The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo iQOO U1x and Tecno Spark Go 2020 represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The iQOO U1x leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, while the Spark Go 2020 opts for MediaTek’s Helio A20. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device offers the best experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the vivo iQOO U1x is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance than the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s Helio A20, making it a more capable device for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the Spark Go 2020 remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 21. Released 2020, October 31 | 2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Ice Jadeite, Aqua Blue, Sky Black |
| Models | V2065A | KE5S |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
vivo iQOO U1x
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 662)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better display than the competition
Tecno Spark Go 2020
- Lower price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks like calling and texting
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow processor (Helio A20)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. However, the iQOO U1x’s Snapdragon 662 includes a more powerful ISP, suggesting potentially better image processing for display output. The Tecno Spark Go 2020, with its Helio A20, will likely exhibit slower response times and less vibrant colors. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Snapdragon 662’s superior ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the iQOO U1x will likely result in better image quality, even with similar sensor configurations. The Helio A20’s ISP is more basic, limiting its ability to process complex scenes or low-light conditions effectively. Expect the iQOO U1x to produce sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the resolution and optics to deliver truly compelling macro photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s MediaTek Helio A20, a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a 12nm node. The 12nm process of the Helio A20 is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat and throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon 662’s Kryo cores offer a more modern and efficient design, translating to smoother multitasking and faster app launch times. The iQOO U1x will handle graphically intensive tasks and games with significantly more ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the iQOO U1x’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Helio A20-powered Spark Go 2020 likely supports slower charging speeds. The Snapdragon 662’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The 18W charging on the iQOO U1x will allow for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1x if you need a phone that can handle more than just basic calling and texting – if you enjoy occasional gaming, social media scrolling, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2020 if your primary needs are limited to essential communication and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else, and are willing to accept a slower, less responsive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2020 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Yes, the Helio A20’s limited processing power may result in noticeable lag and slow loading times when using demanding social media apps. Scrolling through feeds and loading images will likely be less smooth compared to the iQOO U1x.
❓ Can the iQOO U1x handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The iQOO U1x can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Snapdragon 662 is capable, but it’s not a dedicated gaming chipset.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 662 in the iQOO U1x provides a much snappier and more responsive experience for everyday tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between applications. The Helio A20 in the Spark Go 2020 will feel noticeably slower.
❓ Does the iQOO U1x support fast charging protocols beyond 18W?
While the iQOO U1x supports 18W charging, it's unlikely to support more advanced fast charging protocols like Quick Charge 4+ or Power Delivery. It's best to use the included charger for optimal charging speeds.
