The Umidigi G1 and Tecno Spark 10C represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. However, despite similar price points, a significant divergence in chipset architecture dictates a clear performance advantage for one device. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 10C is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G1’s aging Mediatek MT6739. While the G1 may be slightly cheaper, the Spark 10C’s improved processing power and faster charging justify the small price difference.
| 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 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | - | ₹ 9,990 |
Umidigi G1
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Outdated Mediatek MT6739 chipset.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited performance for multitasking and gaming.
Tecno Spark 10C
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Improved efficiency and thermal management.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Tecno’s software skin can be intrusive (though improving).
- Camera performance is still limited by budget sensors.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, display specifications beyond panel type are unavailable. The focus here is on internal components, as display quality is often similar across budget phones. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, impacting screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 10C will likely result in slightly better image processing and noise reduction compared to the MT6739 in the Umidigi G1. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi G1’s Mediatek MT6739, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. This architecture is several generations old and struggles with modern multitasking. Conversely, the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606, built on a 12nm process, utilizes an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 (performance) and Cortex-A55 (efficiency) cores. This translates to significantly faster application loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for everyday tasks. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal management and power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Umidigi G1’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the G1 might partially offset the slower charging, the efficiency gains of the Unisoc T606 in the Spark 10C will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you want a more responsive experience for social media, streaming video, and occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster 18W charging. The Spark 10C is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T606 is a significant improvement over the MT6739, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at medium settings with moderate frame rates. Call of Duty may require lower settings and may still experience occasional stuttering. The T606 is capable of casual gaming, but demanding titles will push its limits.
❓ Is the software on the Tecno Spark 10C heavily modified with bloatware?
Tecno’s HiOS software has historically included a degree of pre-installed apps and customizations. However, Tecno has been actively working to reduce bloatware and improve the user experience in recent iterations of HiOS. Expect some pre-installed apps, but they are generally uninstallable. The software is based on Android, providing access to the Google Play Store and a wide range of apps.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Tecno Spark 10C compared to the Umidigi G1?
The 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect the Spark 10C to charge considerably faster than the Umidigi G1’s 10W charging. This means less time tethered to a wall outlet and more time using your phone.
