The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go 1 and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Spark Go 1 aims for affordability, while the A05s attempts to balance cost with Samsung’s brand recognition and a more capable chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a measured 11:32h active use battery score, provides a smoother experience and longer runtime than the Tecno Spark Go 1, despite the latter’s lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 | 2024, August 19 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), HIOS 14 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Startrail Black, Glittery White | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | - | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | $ 172.85 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 1
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Likely lightweight and easy to handle.
- Unisoc T615 chipset offers limited performance.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Display quality likely inferior to the A05s.
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset.
- Faster 25W charging.
- Brighter and higher contrast display.
- Longer battery life (11:32h active use).
- Slightly higher price than the Tecno Spark Go 1.
- May still lack features found in higher-end models.
- Samsung’s software can include bloatware.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Tecno Spark Go 1 (typical of this price bracket). This translates to better visibility outdoors. The A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio also indicates a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. While the Spark Go 1’s display specs are unavailable, it likely utilizes a less advanced panel, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles. The A05s’ superior display benefits users who frequently watch videos or browse photos.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs for the Tecno Spark Go 1 are unavailable, but budget phones in this segment typically feature basic sensors. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ camera system, while not flagship-level, benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms. Without specific sensor details for the Tecno, it’s safe to assume the A05s will deliver more consistent and detailed photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The A05s’ video capabilities are also likely superior due to the more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 680.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring a more powerful CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – compared to the Tecno Spark Go 1’s Unisoc T615 (12nm) with its 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon’s architecture provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app loading speeds. The Unisoc T615 is adequate for basic tasks, but will likely struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery performance, achieving an impressive 11 hours and 32 minutes of active use. While the Tecno Spark Go 1’s battery capacity is unknown, its 15W charging speed is significantly slower than the A05s’ 25W wired charging. This means the A05s can replenish its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. The Snapdragon 680’s efficiency also contributes to the A05s’ longer runtime, making it a better choice for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 1 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prefer a more responsive user experience, better battery life for all-day use, and the reliability associated with the Samsung brand. It’s ideal for users who consume more media and occasionally engage in light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s a significant step up from the Unisoc T615 in the Tecno Spark Go 1, which would struggle with consistent performance even at lower settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
With the included 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A05s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is considerably faster than the Tecno Spark Go 1’s 15W charging, which would likely take over 3 hours.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s have a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A05s includes a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 1TB. This is a valuable feature for users who plan to store a large number of photos, videos, or apps.
