The itel A05s and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which phone offers the better experience for specific user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better choice. While the itel A05s benefits from a more modern CPU architecture, the Tecno’s faster clock speeds and more efficient 12nm process provide a noticeable performance advantage in everyday tasks, justifying its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meadow Green, Nebula Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | A663LC | BF7n |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
itel A05s
- Potentially longer software support (Unisoc)
- Octa-core CPU (though less performant)
- May be slightly cheaper
- Less powerful chipset overall
- Older 22nm manufacturing process
- Slower charging speeds
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Faster processor (Helio A22)
- More efficient 12nm process
- 10W charging support
- Potentially shorter software support (MediaTek)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality likely similar to itel
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions likely around 720x1440 pixels, typical for this price point. The lack of specified brightness nits or color gamut coverage suggests neither is suitable for outdoor use or color-critical work. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The absence of features like PWM dimming rates makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Both are likely to feature a primary camera around 8MP, accompanied by a low-resolution depth sensor. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 may have a slight edge due to potentially better image signal processing (ISP) within the Helio A22 chipset. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the itel A05s’ Unisoc SC9863A1, utilizing an octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) on a less efficient 22nm node. While the itel has more cores, the A53 architecture in the Tecno, coupled with the higher clock speed and smaller fabrication process, translates to superior single-core and multi-core performance. This means faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Tecno. The Unisoc’s architecture, while newer, is hampered by the older manufacturing process.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries around 4000-5000 mAh, sufficient for a full day of light use. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 benefits from 10W wired charging, allowing for a faster replenishment of the battery compared to the itel A05s, which likely relies on slower 5W charging. While the larger battery capacity of the itel *could* translate to longer standby times, the more efficient chipset in the Tecno will likely offset this advantage during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A05s if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to its Unisoc chipset, and are comfortable with slightly slower performance. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you need a phone that feels more responsive for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, and appreciate the convenience of 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 overheat during prolonged use of apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
The Helio A22 is a relatively low-power chipset and is unlikely to overheat during typical usage scenarios like social media browsing. Its 12nm process contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to the itel A05s’ 22nm chip, meaning it can sustain performance for longer without throttling.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the itel A05s a good choice for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Unisoc SC9863A1 can handle casual games, but expect limited performance and potential frame rate drops, especially in more demanding scenes. The Tecno Spark Go 2023, with its faster processor, will provide a smoother gaming experience even for these simple titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Spark Go 2023 with the included 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the likely 5W charging on the itel A05s.
❓ Do either of these phones support USB-C charging?
No, both the itel A05s and Tecno Spark Go 2023 are expected to utilize the older Micro-USB standard for charging and data transfer, which is common in this price segment.
