The sub-$150 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Tecno Spark Go 1 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the most compelling package for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 1’s Unisoc T615, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. The 18W charging with PD support is also a significant benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 19 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), HIOS 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| 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, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Startrail Black, Glittery White | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | - | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | $ 172.85 | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 1
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Unisoc chipset offers 5G connectivity
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Redmi 13C 5G
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Less efficient 12nm process
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- Faster 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD)
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life
- Slightly higher price compared to the Tecno Spark Go 1
- May not include all regional 5G bands
- Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi 13C 5G’s more powerful GPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the resolution and refresh rate are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses. The Redmi 13C 5G’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 6100+, will likely offer more sophisticated image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The 2MP macro cameras often found on these devices are generally of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Spark Go 1’s Unisoc T615 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and sustained performance. Furthermore, the Dimensity 6100+ features faster Cortex-A76 cores (2.2 GHz) compared to the Spark Go 1’s Cortex-A75 cores (1.8 GHz), resulting in a roughly 20-30% CPU performance boost. This translates to quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. The GPU within the Dimensity 6100+ also provides a significant advantage in graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) is a significant advantage. PD allows for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. The Tecno Spark Go 1’s 15W charging is slower and lacks the versatility of PD. The Dimensity 6100+'s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference between the two devices, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 1 if your primary need is basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you want a more responsive experience, better performance for gaming and demanding apps, and faster, more versatile charging, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Unisoc T615?
Yes, the Unisoc T615, built on a 12nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. The Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) will run cooler and maintain higher performance for longer periods during gaming, offering a smoother experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 13C 5G support fast charging with any standard USB-PD chargers, or is a proprietary charger required?
The Redmi 13C 5G supports the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard, meaning it can be fast-charged with any USB-PD compatible charger. This provides flexibility and convenience, as you likely already own a PD charger for other devices.
❓ How significant is the CPU performance difference between the Cortex-A75 cores in the Tecno Spark Go 1 and the Cortex-A76 cores in the Redmi 13C 5G in real-world usage?
The Cortex-A76 cores in the Redmi 13C 5G are a generation newer and more efficient than the Cortex-A75 cores in the Tecno Spark Go 1. Combined with the higher clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz), this translates to a roughly 20-30% performance improvement in CPU-bound tasks like app loading and web browsing.
