The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Spark Go 1S and Infinix Smart 8 Plus are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance and faster charging, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus emerges as the winner. Its Helio G36 chipset, while not a massive leap, offers a more refined architecture and 18W charging with reverse wired capabilities, providing a tangible advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 1S.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January 06 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2024, February |
| 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) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G50 | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), HIOS 14 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Startrail Black, Glittery White | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | KL4h | X6526 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go 1S
- Simple and reliable operation
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life (5000mAh expected)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Less efficient chipset (Helio G50)
- No reverse charging
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Faster charging (18W with reverse charging)
- More efficient chipset (Helio G36)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar camera performance to the Tecno
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on processing power. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be similar, with both devices likely featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, image processing will play a crucial role, and Infinix’s software optimization may provide a slight edge. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus features the Mediatek Helio G36, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. While both utilize an octa-core CPU configuration with Cortex-A53 cores, the G36’s architecture is more modern. The Tecno Spark Go 1S uses the Helio G50. The G36 splits its cores into 4x2.2 GHz and 4x1.6 GHz, potentially offering better sustained performance by offloading less demanding tasks to the slower cores. This architectural nuance means the G36 is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling under prolonged load, benefiting users who engage in moderate gaming or multitasking. The G50's consistent 2.2GHz across all cores might show a slight burst advantage, but the G36's efficiency will likely win out in longer sessions.
Battery Life
Both phones will likely feature a battery capacity around 5000mAh, standard for this segment. However, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s 15W charging. This translates to faster 0-100% charge times, reducing downtime. Furthermore, the Smart 8 Plus supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Spark Go 1S. This is a practical benefit for users who frequently travel or rely on multiple devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 1S if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you prefer a device capable of handling slightly more demanding apps and games, and value the convenience of faster 18W charging, including the ability to charge other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 8 Plus overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Helio G36’s 12nm process and core configuration are designed for efficiency. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it’s less prone to thermal throttling than the Helio G50 in the Tecno Spark Go 1S, meaning it should maintain stable performance for longer periods during moderate gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus compared to the 15W charging on the Tecno Spark Go 1S?
While the exact difference depends on various factors, the 18W charging on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus will likely reduce charging times by approximately 20-30% compared to the Tecno Spark Go 1S. This translates to a noticeable reduction in downtime, allowing you to get back to using your phone sooner.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus useful?
Yes, reverse wired charging is a surprisingly practical feature. It allows you to use the Infinix Smart 8 Plus as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another smartphone, making it ideal for travel or emergencies.
