The itel P38 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery, and overall usability to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel P38’s 1.3 GHz processor, making everyday tasks smoother.
| 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 | 2022 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | 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 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (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 (wide)
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 | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Blue, Spruce Green, Nebula Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
itel P38
- Faster wired charging (15W)
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower processor demand
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Significantly slower processor (1.3 GHz)
- Laggy performance with multitasking
- Limited app compatibility
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Faster processor (2.0 GHz Helio A22)
- More responsive user interface
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slower wired charging (10W)
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May experience occasional lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar and not specified. The focus here is on performance. The lack of detailed display specs suggests both are geared towards functional viewing rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be similar – adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but lacking in detail and dynamic range. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is largely a marketing feature; its utility is limited by the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12nm) is the clear performance winner. The 2.0 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU represents a significant upgrade over the itel P38’s 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio A22 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly lower charging wattage. This translates to a more fluid user experience, especially when multitasking or launching apps. The itel P38 will likely exhibit noticeable lag with even moderate use.
Battery Life
The itel P38 features 15W wired charging, while the Tecno Spark Go 2023 offers 10W. While the itel P38 charges faster on paper, the Helio A22’s improved power efficiency in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 could result in comparable real-world battery life. The actual 0-100% charge time will depend on battery capacity (not specified for either device), but the itel P38 should theoretically achieve a full charge quicker.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 if your primary need is a phone for extremely light use – primarily calls and texts – and you prioritize simplicity above all else. The slower processor is acceptable for minimal tasks. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you want a more responsive experience for social media, basic web browsing, and occasional light gaming. The Helio A22 offers a tangible performance boost for a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2023 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A22 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You might experience some loading times, but the overall experience should be usable. The itel P38 may struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the itel P38 a significant advantage?
The 15W charging is beneficial, but the actual time saved will depend on the battery capacity, which isn't specified. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s more efficient processor might partially offset the slower charging speed, resulting in comparable daily usage.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games?
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is better suited for basic mobile games due to its more powerful processor. Expect to play less demanding titles at low settings. The itel P38 will likely struggle with even simple games.
