The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel P40 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the itel P40 prioritizing efficiency with its Unisoc chipset, while the Tecno Spark Go 2023 opts for a slightly faster, albeit less efficient, Mediatek processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and potentially longer battery life, the itel P40 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A, built on a smaller 28nm process, offers a more balanced approach to power consumption than the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Helio A22, despite the latter’s higher clock speed.
| 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 | 2023 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
0.3 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 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 | 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 | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Dreamy Blue, Luxurious Gold | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | P662L, P662LN | BF7n |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
itel P40
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking
- Lower peak CPU clock speed
- Likely basic camera performance
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Higher CPU clock speed for potentially snappier initial response
- Affordable price point
- Android Go Edition may offer a cleaner software experience
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Slower 10W charging
- Quad-core processor may struggle with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. The itel P40’s octa-core processor *may* contribute to slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even with a similar panel, due to its ability to handle more parallel tasks. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s quad-core processor will likely show more lag when multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera expectations should be tempered. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality. The itel P40’s more efficient chipset *could* allow for slightly more sophisticated image processing without significant battery drain.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel P40’s Unisoc SC9863A utilizes an octa-core configuration with a split core design (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This allows for efficient task management, dedicating cores to background processes while reserving power for active apps. Conversely, the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Mediatek Helio A22 is a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. While the higher clock speed *suggests* faster single-core performance, the A53 architecture is older and less efficient than the A55. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio A22, while an improvement over older nodes, is still less efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A, potentially leading to more heat generation and throttling under sustained load. This means the itel P40 is likely to maintain consistent performance for longer periods.
Battery Life
The itel P40’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Unisoc chipset in the itel P40 will translate to longer real-world usage on a single charge. The faster charging also means less time tethered to a wall outlet. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Helio A22, despite its higher clock speed, will consume more power, resulting in shorter battery life and slower charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40 if you need a phone that can reliably handle everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and light web browsing for extended periods without frequent charging. It’s ideal for users who value efficiency and aren’t demanding gamers. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you prioritize a slightly snappier response for basic operations and are willing to compromise on battery life and sustained performance. This phone suits users who primarily need a device for calls, texts, and occasional app use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 overheat during prolonged use of apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
The Mediatek Helio A22, while adequate for basic tasks, is prone to throttling under sustained load due to its less efficient 12nm process. Prolonged use of apps like WhatsApp or Facebook could lead to noticeable slowdowns and increased heat generation, especially in warmer environments. The itel P40’s Unisoc SC9863A is better equipped to handle these tasks without significant performance degradation.
❓ Does the itel P40 support fast charging protocols beyond the standard 18W?
While the itel P40 supports 18W wired charging, it’s unlikely to support advanced fast charging protocols like Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge. The device is designed for basic functionality and cost-effectiveness, and incorporating more complex charging technologies would increase the price. Using a charger with higher wattage than 18W will not result in faster charging speeds.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2023 a good choice for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is not well-suited for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. The Helio A22’s quad-core processor and limited GPU power will struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience, even at the lowest graphics settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag. The itel P40, while also not a gaming powerhouse, will offer a slightly better experience due to its octa-core processor.
