The Nokia C10 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic, reliable device. Both aim to deliver smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they achieve this with significantly different approaches to processing power. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in basic tasks, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 is the better choice. Its higher clocked CPU, while architecturally similar, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia C10’s Unisoc SC7331E. However, the Nokia C10’s brand reputation for software support and build quality shouldn’t be dismissed.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 29 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7331E (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Light Purple | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | TA-1342 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C10
- Strong brand reputation for software support
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the Unisoc chipset
- Likely more durable build quality (based on Nokia's history)
- Significantly slower CPU performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Faster CPU for smoother performance
- More responsive user interface
- Better for basic gaming and social media
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially shorter software support lifespan
- May have a less durable build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specifications regarding resolution, brightness, and color accuracy are unavailable, but we can infer that both will offer a basic viewing experience. The focus here isn't on media consumption, but on readability for essential functions. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, we can anticipate low-resolution sensors and limited image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Any marketing around camera capabilities should be viewed with skepticism. The focus here is on basic photo capture for social media or documentation, not photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz, while the Nokia C10 utilizes the Unisoc SC7331E with a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU running at 1.3 GHz. While both are based on the ARM Cortex-A7 architecture, the 500 MHz clock speed difference is significant. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Tecno. The Unisoc SC7331E, built on a 28nm process, is optimized for power efficiency, but sacrifices raw performance. The Tecno’s CPU, while also likely 28nm, prioritizes speed. Neither device will handle demanding games or applications well, but the Tecno will feel more responsive in daily use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely to be slow, utilizing standard Micro-USB charging. The Nokia C10’s more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C10 if you need a phone with a strong brand reputation for software updates and a potentially longer lifespan, even if it means sacrificing some performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily need a device for calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and are comfortable with a less established brand in some markets. This is the better option for users who want a bit more 'oomph' without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2021 struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not ideal for heavy usage, the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s 1.8 GHz CPU should handle WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well for basic messaging and browsing. Expect some lag when loading images or videos, but it should be functional for most users. The Nokia C10 will likely exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Nokia C10 a good choice for an elderly person who just needs a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia C10 is a viable option for a senior user with basic needs. Its simpler interface and potentially longer software support lifespan are benefits. However, the slower processor might make even simple tasks feel sluggish compared to the Tecno.
❓ Can either of these phones run popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
No. Neither the Nokia C10 nor the Tecno Spark Go 2021 have the processing power or graphics capabilities to run demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty at playable frame rates. They are designed for very basic tasks, not gaming.
