The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go 1S and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the Spark Go 1S focuses on providing a functional experience at the lowest possible price, while the Galaxy A05s aims for a more balanced package with a stronger emphasis on display quality and processing power.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a brighter and higher-contrast display, delivers a noticeably smoother and more enjoyable experience. While the Spark Go 1S is cheaper, the A05s’ superior performance and battery life justify the price difference.
| 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 | 2025, January 06 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | 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, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G50 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | 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 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 |
|---|
| 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 | KL4h | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | About 70 EUR | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 1S
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for first-time smartphone users
- Underpowered Helio G50 chipset
- Likely low-quality display
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Brighter and higher-contrast display
- Faster 25W charging
- Longer battery life
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance likely average
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly more impressive display. Its measured peak brightness of 468 nits is substantially higher than what we’d expect from the Spark Go 1S, making it far more usable outdoors. The 1418:1 contrast ratio further enhances image quality, providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While the Spark Go 1S’s display specs are unavailable, Tecno typically uses lower-quality panels in this price range. The A05s’ superior display makes it the clear winner for media consumption and general usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ camera details are unavailable, but Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally produce more pleasing results than Tecno’s. Given the price point, both devices likely rely heavily on software enhancements to improve image quality. The presence of a dedicated photo/video mode suggests some level of versatility, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The usefulness of any macro camera (likely 2MP on both) is questionable, as image quality is typically poor.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is considerable. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a far more efficient and powerful chipset than the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s MediaTek Helio G50. The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration, with a mix of 2.4 GHz Kryo Gold and 1.9 GHz Kryo Silver cores, provides a significant boost in both single-core and multi-core performance. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Helio G50’s Cortex-A53 cores, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding apps and multitasking. This translates to a smoother, more responsive experience on the A05s.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, achieving an active use score of 11 hours and 32 minutes. While the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s battery capacity is unknown, the more efficient Snapdragon 680 in the A05s, combined with its optimized software, contributes to significantly longer runtimes. Furthermore, the A05s supports 25W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Spark Go 1S’s 15W charging. This means less downtime and more time using the device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 1S if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or as a backup phone. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better display quality for media consumption, and longer battery life for all-day use. It’s the better option for anyone who wants a reliable and capable budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Helio G50 in the Spark Go 1S will struggle with PUBG Mobile, likely requiring very low settings and potentially experiencing significant lag.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s compared to the 15W charging on the Spark Go 1S?
The 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect the A05s to charge considerably faster – potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes compared to the Spark Go 1S. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 1S struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
Yes, the Helio G50 chipset and likely limited RAM in the Spark Go 1S will result in noticeable slowdowns when multitasking. Switching between apps will be slower, and running demanding apps in the background may impact performance. The Galaxy A05s, with its Snapdragon 680, handles multitasking much more efficiently.
