The Ulefone Note 8 and Tecno Spark Go 2022 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they approach this goal with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a slightly more capable processor for basic multitasking and app usage, the Ulefone Note 8 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6580 chipset, while dated, provides a known performance baseline exceeding the vague 'Quad-core' specification of the Tecno Spark Go 2022. However, both phones are limited in overall performance.
| 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 | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 28. Released 2020, August 28 | 2021, December 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, December 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 66.5 x 12 mm (5.58 x 2.62 x 0.47 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | - |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.8
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Amber Sunrise, Midnight Green | Turquoise Cyan, Iris Purple, Ice Silver, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | KG5, KG5h |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Ulefone Note 8
- Known processor performance (MT6580)
- Cortex-A7 architecture provides a baseline for expectations
- Potentially better multitasking capability
- Outdated chipset technology
- Likely limited software support
Tecno Spark Go 2022
- Potentially newer software version
- May benefit from Tecno's software optimizations
- Likely lower price point
- Vague CPU specification hinders performance assessment
- Potentially slower performance than Ulefone Note 8
Display Comparison
Neither Ulefone nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the prevalence of low-resolution sensors (often 5MP or 8MP) in this price bracket suggests image quality will be limited in challenging lighting conditions. Any 'macro' cameras included are likely 2MP sensors offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will be basic on both devices, prioritizing speed over detail.
Performance
The Ulefone Note 8’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This is a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2022’s unspecified 'Quad-core' CPU. The Cortex-A7 architecture, while older, is a known quantity, offering a predictable level of performance. The 28nm fabrication process, while not cutting-edge, is well-understood and allows for reasonable power efficiency. The Tecno’s CPU lacks even this basic architectural detail, making performance prediction difficult. It’s likely a less powerful, and potentially less efficient, processor. The Ulefone Note 8 will likely handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power processors, both phones should offer at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds via Micro-USB (likely). Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but neither phone is expected to offer exceptional endurance or fast charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 8 if you need a device capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks like light web browsing with multiple tabs or running a few basic apps concurrently. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2022 if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very occasional, simple app usage, and you prioritize a potentially newer software experience (assuming Tecno provides more frequent updates).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 8 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Ulefone Note 8’s Mediatek MT6580 chipset should be capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp, but performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open or during heavy usage. Expect some loading times and occasional lag. The Tecno Spark Go 2022 may struggle even more with these apps due to its less defined processor.
❓ Is either phone likely to receive Android updates?
Given the price point and the age of the Ulefone Note 8’s chipset, significant Android updates are unlikely for either device. Tecno may provide minor security patches or software optimizations, but a major OS upgrade is improbable. Both phones likely ship with an older version of Android, potentially Android Go Edition.
❓ Can either phone handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games should be playable on both devices, but demanding 3D games will likely be unplayable or suffer from extremely low frame rates. The Ulefone Note 8’s MT6580 has a slight advantage, but neither phone is designed for gaming.
