The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi G3 and the Tecno Spark 10C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily diverging in their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Tecno Spark 10C is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G3’s quad-core Helio A22. While the G3 offers a slightly simpler experience, the 10C’s faster charging and more capable processor justify the potential 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 | 2023 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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, HDR | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Dark Green, Lavender Purple | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | - | ₹ 9,990 |
Umidigi G3
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- May have longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Significantly slower performance.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Faster 18W charging.
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.
- Potentially slightly higher price.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize panels with a 12nm manufacturing process for their respective chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency considerations in display design. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness, panel type) for either phone, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given the price point, both likely employ LCD panels with modest brightness levels. The focus here is clearly on cost reduction, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of cameras, a meaningful comparison is limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups aimed at casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced photographic features. The focus is likely on providing a functional camera for everyday snapshots, rather than high-quality image capture.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi G3’s MediaTek Helio A22 is a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process, geared towards basic functionality. In contrast, the Tecno Spark 10C features the Unisoc T606, an octa-core chip (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) also on a 12nm process. The T606’s octa-core architecture, with its inclusion of Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks and overall responsiveness. This translates to smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more enjoyable user experience. The A22 will struggle with demanding applications, while the T606 offers a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Umidigi G3 supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow in today’s market. The Tecno Spark 10C, however, supports 18W wired charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time it takes to replenish the battery, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their device. Even if the G3 has a slightly larger battery, the 10C’s faster charging will likely result in less downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G3 if you need a basic, no-frills smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are extremely budget-constrained. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster 18W charging. The 10C is ideal for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the basics without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at lower graphics settings. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The Helio A22 in the Umidigi G3 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 10C with the 18W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, the 18W charging should significantly reduce charging times compared to the Umidigi G3's 10W charging. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset reliable and well-supported?
Unisoc has been steadily improving its chipset offerings. The T606 is a relatively recent chip and generally considered reliable for its price segment. While it doesn't have the brand recognition of MediaTek or Qualcomm, it provides a solid performance foundation for budget smartphones.
