The Ulefone Note 15 and Tecno Spark 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, they take drastically different approaches to core components, particularly the chipset. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Tecno Spark 10C is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and more modern 12nm process, provides a significantly smoother experience than the Ulefone Note 15’s aging Mediatek MT6580A. While the Ulefone may have a slight edge in potential software longevity due to simpler hardware, the performance gap is too large to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 18 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 18 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.19 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 93.4 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580A/WVP (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Purple, Diamond Blue, Twilight Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 80 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Ulefone Note 15
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler hardware may lead to longer software support (speculative)
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Outdated and slow Mediatek MT6580A chipset
- Likely struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Unknown battery capacity
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- May be slightly more expensive than the Ulefone Note 15
- Camera performance likely similar to Ulefone
- Software updates may be less frequent (typical for Tecno)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The Ulefone Note 15’s display resolution is unknown, while the Tecno Spark 10C’s is also not specified. The absence of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass protection is expected at this price point. Display quality will likely be similar, focusing on basic visibility rather than immersive viewing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures are unavailable. Given the price point, expect basic image quality suitable for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. The Ulefone Note 15 and Tecno Spark 10C likely include a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but these secondary sensors typically offer limited utility. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor in this comparison. The Ulefone Note 15’s Mediatek MT6580A, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This architecture dates back several years and struggles with modern app demands. Conversely, the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, utilizes an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness, while the A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to a noticeably smoother user experience on the Tecno, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Ulefone Note 15 is unknown, while the Tecno Spark 10C supports 18W wired charging. While the mAh rating is crucial, the charging speed provides a tangible benefit. The 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a wall outlet, offering greater convenience for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. Without knowing the Ulefone’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the faster charging of the Tecno is a clear advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 15 if you need a basic, extremely affordable phone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and are willing to accept noticeable slowdowns with even moderate multitasking. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and value the benefit of faster charging for keeping you powered throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T606 can run these games, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The Ulefone Note 15 would likely struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How does the Unisoc T606 chipset compare to other chipsets in this price range?
The Unisoc T606 generally outperforms the Mediatek MT6580A found in the Ulefone Note 15. It's comparable to other entry-level chipsets like the Helio A22, but offers a noticeable advantage in multitasking and responsiveness due to its octa-core configuration and more modern architecture.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C a significant improvement over standard 10W charging?
Yes, 18W charging is a substantial improvement. It will reduce charging times considerably, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed. A full charge from 0-100% will be noticeably faster than with a standard 10W charger.
