The Tecno Spark Go 1 and ZTE Blade A53 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark Go 1 leverages a newer, more efficient Unisoc chipset, while the Blade A53 Pro opts for a slightly older design. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Go 1 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T615 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s 22nm SC9863A1, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the Blade A53 Pro is cheaper, the performance trade-off isn't worth it for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 19 | 2023, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), HIOS 14 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Startrail Black, Glittery White | Dark Blue, Green |
| Price | $ 172.85 | - |
Tecno Spark Go 1
- Faster and more efficient Unisoc T615 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Likely slightly higher price point
- No information on display quality
ZTE Blade A53 Pro
- Lower price point
- Simple and functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for minimal smartphone usage
- Significantly slower Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient 22nm process
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting basic visual clarity. However, the more powerful chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 1 *could* allow for slightly smoother UI animations, even on a similar display. Bezels are likely substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests primary sensors will likely be in the 8-13MP range. The ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s older chipset may have less sophisticated image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in less detailed and dynamic range in photos compared to the Tecno Spark Go 1. Any secondary cameras (depth or macro) on either device are likely to be low-resolution and of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go 1’s Unisoc T615, fabricated on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – octa-core with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) which uses only Cortex-A55 cores. The A75 cores in the Spark Go 1 provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 22nm process of the SC9863A1 also implies higher power consumption and potentially more heat generation, impacting sustained performance. The Spark Go 1 will demonstrably outperform the Blade A53 Pro in almost all tasks.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Go 1’s 15W charging is a clear advantage over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s 10W charging. While neither is particularly fast by modern standards, the 5W difference translates to a noticeably quicker top-up time. The more efficient Unisoc T615 in the Spark Go 1 also contributes to better battery life, as it consumes less power during operation. Although battery capacity isn't specified, the combination of efficient chipset and faster charging gives the Tecno Spark Go 1 a significant edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 1 if you prioritize responsiveness and a smoother user experience, even if it means spending a little more. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps, browse the web, or enjoy casual gaming. Buy the ZTE Blade A53 Pro if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for calls, texts, and very light usage, and you are extremely price-sensitive. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone owners or those needing a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 1 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T615 chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 1 is more than capable of running social media apps smoothly. The Cortex-A75 cores provide the necessary processing power for quick app loading and scrolling, offering a better user experience than the ZTE Blade A53 Pro.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A53 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The ZTE Blade A53 Pro is only suitable for very light gaming. The Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset struggles with demanding games, and you'll likely experience significant lag and frame drops. The Tecno Spark Go 1 offers a better, though still limited, gaming experience due to its more powerful processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With its 15W charging, the Tecno Spark Go 1 will charge significantly faster than the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s 10W charging. Expect the Spark Go 1 to reach 100% in approximately 2.5-3 hours, while the Blade A53 Pro could take upwards of 4 hours, depending on battery capacity.
