The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go 1S and Xiaomi Poco C65 represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the Spark Go 1S focuses on basic functionality, while the Poco C65 aims for a more balanced experience with a more powerful chipset and improved display. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco C65 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Spark Go 1S’s Helio G50, and the significantly brighter 607-nit display enhances usability. While the Spark Go 1S is cheaper, the Poco C65’s extra investment yields a more enjoyable and future-proof experience.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January 06 | 2023, November 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2023, November 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| 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 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G50 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), HIOS 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Startrail Black, Glittery White | Black, Blue, Purple |
| Models | KL4h | 2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 1S
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely a lower quality display
- Slower charging
Xiaomi Poco C65
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 18W PD charging
- Slightly higher price
- Camera quality likely average
- May still struggle with very demanding games
Display Comparison
The Poco C65 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Tecno Spark Go 1S (typical of its price bracket). This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. Furthermore, the Poco C65’s 1555:1 contrast ratio indicates deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Poco C65’s superior specifications offer a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. The Spark Go 1S likely prioritizes cost savings over display quality.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, but details are limited for the Tecno Spark Go 1S. The Poco C65’s camera is described as capable of both photo and video, but without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed analysis is difficult. It’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Poco C65 is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, but without sample images, it’s impossible to assess.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C65’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s Helio G50. The G85 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A75 cores alongside A55s versus the G50’s all-A53 configuration. This means the Poco C65 will exhibit faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications and games. The G85’s GPU is also more capable, offering a better gaming experience. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G85’s processing power will be the bottleneck, not the memory.
Battery Life
The Poco C65 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 11:31h in active use testing. While the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s battery capacity is unknown, its less efficient Helio G50 chipset suggests it will likely fall short of the Poco C65’s endurance. The Poco C65 also supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), enabling faster and more versatile charging compared to the Spark Go 1S’s 15W charging. PD compatibility allows the Poco C65 to charge with a wider range of chargers and potentially offers better charging efficiency.
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 Xiaomi Poco C65 if you want a phone that can handle moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking without significant lag, and if a brighter, more vibrant display is important to you. It’s the better all-rounder for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C65 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Poco C65’s Helio G85 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use medium or low graphics settings for a smooth experience. The G85 isn’t a high-end gaming chip, so don’t expect maximum settings at high frame rates. The Tecno Spark Go 1S’s Helio G50 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Does the Poco C65 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
Yes, the Poco C65 supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD). While a full 0-100% charge time isn’t specified, it will be noticeably faster than the Tecno Spark Go 1S’s 15W charging. Using a PD-compatible charger is recommended for optimal charging speeds.
❓ Is the display on the Poco C65 good enough for watching videos outdoors?
The Poco C65’s 607 nits of peak brightness makes it significantly more usable outdoors than the Tecno Spark Go 1S. While direct sunlight will still pose a challenge, the brighter display will provide a much clearer and more visible image in most outdoor conditions.
