The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We're pitting the Unnecto Primo 3G against the TCL 10 SE to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer. The Primo 3G's lack of publicly available specifications necessitates a focus on the TCL 10 SE's strengths and a deduction of the Primo 3G's likely positioning.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL 10 SE is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over what we can reasonably expect from the Unnecto Primo 3G, making it better suited for everyday tasks and light gaming. While the Primo 3G may offer a lower upfront cost, the TCL 10 SE's usability justifies the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013. Released 2013 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 108 x 46 x 13.2 mm (4.25 x 1.81 x 0.52 in) | 164.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM or Dual SIM (dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 70 g (2.47 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| | Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~20.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 10, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 1GB 256MB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 0.8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Audio/video player
Organizer
Voice memo | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 600 mAh battery | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Stone | Black, Violet |
| Models | - | T766H_EEA, T766U, T766H, T766A, T766J |
Unnecto Primo 3G
- Likely the most affordable option
- Simple and easy to use (assumed)
- Potentially longer standby time (due to lower performance)
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited software support (likely)
TCL 10 SE
- Better performance with Helio P22
- More responsive user experience
- 15W wired charging
- Likely better camera quality
- Slightly higher price
- May not be the absolute cheapest option
- IPS LCD display lacks advanced features
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Unnecto Primo 3G, we can assume it utilizes a basic IPS LCD panel common in this price bracket. The TCL 10 SE, while also employing an IPS LCD, benefits from a more refined manufacturing process. Both are likely to feature 720p+ resolutions, but the TCL 10 SE's panel is likely to have slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to TCL's experience in display technology. Neither device is expected to offer high brightness levels or advanced features like HDR support.
Camera Comparison
Given the lack of camera specifications for the Unnecto Primo 3G, it's safe to assume a basic camera setup. The TCL 10 SE, while not boasting flagship-level cameras, offers a more capable imaging experience. While details on the TCL 10 SE's main sensor are missing, its image processing algorithms are likely more refined than those found in the Primo 3G. The inclusion of even a basic secondary camera on the TCL 10 SE provides some versatility, while the Primo 3G may only have a single rear camera.
Performance
The TCL 10 SE's Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provides a significant advantage over the likely entry-level chipset found in the Unnecto Primo 3G. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL 10 SE. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Helio P22 can handle less demanding mobile games at reasonable settings. The Primo 3G will likely struggle with even basic gaming tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for the Unnecto Primo 3G. The TCL 10 SE supports 15W wired charging, which, while not fast charging by today's standards, is a reasonable offering in this price segment. The Helio P22's power efficiency also contributes to decent battery life on the TCL 10 SE. Without knowing the Primo 3G's battery size, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but the TCL 10 SE's charging speed and chipset efficiency give it an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Unnecto Primo 3G if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to compromise on performance and features. It's likely targeted at users with very basic needs – calls, texts, and minimal app usage. Buy the TCL 10 SE if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P22 in the TCL 10 SE capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. Its octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (though the amount isn't specified in the provided data) will provide a responsive experience for these everyday applications. You shouldn't experience significant lag or slowdowns.
❓ How does the TCL 10 SE perform with mobile gaming, specifically titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the TCL 10 SE isn't a dedicated gaming phone, the Helio P22 can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, and you'll likely need to reduce the graphics quality to achieve a playable experience. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding gamers.
❓ What kind of storage options does the TCL 10 SE offer, and is it expandable via microSD card?
Unfortunately, the provided data doesn't specify the storage options for the TCL 10 SE. However, many phones in this price range offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. It's highly likely that the TCL 10 SE supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity, but this needs to be verified with the official specifications.
