The itel S18 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers and those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly smoother, more responsive experience, the itel S18 edges out the Tecno Spark Go 2023. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, despite being older, offers an octa-core configuration that provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app loading compared to the Tecno's quad-core Helio A22.
| 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 | 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 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Digital Sliver, Midnight Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
itel S18
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55).
- Potentially smoother user experience.
- Older 28nm manufacturing process.
- No specified charging wattage.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More efficient 12nm manufacturing process.
- Includes 10W wired charging.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Quad-core processor limits multitasking.
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget displays, prioritizing power efficiency over color gamut coverage.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of both chipsets are basic, and low-light performance will be poor. Any 2MP macro cameras included are largely marketing features and offer minimal practical benefit. The focus should be on capturing acceptable photos in well-lit conditions, rather than expecting high-quality images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel S18’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. While the Helio A22 has a higher clock speed per core, the itel’s octa-core architecture provides superior multitasking capabilities. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio A22, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption under sustained load. However, the A55 cores are more modern and efficient than the A53 cores, mitigating this difference. The Tecno's Helio A22 is known for being adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 includes 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the itel S18’s specifications. The more efficient 12nm process of the Helio A22, combined with the lower core count, may translate to slightly better battery life on the Tecno, even if the battery capacities are similar. The 10W charging will allow for a faster replenishment of the battery, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 if you need a phone capable of handling a moderate number of apps simultaneously and appreciate a slightly more responsive user interface. It's best suited for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and listen to music. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and you prioritize a longer-lasting battery life over raw performance, and appreciate the inclusion of 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio A22 can run Facebook and WhatsApp, users may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The processor is designed for basic tasks and isn't optimized for demanding applications. Expect a functional, but not fluid, experience.
❓ Is the itel S18 a good choice for playing mobile games?
The itel S18 is not ideal for gaming. While it can handle very basic 2D games, more demanding titles will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag. The Unisoc SC9863A is not a gaming-focused processor, and the limited GPU performance will struggle with modern mobile games.
❓ Does the lack of fast charging on the itel S18 significantly impact usability?
The absence of specified fast charging on the itel S18 means charging will be relatively slow. While not a deal-breaker, it does mean you'll need to plan ahead and charge the device overnight or during extended periods of inactivity. The Tecno Spark Go 2023's 10W charging offers a noticeable advantage in this regard.
