The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi A13S and Tecno Spark 9 Pro aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi A13S’s quad-core Unisoc Tiger T310. The 18W charging also offers a significantly faster top-up time, making it ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.61 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes (KH7n only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | - | KH7, KH7n |
Umidigi A13S
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Faster 18W charging
- Better for multitasking and gaming
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Image processing may be overly aggressive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications in the provided data, we can assume both utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here will be on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be basic on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely more for marketing than practical use. Image processing will likely be more aggressive on the Tecno Spark 9 Pro, aiming for vibrant, shareable photos, while the Umidigi may lean towards a more natural, albeit less detailed, look.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G85 is an octa-core processor (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), offering significantly more processing power than the Umidigi A13S’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Helio G85’s additional cores translate to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both use the same Cortex-A75 and A55 architecture, the sheer number of cores gives the Tecno a clear advantage. This is particularly noticeable in app loading times and handling multiple applications simultaneously. The Unisoc T310 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 18W wired charging is considerably faster than the Umidigi A13S’s 10W charging. This means significantly less time tethered to a wall outlet. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed of the Tecno provides a more convenient user experience. A full charge on the Umidigi A13S will take considerably longer, potentially requiring overnight charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A13S if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple backup device. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging. It’s the better choice for users who demand more from their budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Helio G85 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience, unlike the Umidigi A13S which will struggle with demanding titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Umidigi A13S with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% on the Umidigi A13S will likely take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly slower than the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 18W charging, which could potentially achieve a full charge in around 2 hours.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset in the Umidigi A13S sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, checking email, and using social media apps. However, you may experience some lag when switching between apps or opening multiple tabs in your browser. It's best suited for users with light smartphone usage.
