Both the Ulefone Note 7 and Tecno Spark 10C target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they represent different approaches. The Ulefone Note 7 is an older device relying on a tried-and-true, if dated, Mediatek chipset. The Tecno Spark 10C, however, leverages a newer Unisoc processor and faster charging, aiming to deliver a more modern experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the best option.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 10C is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Ulefone Note 7’s Mediatek MT6580, and the inclusion of 18W charging is a welcome addition. While neither phone excels in any single area, the Spark 10C offers a more well-rounded package.
| 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 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.5 g (6.28 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% 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 MT6580 (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP | - |
| 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 | 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 | microUSB 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 |
| Stand-by | Up to 374 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Twilight | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | Q345 | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 120 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
Ulefone Note 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Very slow charging speed
- Outdated chipset architecture
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging support
- More modern chipset architecture
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance still limited by price point
- Display quality likely basic
Display Comparison
Neither Ulefone nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond size. Given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the more modern design of the Spark 10C suggests potentially narrower bezels, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are likely similar, leaning towards the basic side, but the Spark 10C’s newer manufacturing process *could* translate to slightly improved panel quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The Ulefone Note 7’s camera performance will likely be limited by the slower image signal processor (ISP) within the MT6580. The Tecno Spark 10C, benefiting from the T606’s more capable ISP, should deliver slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Avoid expecting flagship-level results from either device.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Ulefone Note 7’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This is a relatively slow architecture, struggling with multitasking and demanding applications. Conversely, the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 (for performance) and Cortex-A55 (for efficiency) cores. This translates to significantly faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and improved responsiveness. The T606’s architecture is a generational leap forward, benefiting users who engage in anything beyond basic calling and texting.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies in charging speed. The Ulefone Note 7 likely supports only 5W charging, resulting in very slow charging times. The Tecno Spark 10C, with its 18W wired charging support, offers a much faster charging experience, reducing downtime and improving usability. This is a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise significantly on performance and charging speed. It's a functional device for basic tasks. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more. It’s the better option for anyone beyond the most basic smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Tecno Spark 10C is significantly more capable than the Mediatek MT6580 in the Ulefone Note 7. It should handle social media apps, web browsing, and light multitasking without significant lag or stuttering. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be a noticeable improvement over the Ulefone Note 7.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C a significant improvement over the Ulefone Note 7’s charging speed?
Absolutely. The Ulefone Note 7 likely supports only 5W charging, meaning a full charge could take several hours. The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging will drastically reduce charging times, potentially going from 0% to 100% in around 2-3 hours, depending on usage. This is a major convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 10C run mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Tecno Spark 10C can *run* these games, but expect to play them on low to medium settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Unisoc T606 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, and demanding titles will push its limits. The Ulefone Note 7 would struggle significantly with these games, making the Spark 10C the preferable option for casual gaming.
