The itel Zeno 10 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Zeno 10 leverages a newer, octa-core Unisoc chipset, while the Spark Go 2023 relies on the older, quad-core MediaTek Helio A22. This comparison will dissect the implications of these choices for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the itel Zeno 10 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, offers a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Helio A22, despite both phones sharing the same 10W charging.
| 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 | 2025, January 02 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 9 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | - |
| 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 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP
auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Opal purple, Phantom crystal | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
itel Zeno 10
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More modern chipset architecture for improved efficiency.
- Potentially smoother app experience.
- Limited information on display quality.
- Slow 10W charging.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption.
- Very affordable price point.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Older chipset technology.
- Slow 10W charging.
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond size, leaving brightness, color accuracy, and panel type largely unknown. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates is concerning, potentially impacting users sensitive to flicker. Without concrete data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; the display experience will likely be similar on both devices – adequate for basic use but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. It's safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and likely won’t be a standout feature on either device. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel Zeno 10’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, meaning it has eight processing cores, compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22, which has four. While clock speed isn’t everything (the Helio A22 reaches 2.0 GHz), the sheer number of cores in the Unisoc T603 provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, is older technology and will struggle with more than a few apps running simultaneously. The Unisoc T603’s architecture, while not cutting-edge, offers a more modern and efficient experience for the user.
Battery Life
Both the itel Zeno 10 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 utilize 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Unisoc T603 in the Zeno 10 *could* translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Spark Go 2023. However, the Helio A22’s lower power draw might offset this advantage, resulting in comparable real-world usage times. Users should expect to charge these devices overnight.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Zeno 10 if you frequently switch between apps, enjoy light gaming, or need a phone that feels responsive during daily tasks. The octa-core processor provides a noticeable boost in usability. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset, accepting a slower overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the itel Zeno 10 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T603 can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, but it's significantly better than the Helio A22 for light gaming.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2023 a good choice for elderly users who primarily make calls and send messages?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is well-suited for basic communication. Its simpler interface and less demanding processor mean it will reliably handle calls, texts, and apps like WhatsApp without significant lag. The lower power consumption could also translate to longer standby time.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging, or are both limited to 10W?
Both the itel Zeno 10 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 are limited to 10W wired charging. This is a standard charging speed for phones in this price range, and users should expect a full charge to take several hours.
