest a basic screen.
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Simpler user interface may appeal to first-time smartphone users.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slower app loading times.
- Limited performance for modern apps.
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications beyond basic functionality. Given the price point, expect low brightness and limited color accuracy on both. The absence of detailed display information suggests both utilize budget LCD panels. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The marketing materials for these devices often highlight megapixel counts without detailing sensor size or lens quality. Expect limited low-light performance and average image quality from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Doogee X96’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz processor. While the Tecno has a higher clock speed per core, the Doogee’s eight cores offer superior multitasking capabilities. The Unisoc chip’s 28nm process node, while older, is typical for this price segment. The Doogee will handle multiple apps and switching between them with significantly less lag.
Battery Life
The Doogee X96 features 10W wired charging. The Tecno Spark Go 2021’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely similar. Battery capacity is not provided for either device, but given the target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The 10W charging on the Doogee will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge the device, but is standard for this price bracket.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X96 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light social media use, web browsing, and occasional app downloads will be less frustrating. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and messages, and you prioritize simplicity above all else, and are on the absolute tightest budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee X96 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Doogee X96’s octa-core processor should handle Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Tecno Spark Go 2021, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Doogee X96 known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power processor designed for entry-level smartphones. Overheating is unlikely to be a significant issue, even during extended use. Its 28nm process node is relatively inefficient, but the chip’s low clock speeds and core count keep thermal output manageable.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark Go 2021 handle basic video playback from YouTube?
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 should be able to handle basic YouTube video playback at lower resolutions (e.g., 480p or 720p). However, higher resolutions or demanding video codecs may cause stuttering or lag due to the quad-core processor’s limited processing power.
