The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking affordability. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Tecno Spark Go 2021 and the Xiaomi Redmi A1+. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ edges out the Tecno Spark Go 2021 thanks to its slightly faster processor, more efficient chipset, and 10W charging. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1+ offers a more polished experience and a bit more future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 01 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 07 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Processor
- Basic Camera
- No Fast Charging
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Faster Processor (Helio A22)
- More Efficient Chipset
- 10W Charging
- Slightly Better Image Processing
- Basic Camera
- Limited Storage Options
- Plastic Build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, HD+ displays, typically around 6.5 inches. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for media consumption but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 might have a slightly larger display, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is modest. Expect basic 13MP main cameras and front-facing cameras around 5MP. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be poor. The Redmi A1+ might offer slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
Here, the Redmi A1+ takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) is more efficient and offers a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark Go 2021's quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi A1+. Both phones will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature batteries around 5000mAh, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Redmi A1+'s 10W charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2021, which likely lacks dedicated charging specifications.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is a better choice for those who want a slightly faster phone, a more modern chipset, and the convenience of wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor, but neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Does the Redmi A1+ support 4G?
Yes, both the Tecno Spark Go 2021 and the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ support 4G LTE connectivity.