The Umidigi C1 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which one offers the better experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Umidigi C1’s older MT6739, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
Umidigi C1
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated and less efficient chipset
- Sluggish performance in most tasks
- Likely limited software support
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More efficient and powerful chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance still limited
- Still an entry-level device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this segment) with limited color accuracy. However, the focus here is on the underlying chipsets, as display quality is often secondary in this price bracket. Expect similar viewing experiences, with neither offering particularly bright or vibrant visuals.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the target price point, expect basic sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting, but don't expect detailed or vibrant photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Umidigi C1’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process is significantly more power-efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, the Helio A22 operates at a higher clock speed of 2.0 GHz versus the C1’s 1.5 GHz, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. This translates to a more responsive user experience, especially noticeable when switching between apps or browsing the web.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio A22 chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 will likely result in better battery life overall. The 12nm process consumes less power, allowing the Tecno to operate for longer on a single charge, even with a similar battery capacity to the Umidigi C1.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi C1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise significantly on performance. It's suitable for very basic use cases like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a device that feels less sluggish in daily operation. The slightly higher investment yields a more usable smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2023 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 provides enough processing power to run social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Umidigi C1 for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Umidigi C1 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Umidigi C1 is not well-suited for gaming. The older MT6739 chipset and limited processing power will result in low frame rates and significant lag, even in less demanding games. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 offers a slightly better gaming experience, but still isn't ideal for serious mobile gamers.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The actual charging time will depend on the battery capacity (which isn't specified) and the charger used.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Tecno, as a larger and more established brand, is more likely to provide occasional software updates and security patches for the Spark Go 2023 compared to Umidigi. However, expectations should remain low, as both devices fall into the ultra-budget category and typically receive limited long-term software support.
