The itel S18 Pro and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and efficiency within a limited budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel S18 Pro emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer similar 10W charging, the Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core architecture provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and moderately demanding apps.
| 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 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, itel OS 8.6 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 32 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | 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 | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Liquid Silver, Starry Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
itel S18 Pro
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- Potentially smoother app experience.
- More responsive UI.
- 28nm process is less efficient than 12nm.
- Likely similar battery life to Tecno despite chipset differences.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- 12nm process potentially offers better power efficiency.
- Simpler user experience.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slower app loading times.
- Less responsive UI.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications beyond the existence of a display, we can infer both likely utilize basic IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely substantial on both, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be average at best.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution primary sensors. Any claims of advanced features like OIS or high-aperture lenses are unlikely. Image processing will be minimal, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel S18 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features an octa-core configuration with a split of four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) which utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 2.0GHz. While the Helio A22 has higher clock speeds per core, the SC9863A’s eight cores offer superior multitasking capabilities. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 *should* offer better efficiency, but the architectural advantage of the Unisoc chip likely negates this in real-world usage. The itel will likely handle app switching and light gaming more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient (though likely marginally) Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under very light usage. However, the itel S18 Pro’s octa-core processor will likely consume more power during active use, potentially offsetting any efficiency gains from the chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 Pro if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks like calls and messaging, and if you anticipate running multiple apps simultaneously. The octa-core processor will provide a smoother experience. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary needs are extremely basic – voice calls, WhatsApp, and light browsing – and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the itel S18 Pro struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the octa-core architecture of the SC9863A should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but basic social media usage should be acceptable. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 will likely be noticeably slower.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2023 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is well-suited for basic communication. The Helio A22 is sufficient for calls and texts, and the simpler software experience may be preferable for users unfamiliar with smartphones. Battery life may also be slightly better under this light usage scenario.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can run simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth graphics. The itel S18 Pro will likely provide a slightly more stable experience due to its more powerful processor, but neither phone is designed for gaming.
