The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the itel P40 and Tecno Spark 10C are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel P40’s SC9863A. While both offer 18W charging, the Spark 10C’s superior processing power translates to a smoother user experience.
| 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 | 2023 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
0.3 MP | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Dreamy Blue, Luxurious Gold | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | P662L, P662LN | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 130 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
itel P40
- Potentially longer battery life under light use due to less powerful processor.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Affordable price point.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Tecno Spark 10C.
- Older and less efficient chipset.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Tecno Spark 10C
- Superior performance thanks to the Unisoc T606 chipset.
- More efficient processor for smoother multitasking.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy use.
- May be marginally more expensive than the itel P40.
- Similar camera performance to the itel P40.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. We can infer that the display quality will be adequate for basic use, but not ideal for media consumption. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a less immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light capabilities. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the T606 in the Tecno Spark 10C likely offers slightly better image processing algorithms, resulting in marginally improved photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the itel P40’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. Crucially, the T606 features two Cortex-A75 cores alongside six A55 cores, while the P40 relies solely on four A55 cores at a higher clock speed (1.6GHz vs 1.6GHz) and four at a lower clock speed (1.2GHz vs 1.6GHz). This architectural difference means the Spark 10C will handle demanding apps and multitasking significantly better. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. While both likely feature similar RAM configurations, the superior chipset will allow the Spark 10C to utilize it more effectively.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge). While battery capacity isn't specified, the itel P40’s less powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under light usage. However, the Tecno Spark 10C’s more efficient processor may offset this advantage during moderate to heavy use. The real-world battery experience will depend heavily on individual usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40 if your primary need is a phone for extremely basic tasks – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially longer battery life due to the less powerful processor. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you want a more responsive device capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and a smoother overall Android experience, even if it means slightly faster battery drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 chipset can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, so don't expect a flagship-level experience.
❓ Is the difference in processor architecture (A75 vs A55) really that noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the inclusion of Cortex-A75 cores in the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 makes a significant difference. These cores are designed for more demanding tasks, resulting in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the itel P40’s all-A55 configuration.
❓ How much faster is the Unisoc T606 compared to the Unisoc SC9863A in real-world scenarios?
While precise benchmarks are unavailable, the Unisoc T606 is estimated to be 30-50% faster than the SC9863A in CPU-intensive tasks. This translates to a noticeably quicker experience when opening apps, browsing the web, and multitasking.
