The itel A50 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. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to internal hardware, specifically in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the itel A50 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T603, with its octa-core configuration, offers a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s quad-core Helio A22, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| 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 | 2024, May | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 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 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB 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
auxiliary lens | 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 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Shimmer Gold, Суаn Blue, Lime Green, Misty Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | A507LXU | BF7n |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
itel A50
- Octa-core processor offers better performance.
- Potentially better power efficiency with Unisoc T603.
- More responsive user experience for multitasking.
- Brand recognition is lower than Tecno.
- Camera performance likely similar to Tecno.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Lower price point (likely).
- Established brand in some markets.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Quad-core processor limits performance.
- Less efficient chipset may result in shorter battery life.
- Slower app loading and multitasking.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, specifics like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the internal components driving the experience. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical indoor conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is limited. It's safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect significant limitations in low-light scenarios. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical, and data on these aspects is unavailable. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this price range are generally of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A50’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, meaning it has eight processing cores, versus the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22, which has four. While the Helio A22 operates at a slightly higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs. unspecified for the T603), the sheer number of cores in the Unisoc chip provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, is less efficient than a more modern node, potentially leading to slightly warmer operation under sustained load. The itel A50's chipset architecture is better suited for handling multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Unisoc T603’s potentially better power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life on the itel A50, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A50 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light social media, web browsing, and even some casual gaming will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and you're prioritizing absolute lowest cost above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A22 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, users may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. The quad-core processor is designed for minimal tasks, and these popular social media apps are becoming increasingly demanding.
❓ Is the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 capable of playing any mobile games?
The Unisoc T603 can handle light mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty will likely require very low graphics settings and may still experience frame rate drops. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, but offers a better gaming experience than the Helio A22.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge both the itel A50 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 using the included 10W charger. Charging times will vary depending on the battery level and whether the phone is being used during charging.
❓ Which phone is better for an elderly user who primarily makes calls and sends texts?
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is likely sufficient for an elderly user with basic needs. Its simplicity and lower price point make it a practical choice for calls and texts, without the need for advanced features or processing power. The itel A50's extra performance won't be significantly beneficial in this scenario.
