The Umidigi A11 and Tecno Spark 7T represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with slightly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on the performance implications of their respective MediaTek Helio chipsets.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother everyday performance and potentially better app responsiveness, the Tecno Spark 7T is the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, offers a tangible, albeit modest, advantage over the Umidigi A11’s Helio G25. However, the A11 remains a viable option for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 222 g (7.83 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, AF
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Frost Grey | Nebula orange, Magnet Black, Jewel Blue |
| Models | - | KF6p |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Umidigi A11
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Reliable MediaTek chipset
- Slower processor than the Tecno Spark 7T
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Likely lower app responsiveness
Tecno Spark 7T
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Slightly better app responsiveness
- Potentially better gaming experience (still limited)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by the entry-level chipset
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Neither Umidigi nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices. Without further data, a direct comparison is impossible, but users shouldn't expect vibrant or color-accurate displays on either model.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary sensors, potentially including a depth or macro lens. However, given the target price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and adequate lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests that low-light performance will be limited. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and lens aperture are more critical factors, and these are not provided.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 7T’s MediaTek Helio G35 features a CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing four Cortex-A53 cores at this speed, and another four at 1.8 GHz. The Umidigi A11’s Helio G25, in contrast, tops out at 2.0 GHz for its four high-performance Cortex-A53 cores, with the remaining four clocked at 1.5 GHz. This higher clock speed on the G35 translates to faster single-core performance, noticeable in app launch times and general UI responsiveness. While both chipsets are based on a 12nm process, the G35’s architecture provides a slight edge. Both phones will likely struggle with demanding 3D games, but the G35 will offer a marginally better experience.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – expect several hours to reach a full charge. While battery capacity isn't specified, typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The slower charging speed means that maximizing battery life through efficient app management will be crucial for both devices. The slightly more efficient Helio G35 in the Tecno Spark 7T *may* translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A11 if you need a functional smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Tecno Spark 7T if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for app switching, web browsing, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a small premium for that added performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 7T handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 is a gaming-focused chipset, PUBG Mobile will likely need to be played on the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience. Expect occasional stuttering and frame drops, even then. It's not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take upwards of 3-4 hours. It's best to charge overnight or during periods of inactivity. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and is it expandable?
These phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both the Umidigi A11 and Tecno Spark 7T support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 128GB or 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
