Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Ulefone Note 12P and Tecno Spark Go 2023 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 edges out the Ulefone Note 12P thanks to its more efficient chipset and generally smoother performance. While both offer basic functionality, the Spark Go 2023 provides a slightly better user experience for the price, especially for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 25 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Ulefone Note 12P
- Potentially more RAM options
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera quality
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More efficient chipset
- Smoother performance
- Good battery life
- Generally better value
- Basic camera quality
- Smaller screen (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited color accuracy. The Ulefone Note 12P *might* have a slightly higher resolution or brightness, but this is variant-dependent. The Tecno Spark Go 2023's display is generally considered adequate for its price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both phones is expected to be basic. Both likely feature a primary rear camera around 13MP-16MP, accompanied by depth and macro sensors. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be subpar. The Tecno might have slightly better image processing.
Performance
Here's where the Tecno Spark Go 2023 takes a lead. The MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) is more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both have octa-core CPUs, the Helio A22's architecture and manufacturing process result in better performance and less thermal throttling. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Tecno.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a similar battery capacity, likely around 5000mAh. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2023's more efficient chipset will translate to better battery life in real-world usage. Expect a full day of moderate use from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Note 12P is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially more RAM (depending on the variant). The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and efficient device for daily use, even with a slightly smaller display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and MediaTek Helio A22 chipsets?
The MediaTek Helio A22 is generally more efficient and offers better performance due to its smaller manufacturing process (12nm vs 28nm) and optimized architecture.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in smoother gameplay and less overheating.
