The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Doogee X98 and Tecno Spark 10C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Tecno leveraging a more modern chipset architecture while the Doogee opts for a simpler, older design. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the best fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 10C is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Doogee X98’s quad-core Helio A22. While both phones are entry-level, the Tecno offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| 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 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Emerald Green, Ocean Blue, Graphite Gray | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Doogee X98
- Potentially simpler software experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more efficient processor
- 18W fast charging support
- Better multitasking performance
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither Doogee nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. Given the price point, expect both to utilize LCD panels. However, the lack of information makes a direct comparison impossible. We can infer that both will likely have similar color accuracy and viewing angles, typical of budget LCDs. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T606 is likely more advanced than the one in the Helio A22, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction in the Tecno Spark 10C. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 is an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, also at 1.6 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial advantage over the Doogee X98’s MediaTek Helio A22, which is a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the A22 has a higher clock speed, the A75 cores in the T606 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. The T606’s octa-core design also handles multitasking more efficiently. The T606 is built on a 12nm process, matching the A22, so thermal efficiency should be comparable, but the T606 will likely run cooler under sustained load due to its more efficient architecture.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Tecno Spark 10C’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Doogee X98 likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the Tecno will translate to a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X98 if you prioritize extreme simplicity and a minimal software footprint, and your usage is limited to basic calling, texting, and very light app use. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you want a more capable device for social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming, benefiting from a faster processor and the convenience of 18W fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Tecno Spark 10C is sufficiently powerful to run TikTok, Instagram, and other popular social media apps without significant lag. The octa-core architecture and Cortex-A75 performance cores provide a noticeable improvement over the Doogee X98’s Helio A22, ensuring a smoother user experience.
❓ Is the Doogee X98 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Doogee X98 is a viable option for basic communication. Its Helio A22 chipset is adequate for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. However, if you anticipate using your phone for anything beyond these basic functions, the Tecno Spark 10C offers a much more responsive and enjoyable experience.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 10C handle light gaming, like casual puzzle games?
The Tecno Spark 10C can handle light gaming, such as puzzle games and simple arcade titles, reasonably well. While it won’t be able to run demanding 3D games at high settings, the Unisoc T606 provides enough processing power for enjoyable casual gaming sessions. The Doogee X98 will struggle even with these simpler games.
