The Samsung Galaxy M01s and Tecno Spark Go 2020 represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie key differences in processing power, stemming from their respective Mediatek Helio chipsets. This comparison dives deep into those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing smoother multitasking and a slightly more responsive experience, the Samsung Galaxy M01s is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s quad-core Helio A20, making it better suited for running multiple apps or moderately demanding tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 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 | 168 g (5.93 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.1 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue, Gray | Ice Jadeite, Aqua Blue, Sky Black |
| Models | SM-M017F, SM-M017F/DS | KE5S |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M01s
- More powerful octa-core processor for smoother multitasking.
- Potentially better image processing due to the Helio P22.
- Slightly better suited for light gaming.
- May consume slightly more battery than the Tecno.
- Likely similar display quality to the Tecno.
Tecno Spark Go 2020
- Potentially longer battery life due to the more efficient Helio A20.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Significantly less powerful processor, leading to lag and slowdowns.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, the real-world impact of display quality is minimal at this price. The focus here is on the processing power needed to drive the UI, not the fidelity of the visuals. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, with the Samsung M01s potentially offering slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset. However, without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both devices is largely marketing fluff; their image quality is typically poor. The real-world camera experience will likely be similar, limited by sensor size and image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung M01s boasts the Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762), an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. This configuration, while built on a 12nm process, offers significantly more processing power than the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s Helio A20 (MT6761D), a quad-core processor running at 1.8 GHz. The Helio P22’s eight cores allow for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface. The A20, while efficient, will struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously. The architectural difference – eight Cortex-A53 cores in the P22 versus four in the A20 – directly translates to a more capable multitasking experience for the Samsung.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the less powerful chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 2020, it’s reasonable to expect slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. The Helio A20’s lower power consumption will translate to more hours of standby time and potentially longer screen-on time. However, the difference will likely be marginal, and both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01s if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks like calls and messaging, and if you occasionally engage in light multitasking or casual gaming. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2020 if your primary needs are limited to essential communication and you prioritize maximizing battery life over raw performance, and are comfortable with a simpler user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy M01s handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 in the Samsung Galaxy M01s is sufficiently powerful to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The octa-core processor provides enough headroom for these commonly used applications, offering a more fluid experience than the Tecno Spark Go 2020.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2020 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark Go 2020 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its Helio A20 processor is efficient enough to handle these functions without issue, and its lower power consumption may result in longer battery life for essential use cases.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
Casual gaming is possible on both, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Samsung Galaxy M01s, with its Helio P22, will offer a slightly better gaming experience than the Tecno Spark Go 2020, but both are limited by their processors and likely shared 720p displays. Expect to play less demanding titles at lower settings.
