Tecno's Pop and Spark Go series consistently battle for the title of best smartphone under $150. The Pop 9 4G, with its regional chipset variations, and the newer Spark Go 2024 represent the latest iterations. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pop 9 4G (International version) offers a slight edge due to its more powerful Unisoc T615 chipset and faster 15W charging. However, the India-specific Helio G50 variant is less compelling. The Spark Go 2024 remains a viable option for those prioritizing a newer model, but the performance trade-off is noticeable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 22 | 2023, November 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 26 | Available. Released 2023, December 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 77 x 8 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz (India), 120Hz (International) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - India | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) - InternationalMediatek Helio G50 - India | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 - InternationalPowerVR GE8320 - India | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13 (Go edition), HIOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glittery White, Lime Green, Startrail Black | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | KL4h | BG6 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Pop 9 4G
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T615 - International)
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- India variant uses less capable Helio G50
- Limited display details
- Camera performance likely average
Tecno Spark Go 2024
- Newer model
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly more modern design (subjective)
- Less powerful chipset (Unisoc T606)
- Slower 10W charging
- Performance deficit noticeable in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno explicitly details display specifications beyond size and resolution. Given the price point, expect basic IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests both phones target basic visibility rather than media consumption. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, contributing to a larger overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups, dominated by a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. However, Tecno doesn't provide sensor details. Given the price bracket, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be limited. The 2MP macro cameras, common in this segment, offer minimal practical benefit due to their low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The international Tecno Pop 9 4G utilizes the Unisoc T615 (12nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a more potent CPU than the Unisoc T606 (12nm) in the Spark Go 2024, which has 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The India-specific Pop 9 4G with the MediaTek Helio G50 (2.2 GHz Cortex-A53) is a step down, lacking the efficiency and architectural advantages of the T615. The T615’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both use the same 12nm process, the T615’s core configuration offers a performance advantage. Neither phone is expected to excel at demanding games, but the T615 will handle them with slightly higher frame rates.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not explicitly stated for either device, but both are likely to house around a 5000mAh battery, typical for this price range. The key difference is charging speed: the Pop 9 4G supports 15W wired charging, while the Spark Go 2024 is limited to 10W. This translates to a significantly faster 0-100% charge time for the Pop 9 4G, a crucial advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 4G (International) if you prioritize raw processing power for multitasking and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds. This is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or need a phone that can quickly top up. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2024 if you prefer a slightly newer device and are willing to accept a minor performance decrease in exchange for potential software updates and a potentially more refined user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T615 in the Tecno Pop 9 4G significantly better than the T606 in the Spark Go 2024 for everyday use?
Yes, the T615's Cortex-A75 cores offer a noticeable performance boost in app loading times and multitasking. While both chips can handle basic tasks, the T615 will feel more responsive, especially when switching between multiple applications. The difference is less pronounced for very light users.
❓ Does the 15W charging on the Tecno Pop 9 4G make a huge difference compared to the 10W charging on the Spark Go 2024?
Absolutely. While neither is fast charging by modern standards, 15W charging will reduce the time to fully charge the phone by a significant margin – potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes depending on battery capacity. This is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
❓ Which phone is better for playing games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding gaming. However, the Tecno Pop 9 4G (International version) with the Unisoc T615 will offer a slightly smoother experience at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops and lag, even on the Pop 9 4G. The India variant with the Helio G50 will struggle even more.
❓ What about software updates? Will the Tecno Spark Go 2024 receive updates for longer?
Being a newer model, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 *may* receive software updates for a longer period. However, Tecno's update track record for these budget devices is generally limited. Don't expect major Android version upgrades or frequent security patches on either phone.
