The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel P38 Pro and the Tecno Spark 9T (India variant) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and slightly better gaming performance, the Tecno Spark 9T (India) is the stronger choice. Its MediaTek Helio G35, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the itel P38 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite similar core counts. Both offer 18W charging, making battery life the next key differentiator.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, July 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, August 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.5 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.1 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Ocean Blue, Night Black | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple, Tahiti Gold |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
itel P38 Pro
- Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset.
- Affordable price point.
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Tecno Spark 9T.
- Older 28nm manufacturing process.
- Likely struggles with multitasking and gaming.
Tecno Spark 9T (India)
- More efficient 12nm chipset.
- Faster CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness.
- Better suited for casual gaming.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the itel P38 Pro.
- Camera performance likely similar to the itel P38 Pro.
- Still a budget device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are absent from the provided data, suggesting both utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Expect similar viewing experiences, with color accuracy and peak brightness likely being average for the segment. Bezels are also likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes camera quality as a key selling point. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, with image quality degrading significantly in low light. Any additional cameras (likely 2MP macro/depth sensors) on either device will offer limited practical benefit due to their small sensor sizes and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 9T’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) is a clear architectural upgrade over the itel P38 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Helio G35 utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, compared to the P38 Pro’s Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The 12nm process node of the Helio G35 translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the Tecno Spark 9T will likely handle multitasking and light gaming more smoothly. The Unisoc SC9863A, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient 28nm process suggests the itel P38 Pro might require a slightly larger battery to achieve comparable battery life to the Tecno Spark 9T. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial, and real-world battery performance will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 Pro if you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the less power-hungry chipset, and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Tecno Spark 9T (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional casual gaming, and value a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process for improved efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9T's Helio G35 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Low or Medium) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The itel P38 Pro will likely struggle to deliver a playable experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much does the Unisoc SC9863A chipset impact app loading times on the itel P38 Pro?
The Unisoc SC9863A's older architecture and slower clock speeds will result in noticeably longer app loading times compared to the Tecno Spark 9T. Expect delays when switching between apps or launching resource-intensive applications. This is a key area where the Helio G35 provides a tangible benefit.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered fast charging?
18W charging is considered relatively standard for budget smartphones. It's not 'fast charging' in the flagship sense, but it's adequate for topping up the battery overnight or providing a quick boost when needed. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
