The Ulefone Note 6 and Tecno Spark 9T (India) represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison will dissect those differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Tecno Spark 9T (India) is the clear winner. Its MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Ulefone Note 6’s quad-core Unisoc SC7731e. While the Note 6 may offer slightly better battery longevity due to its less powerful processor, the Spark 9T’s 18W charging mitigates this.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 11 | 2022, July 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 11 | Available. Released 2022, August 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 73.4 x 8.5 mm (6.12 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) | 164.5 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | - |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Purple, Red | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple, Tahiti Gold |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Ulefone Note 6
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor.
- May be more affordable (depending on retailer).
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Tecno Spark 9T.
- Less capable for multitasking and gaming.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
Tecno Spark 9T (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Helio G35.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Ulefone Note 6.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Software experience can vary.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both devices likely employ budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Helio G35’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are primarily for marketing purposes and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Note 6’s Unisoc SC7731e is a quad-core processor built on a larger, less efficient node. In contrast, the Tecno Spark 9T (India) features the MediaTek Helio G35, an octa-core processor fabricated on a 12nm process. This translates to significantly improved multi-tasking and application launch speeds for the Spark 9T. The Helio G35’s Cortex-A53 cores, while not cutting-edge, are more capable than the Cortex-A7 cores in the Unisoc chip. The G35’s GPU will also provide a noticeably better gaming experience, even if limited to low settings.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the Ulefone Note 6, but given its less powerful chipset, it will likely offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge compared to the Tecno Spark 9T. However, the Spark 9T compensates with 18W wired charging, allowing for significantly faster top-ups. This means even if the Spark 9T’s battery drains faster, the convenience of quicker charging makes it a more practical choice for many users. A full charge on the Spark 9T will likely take under 2 hours, while the Note 6 may require considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 6 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and prioritize maximum battery life over performance. Buy the Tecno Spark 9T (India) if you prefer a smoother user experience, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, and value faster charging capabilities. The Spark 9T is the better choice for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9T (India) be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio G35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Tecno Spark 9T can run PUBG Mobile at low to medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, but it's a playable experience, unlike the Ulefone Note 6 which would struggle significantly.
❓ Does the Ulefone Note 6 support software updates, and for how long?
Ulefone's update track record is inconsistent. Expect limited software support for the Note 6, potentially only one major Android version update, if any. The Tecno Spark 9T, being from a larger brand, may receive slightly more consistent updates, but long-term support shouldn't be expected.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 9T compatible with any USB charger?
Yes, the 18W charging supports the Power Delivery (PD) standard, meaning it will work with most USB-C chargers that support PD. However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a charger specifically rated for that wattage.
