The Samsung Galaxy M17 and Tecno Spark 10C represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The M17 leverages Samsung’s established brand and a more powerful Exynos 1330 chipset, while the Spark 10C aims for affordability with a Unisoc T606. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy M17 is the clear winner. Its Exynos 1330 chipset, built on a 5nm process, provides a significant advantage in processing power and efficiency. However, the Tecno Spark 10C offers a compelling value proposition for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 10 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released Exp. release 2025, October 13 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.30 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1100 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Sapphire Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 120 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Samsung Galaxy M17
- Significantly faster processor (Exynos 1330)
- More efficient 5nm chipset for better battery life
- Faster 25W charging
- Likely superior image processing
- Potentially higher price point
- May lack features found on higher-end Samsung models
Tecno Spark 10C
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life for light usage
- Large user base for Tecno phones
- Slower processor (Unisoc T606)
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially lower image quality
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided, it's reasonable to assume both devices utilize LCD panels given their price points. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness. Samsung typically calibrates its displays for more vibrant and accurate colors. The M17's processor could also support higher refresh rates, though this isn't confirmed. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Samsung generally employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The M17 likely benefits from better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Exynos 1330 would further enhance image quality. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro camera, but its 2MP resolution on both devices suggests limited utility. The aperture and sensor size of the main cameras will be the deciding factors, but are currently unknown.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy M17’s Exynos 1330, fabricated on a 5nm process, represents a substantial leap in performance and efficiency over the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The Exynos features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A78 cores versus the Spark 10C’s Cortex-A75 – translating to faster single-core and multi-core performance. This means snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the M17. The 5nm node also contributes to lower heat generation, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. The Unisoc T606 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging is slower than the Samsung Galaxy M17’s 25W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Exynos 1330’s 5nm efficiency should translate to better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Spark 10C. The faster charging on the M17 allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The Unisoc T606, being less efficient, will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M17 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and benefit from Samsung’s software ecosystem. It’s ideal for users who want a device that will remain responsive for years to come. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality, such as calling, texting, and light social media use. It’s a solid choice for first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1330 in the Galaxy M17 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1330's 5nm fabrication process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, it's less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the Unisoc T606 in the Spark 10C, which is built on a less efficient 12nm process. Expect longer sustained performance from the M17.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They are primarily for casual use and won't deliver professional-level macro photography. The larger sensor and processing capabilities of the main camera on the Galaxy M17 will likely produce better results even when digitally zooming in for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M17 handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Exynos 1330 should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at reasonably high frame rates (likely 60fps) on medium to high settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance at the highest settings will depend on the game's optimization and the phone's thermal management. The Tecno Spark 10C will likely struggle to maintain stable frame rates at higher settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 10C from 0% with the 18W charger?
With an 18W charger, expect the Tecno Spark 10C to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge from 0%. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy M17's 25W charging, which should achieve a full charge in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
