The itel S23 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, and a quick glance at the specifications reveals a startling similarity: both are powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset. This comparison isn't about raw power, but rather how each manufacturer optimizes and packages this hardware to appeal to different users. We'll dissect the nuances to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing pure affordability, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 likely offers a slightly better value proposition. While both phones share the same core hardware, Tecno's brand recognition and potentially more aggressive pricing in certain markets give it a slight edge. However, the itel S23 remains a viable option if available at a significantly lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2023, November 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, December 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 8 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| 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 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (Go edition), HIOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mystery White | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | S665L, S665LN | BG6 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 90 EUR |
itel S23
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional and reliable
- Unisoc T606 provides adequate performance for basic tasks
- Limited brand recognition
- Likely minimal software updates
Tecno Spark Go 2024
- Stronger brand presence and support
- Potentially better software optimization
- Unisoc T606 provides adequate performance for basic tasks
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both the itel S23 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 utilize the Unisoc T606, which doesn't have significant display capabilities. Given the shared target market, we can expect both devices to feature LCD panels, likely with a 720p+ resolution. The absence of details regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. The display experience will be functional, but not a standout feature.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed, but given the price point, both the itel S23 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 will likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary sensors of limited utility. Expect a main sensor around 8-13MP, but image quality will heavily rely on software processing. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests low-light performance will be a weakness. Any additional sensors (depth, macro) are likely to be 2MP and offer minimal improvement to the overall photography experience. Focusing on the primary sensor's capabilities is key when evaluating these devices.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Unisoc T606 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 12nm process node isn't the most efficient, so sustained performance under heavy load might lead to some throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely ship with 2-4GB, impacting multitasking capabilities. The GPU within the T606 is adequate for casual gaming, but don't expect to run demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. While the battery capacity isn't specified, we can anticipate capacities around 5000mAh, typical for this price range. 10W charging translates to a lengthy charge time – expect over 3 hours to reach 100%. Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The lack of fast charging is a compromise to keep the cost down.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S23 if you need a functional smartphone with basic capabilities and find it at a notably lower price point than the Tecno Spark Go 2024. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2024 if you prefer a brand with wider market presence and potentially better software support, even if the core performance remains identical to the itel S23.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc T606 is perfectly capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. It's designed for efficient performance in basic tasks, and these apps won't pose a significant challenge. However, expect some slowdowns when multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is 10W charging really that slow? How long will it take to fully charge the phone?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern fast charging standards. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is best suited for overnight charging, so the slow speed shouldn't be a major inconvenience if you charge your phone while you sleep.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
You can *attempt* to play PUBG Mobile, but the experience will likely be limited. The Unisoc T606's GPU isn't powerful enough to run PUBG at high settings. You'll need to lower the graphics settings to the minimum and accept lower frame rates for a playable experience. Expect some stuttering and lag, especially during intense firefights.
