The Umidigi G1 Max and Tecno Spark 10 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10 Pro is the better choice. While both phones share a similar endurance rating of 131 hours, the Tecno’s Helio G88 chipset offers a slight performance advantage, and its 18W charging is significantly faster than the Umidigi G1 Max’s 10W charging.
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.3 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Galaxy Blue | Starry Black, Pearl White |
| Models | - | KI7 |
| Price | - | £ 245.74 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1991:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 249938 (v9)
GeekBench: 1358 (v5.1), 1376 (v6)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Umidigi G1 Max
- Simple, straightforward user experience
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful Unisoc T610 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Tecno Spark 10 Pro
- Faster 18W charging
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G88 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor use (521 nits)
- Camera specifications are vague
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to the Umidigi G1 Max
Display Comparison
Both the Umidigi G1 Max and Tecno Spark 10 Pro share a contrast ratio of 1991:1, suggesting similar panel characteristics in terms of black levels. However, the Tecno Spark 10 Pro distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 521 nits, a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility. While neither manufacturer details panel technology (IPS vs. VA), the brightness difference suggests the Tecno Spark 10 Pro offers a more pleasant viewing experience in bright conditions. Bezels are not specified, so a visual comparison is needed to assess screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This suggests a focus on basic photography rather than advanced features. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess camera quality. The absence of details implies both likely rely on software processing to enhance images, and the usefulness of any included 2MP macro lenses is questionable. The G88’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is speculative.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, provides a modest performance uplift over the Umidigi G1 Max’s Unisoc T610 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75). Both utilize the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the higher clock speed on the G88 translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the G88 is better suited for casual gaming. Both phones’ performance will be limited by the lack of information regarding RAM type and speed; however, the G88’s GPU is likely to offer a better graphical experience.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G1 Max and Tecno Spark 10 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Tecno Spark 10 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Umidigi G1 Max’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed makes the Tecno Spark 10 Pro more practical for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 Max if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. It’s a good option for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Tecno Spark 10 Pro if you want a slightly more responsive experience, faster charging, and a display with measured brightness of 521 nits, making it more usable outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G88 in the Tecno Spark 10 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G88 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Umidigi G1 Max with the Unisoc T610 will likely offer a less smooth gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Umidigi G1 Max with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge from 0% on the Umidigi G1 Max will likely take around 3-4 hours, potentially longer depending on usage during charging. This is a significant drawback compared to the Tecno Spark 10 Pro’s 18W charging.
❓ Are the camera apps on either phone likely to offer features like Night Mode or HDR?
Given the lack of detailed camera specifications, it's likely both phones offer basic camera features like HDR. However, advanced features like a dedicated Night Mode are less certain. Expect image quality to be adequate in good lighting conditions, but potentially noisy in low light.
❓ What type of USB port do these phones use – Micro-USB or USB-C?
While not explicitly stated, most phones in this price range are transitioning to USB-C. It's highly probable both the Umidigi G1 Max and Tecno Spark 10 Pro utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer, but confirmation from official sources is recommended.
