The Ulefone Note 19 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those choices and their implications for everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Ulefone Note 19 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, built on a more efficient 22nm process, coupled with its impressive 45:51h endurance, outweighs the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s slightly faster CPU clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% 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 8x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | 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, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:51h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class C (124 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Ulefone Note 19
- Exceptional battery life (45:51h endurance)
- More efficient chipset architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Octa-core CPU for better multitasking
- Slower CPU clock speed compared to Tecno
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Faster CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz)
- More modern 12nm process node
- Potentially lower price point
- Less efficient chipset architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Quad-core CPU may struggle with multitasking
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of details like peak brightness or refresh rates suggests neither is geared towards media consumption. Expect similar viewing experiences, with color accuracy and viewing angles being average for this segment.
Camera Comparison
No camera specifications are provided. Given the market segment, both phones likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate for social media sharing but not competitive with higher-end devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Note 19’s Unisoc T603, fabricated on a 22nm process, features an octa-core configuration of Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This architecture prioritizes efficiency. Conversely, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 utilizes the MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores running at 2.0 GHz. While the A22 boasts a higher clock speed, the A53 cores are less efficient than the A55 cores in the T603. The 12nm process node of the Helio A22 is more efficient than the 22nm of the Unisoc, but the core count difference and architecture give the edge to the Ulefone for sustained workloads. Users engaging in multitasking or light gaming will likely find the Ulefone Note 19 offers a smoother experience due to its core advantage.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Note 19’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 45:51 hours. This is significantly longer than what’s typically seen in this price range. The 10W charging on both devices is slow by modern standards, but the Ulefone’s larger endurance mitigates the impact of this slower charging speed. The Tecno Spark Go 2023, lacking endurance data, will likely require more frequent charging due to the less efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 19 if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day – and then some – of moderate use, and if you value a chipset designed for efficiency. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you prioritize a marginally faster CPU for basic tasks and are willing to accept potentially shorter battery life and a less refined chipset architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the Ulefone Note 19 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T603 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should handle PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. The octa-core configuration provides a degree of headroom, but expect frame drops during intense action. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Helio A22 will likely perform even worse in graphically intensive games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Ulefone Note 19 with the 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, expect the Ulefone Note 19 to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0%. While slow, the exceptional battery endurance means you won't need to charge it as frequently as the Tecno Spark Go 2023.
❓ Is the MediaTek Helio A22 chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Helio A22 is a relatively low-power chipset, so overheating isn't a major concern. However, its less efficient architecture means it will generate more heat than the Unisoc T603 during sustained workloads, potentially leading to some thermal throttling.
