The Umidigi G9C and Tecno Spark 20C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and features for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Umidigi G9C edges out the Tecno Spark 20C. While both share the same 18W charging and CPU clock speed, the G9C’s explicitly stated Mediatek Helio G36 chipset provides a more defined performance baseline, suggesting slightly better optimization for common applications.
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September | 2023, November 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Black, Grass Green | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | - | BG7n, BG7 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Umidigi G9C
- Defined chipset (Helio G36) offers performance predictability.
- Potentially better thermal efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Clearer specification sheet for informed purchasing.
- Display specifications are unknown.
- Camera details are limited.
Tecno Spark 20C
- Brand recognition within the Tecno ecosystem.
- Potentially optimized software experience.
- Identical charging speed to the Umidigi G9C.
- Vague chipset specification hinders performance assessment.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes comparison difficult.
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, it’s reasonable to expect 720p+ LCD panels. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates or color gamut coverage suggests neither device will excel in display quality, making this a neutral point. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the lack of specific sensor details. Both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary sensors of limited utility. Without knowing the megapixel count or aperture of the main sensors, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely solely on software algorithms, which may struggle in low-light conditions. Expect basic photography capabilities suitable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipset details. The Umidigi G9C utilizes the Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm), a known quantity offering a balance of efficiency and power. The Tecno Spark 20C simply lists 'Mediatek' without a specific model, making direct comparison difficult. Both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration with 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 12nm process node of the Helio G36 *should* translate to slightly better thermal efficiency compared to a potentially older or less optimized Mediatek chipset in the Spark 20C, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. However, without knowing the GPU within the Tecno Spark 20C, a definitive performance assessment is impossible.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G9C and Tecno Spark 20C support 18W wired charging. While the charging wattage is identical, the actual 0-100% charging time will depend on battery capacity, which is not provided. Given the budget nature of these devices, battery capacities are likely in the 5000mAh range. 18W charging will provide a reasonable, though not exceptionally fast, charging experience, taking approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The lack of fast charging protocols suggests neither device will benefit from higher-wattage chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9C if you need a reliably performing device for basic tasks like social media, messaging, and light web browsing, and value a known chipset. Buy the Tecno Spark 20C if you prioritize brand recognition within the Tecno ecosystem and are comfortable with a less-defined chipset specification, potentially benefiting from software optimizations unique to Tecno’s UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G36 in the Umidigi G9C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G36 is an entry-level gaming chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates to maintain stable performance. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding, graphics-intensive titles.
❓ What type of storage does the Tecno Spark 20C use, and is it expandable?
While not specified, budget smartphones like the Tecno Spark 20C typically utilize eMMC storage. Expandability via a microSD card slot is highly probable, allowing users to increase storage capacity beyond the internal memory. Check the product listing for the maximum supported microSD card size.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Umidigi and Tecno?
Umidigi generally offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Tecno’s HiOS is a heavily customized Android skin with a distinct visual style and pre-installed apps. Users who prefer a cleaner interface may lean towards Umidigi, while those who enjoy customization options might prefer Tecno’s HiOS.
