The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders vying for your attention are the Tecno Spark 10C and the Samsung Galaxy A14. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the Tecno Spark 10C thanks to its more powerful chipset (especially the Exynos version), better software support, and generally more refined user experience. However, the Tecno Spark 10C offers a competitive price and decent performance for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 29 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | KI5k, KI5m | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | ₹ 9,990 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 10C
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Fast charging (18W)
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower camera quality
- Limited software updates
- Plastic build
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful chipset (especially Exynos version)
- Better camera system
- Longer software support
- More refined user experience
- More premium feel
- Slower charging (15W)
- Can be slightly more expensive
- LCD display (not AMOLED)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches. The Galaxy A14 often boasts a slightly higher resolution (FHD+) and potentially better color accuracy, though both are LCD panels. Viewing angles and brightness are generally adequate for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 typically features a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (ultrawide, macro). While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the A14 generally produces more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging conditions. Video recording capabilities are also typically better on the A14.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, holds a significant advantage in performance. The Helio G80 and Exynos 850 offer noticeably faster processing speeds and better multitasking capabilities compared to the Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 10C. Expect smoother app launches and less lag on the A14.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (typically 5000mAh or larger) providing all-day battery life. However, the Galaxy A14's more efficient chipset (especially the Exynos version) may result in slightly better battery endurance. The Tecno Spark 10C's 18W charging is a bit faster than the A14's 15W charging, but the difference is not substantial.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 10C is ideal for users on a tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light gaming. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, longer software support, and a more versatile camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, offers significantly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides longer software update support for its Galaxy A series devices, often offering 4 years of security updates and 2 years of OS upgrades.
