The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lenovo K14 Plus and the Tecno Spark Go 2023. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 edges out the Lenovo K14 Plus thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better performance. While both offer basic functionality, the Spark Go 2023 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more modern design. Both have slow charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 15 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T700 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Lenovo K14 Plus
- Potentially larger screen
- Affordable price point
- Basic calling and texting functionality
- Less powerful chipset
- Slow charging
- Potentially sluggish performance
- Limited camera capabilities
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design (likely)
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging
- Limited camera capabilities
- Basic features
- HD+ display quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited color accuracy. The Lenovo K14 Plus *might* have a slightly larger display, but this needs confirmation. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 often features a more modern notch or punch-hole design.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will offer a primary rear camera around 13MP with basic features. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 might have slightly better image processing.
Performance
Here's where the Tecno Spark Go 2023 takes a lead. The MediaTek Helio A22, despite being a quad-core, is generally more efficient and performs better than the Unisoc T700 octa-core. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Tecno. The Lenovo K14 Plus may feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the less efficient Unisoc T700 in the Lenovo K14 Plus might result in slightly shorter battery life. Both phones suffer from slow 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo K14 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic calling/texting needs. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is better suited for those wanting a slightly more responsive phone for social media, light gaming, and general use, even with its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc T700 and the MediaTek Helio A22?
The MediaTek Helio A22 is generally considered more efficient and offers better performance than the Unisoc T700, especially in terms of multitasking and app responsiveness.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
Both phones use 10W charging, so expect a charging time of around 3-4 hours for a full charge.