The Infinix Hot 20i and Tecno Spark 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Hot 20i offers chipset variations, while the Spark 10C focuses on a newer Unisoc processor and faster charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio G25/A22 options in the Infinix Hot 20i. The 18W charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller difference in other areas.
| 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, 7, 8, 20 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 28 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | X665C, X665E | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 120 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Infinix Hot 20i
- Potentially lower price (depending on variant)
- Reverse wired charging (5W)
- Widely available
- Inconsistent performance due to chipset variations
- Slow 10W charging
- Helio A22 variant is significantly underpowered
Tecno Spark 10C
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient CPU architecture
- May be slightly more expensive
- Limited brand recognition compared to Infinix
- Camera performance likely similar to Infinix
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and modest brightness levels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Details are scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary sensors of limited utility. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a given. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over quality. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a role, and the Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 10C likely has a more capable ISP than the Helio G25/A22.
Performance
This is where the Tecno Spark 10C pulls ahead. The Infinix Hot 20i’s chipset is a gamble: it ships with either the Mediatek Helio G25 (octa-core) or the significantly weaker Helio A22 (quad-core). The G25, while still entry-level, offers a modest performance boost over the A22. However, the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606, with its 2x Cortex-A75 cores and 6x Cortex-A55 cores, provides a more substantial improvement. The A75 cores are architecturally superior to the A53 cores found in both Helio chips, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The T606’s architecture is more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load. RAM configurations are likely similar, but the chipset difference is the key factor.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Infinix Hot 20i’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging significantly reduces downtime. A full charge on the Spark 10C will likely take around 2-3 hours, while the Hot 20i could require 4+ hours. This difference is crucial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the faster charging speed provides a more convenient experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 20i if you prioritize potential cost savings and are comfortable with the possibility of receiving a less powerful Helio A22 variant. It's suitable for extremely basic users who primarily need a phone for calls and light messaging. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and significantly faster charging – all for a minimal price premium. It’s the better option for users who consume media or use social media regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for playing PUBG Mobile or similar games?
The Tecno Spark 10C is the better choice for gaming. The Unisoc T606’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance advantage over the Helio G25/A22, resulting in smoother frame rates and less lag. However, don't expect high graphics settings; both phones are entry-level and will require low to medium settings for playable performance.
❓ What is the real-world difference between the Helio G25 and Helio A22 in the Infinix Hot 20i?
The difference is substantial. The Helio G25 is a gaming-focused chip with more powerful cores and a better GPU. The Helio A22 is designed for basic tasks like calls and messaging. If you receive a Hot 20i with the A22, expect significantly slower app loading times and a less responsive user experience.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 10C support fast charging protocols like Power Delivery or Quick Charge?
While the Tecno Spark 10C supports 18W charging, it's unlikely to support advanced fast charging protocols like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. It will likely use a standard charging protocol, so using an 18W charger is recommended for optimal charging speeds.
❓ How does the Unisoc T606 compare to other chipsets in this price range, like the Snapdragon 480?
The Unisoc T606 generally performs similarly to or slightly better than the Snapdragon 480 in CPU-intensive tasks, but the Snapdragon 480 has a more powerful GPU. However, the Snapdragon 480 is typically found in slightly more expensive devices, making the T606 a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
