Tecno Spark Go (2019) vs Nokia 2.2: A Deep Dive into Two Ultra-Budget Smartphones

The Tecno Spark Go (2019) and Nokia 2.2 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to determine which offers the best value for the money, focusing on real-world usability rather than raw specifications.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Nokia 2.2 edges out the Tecno Spark Go (2019). While both share the same Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, the Nokia 2.2’s inclusion of 10W wired charging provides a tangible benefit in daily use, reducing downtime and improving overall convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Spark Go (2019) Nokia 2.2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - APAC, EMEA, India
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - APAC, EMEA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 40, 41 - India
Launch
Announced2019, August. Released 2019, August2019, June 06. Released 2019, June 11
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions156.1 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.15 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)146 x 70.6 x 9.3 mm (5.75 x 2.78 x 0.37 in)
SIMDual SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight174 g (6.14 oz)153 g (5.40 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.0% screen-to-body ratio)5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, AF13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsNebula Black, Royal PurpleSteel, Tungsten Black
ModelsKC1TA-1183, TA-1179, TA-1191, TA-1188
Price-About 100 EUR
SAR-0.43 W/kg (head)     1.37 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.45 W/kg (head)     1.61 W/kg (body)

Tecno Spark Go (2019)

  • Potentially larger screen size (unconfirmed)
  • Competitive price point
  • Mediatek Helio A22 provides adequate performance for basic tasks

  • Likely slower charging speeds
  • Software experience may not be as refined as Nokia's

Nokia 2.2

  • 10W wired charging for faster top-ups
  • Android One software for a cleaner experience and timely updates
  • Nokia's reputation for build quality

  • Potentially smaller screen size (unconfirmed)
  • Similar performance to Tecno Spark Go (2019)

Display Comparison

Both the Tecno Spark Go (2019) and Nokia 2.2 utilize the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, suggesting similar graphical capabilities and therefore comparable display performance. However, without specific display specs like resolution, panel type (IPS vs. TFT), or brightness, a definitive comparison is impossible. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates means we cannot assess potential eye strain for sensitive users. It's reasonable to assume both displays are optimized for power efficiency given the target market.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the shared chipset and target price point. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s highly probable both phones feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary sensors (often 2MP depth or macro lenses) that offer limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail, resulting in acceptable photos in good lighting conditions but struggling in low-light scenarios.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a 12nm quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz with Cortex-A53 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The Helio A22 isn’t designed for demanding games or multitasking; users should expect some lag when running multiple applications simultaneously. The lack of RAM specification prevents a deeper analysis of multitasking capabilities, but it’s likely both devices feature a modest amount of RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB) to keep costs down.

Battery Life

While the battery capacity of both devices isn't specified, the Nokia 2.2’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Tecno Spark Go (2019) likely relies on slower charging, potentially extending the overall charging time considerably. For users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day, the Nokia 2.2 offers a more convenient experience. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 should contribute to reasonable battery life on both devices, but the charging speed will be the deciding factor for many users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Tecno Spark Go (2019) if you prioritize maximizing screen real estate within a minimal budget and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Nokia 2.2 if you value a slightly more refined software experience (thanks to Nokia’s Android One commitment) and appreciate the convenience of 10W charging, even if it means potentially a slightly smaller battery capacity (not specified in provided data).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio A22 sufficient for running WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 is perfectly capable of running popular social media applications like WhatsApp and Facebook. These apps are not particularly demanding, and the Helio A22 provides enough processing power for smooth operation. However, expect some slowdown if multiple apps are open simultaneously.
❓ Does the Nokia 2.2's 10W charging make a significant difference in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging on the Nokia 2.2 offers a noticeable improvement over slower charging solutions. While it won't charge the phone as quickly as higher-wattage chargers, it will significantly reduce the time it takes to reach a usable charge level, making it more convenient for users who need to top up their battery frequently.
❓ Will I be able to play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will likely be poor. The Mediatek Helio A22 lacks the graphical power to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even at the lowest settings. Expect significant lag, frame drops, and a generally frustrating gaming experience.