The Ulefone Note 7P and Tecno Spark 4 Lite represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, subtle differences in their underlying hardware, specifically the chipset manufacturing process and clock speed, can translate to noticeable real-world performance variations. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Ulefone Note 7P edges out the Tecno Spark 4 Lite. Its slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz) on the same Helio A22 platform provides a marginal, but measurable, performance boost. However, the Tecno Spark 4 Lite remains a viable option for users with extremely limited budgets.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | - | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Black, Gold, Twilight |
| Models | KC8S | - |
Tecno Spark 4 Lite
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Likely lower price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Slower CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz).
- Potentially less responsive user experience.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Ulefone Note 7P
- Faster CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz).
- Slightly more responsive user experience.
- Better for occasional web browsing and app use.
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under load.
- May be marginally more expensive.
- Still limited by the Helio A22 chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for budget displays, leaning towards warmer tones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price point, both likely feature a primary sensor around 8-13MP paired with a low-resolution depth sensor. Image processing will be minimal, resulting in images with limited dynamic range and detail, particularly in low-light conditions. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing gimmicks and offer minimal practical benefit. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but don't anticipate flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset implementation. Both phones utilize the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor based on the Cortex-A53 architecture. However, the Ulefone Note 7P features a 2.0 GHz clock speed, while the Tecno Spark 4 Lite is clocked at 1.8 GHz. This 10% clock speed increase translates to faster instruction processing, resulting in slightly quicker app launch times and smoother multitasking. Crucially, both are built on different manufacturing nodes – 16nm for Ulefone and 12nm for Tecno. The 12nm process *should* theoretically offer better power efficiency, but the higher clock speed of the Ulefone Note 7P likely negates this advantage, potentially leading to slightly faster battery drain under load. RAM configurations are not specified, but both likely feature 2GB or 3GB, limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the Helio A22’s efficiency and the likely screen size, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but it’s safe to assume both utilize standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times – likely 3-4 hours for a full charge. The Ulefone Note 7P’s slightly higher power consumption due to the faster CPU may marginally reduce battery life under heavy use, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 4 Lite if you need a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are operating on a severely restricted budget. It’s a no-frills device focused on affordability. Buy the Ulefone Note 7P if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for app switching and multitasking, and are willing to spend a small premium for that incremental performance gain. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse the web or use less demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 7P handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While technically capable of running PUBG Mobile, both devices will struggle to deliver a smooth experience. The Helio A22 chipset is not designed for demanding games. Expect low frame rates and significant lag, even on the lowest graphics settings. It's best suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, budget smartphones typically offer 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Both devices likely feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add up to 128GB or 256GB of additional storage.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Given the age of the Helio A22 chipset, both phones likely run Android 9 Pie or Android 10. Updates beyond that are unlikely, as these devices fall outside the support window for most manufacturers.
