The itel A90 Limited and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those approaches to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable, if basic, smartphone experience, the itel A90 Limited emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T7100 chipset, despite being less power-efficient, offers a more modern octa-core architecture that translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface compared to the Tecno's quad-core Helio A22.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 02 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-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, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), itel OS 14 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) | - |
itel A90 Limited
- More powerful octa-core processor for smoother multitasking.
- Faster 15W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- More modern chipset architecture for better long-term software support.
- Potentially shorter battery life due to less efficient chipset.
- May experience slightly more heat under sustained load.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Excellent battery life thanks to the power-efficient Helio A22.
- Lower price point (potentially, depending on retailer).
- Simpler processor may result in less heat generation.
- Slower quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slower 10W charging takes longer to replenish the battery.
- Older processor architecture may limit future software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1600. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on processing power to drive the UI smoothly. The itel A90 Limited's more capable chipset will likely result in fewer dropped frames and a more fluid experience when scrolling through menus or browsing the web, even if the panel itself is similar.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is unavailable. Given the price point, expecting high-quality photography is unrealistic. The focus should be on functionality – capturing basic snapshots in good lighting. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image quality will suffer in low-light conditions. Any megapixel differences are likely to be negligible in real-world image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A90 Limited’s Unisoc T7100 is an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, offering eight processing threads. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor running at 2.0 GHz. While the Helio A22 has a higher clock speed, the T7100’s core count provides superior multitasking capabilities. The Helio A22’s Cortex-A53 cores are older architecture, meaning lower Instructions Per Clock (IPC) compared to the cores within the T7100. This translates to the itel A90 Limited being better suited for running multiple apps or more demanding tasks, even if single-core performance is comparable.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 benefits from the more power-efficient Helio A22 chipset. While both phones feature similar battery capacities (likely around 4000-5000 mAh, based on market segment), the Tecno will likely achieve longer screen-on time. However, the itel A90 Limited compensates with 15W wired charging, compared to the Tecno’s slower 10W charging. This means the itel A90 Limited will replenish its battery faster, reducing downtime, even if the overall battery life is slightly shorter.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A90 Limited if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, even if they aren't demanding, and value a more modern processor architecture. It's ideal for users who frequently switch between messaging, social media, and basic web browsing. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary need is extremely long battery life and you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Helio A22's efficiency is its key strength, but comes at the cost of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7100 in the itel A90 Limited struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc T7100 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Its octa-core architecture provides ample processing power for smooth operation, even with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 can also run these apps, but may exhibit occasional lag when switching between them.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The itel A90 Limited, with its 15W charging, will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Tecno Spark Go 2023, with its 10W charging, will take considerably longer, potentially 3.5 to 4 hours. While the Tecno has better battery life, the itel's faster charging reduces downtime.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Subway Surfers or Temple Run?
Both phones can run simple 2D games like Subway Surfers and Temple Run, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The itel A90 Limited will provide a slightly smoother experience due to its more powerful GPU, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
