The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y18i and the Tecno Spark 20C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more responsive CPU, the Tecno Spark 20C is the better choice. While the vivo Y18i offers a reliable experience, the Spark 20C’s 18W charging and 2.2GHz CPU provide a noticeable edge in daily use.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 23 | 2023, November 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 23 | Available. Released 2023, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 528 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | V2414 | BG7n, BG7 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) | - |
vivo Y18i
- Potentially better single-core performance with Cortex-A75 cores
- Established brand reputation for software updates
- Likely efficient power management
- Slower 15W charging
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software optimization
Tecno Spark 20C
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- Higher CPU clock speed for smoother multitasking
- Aggressive pricing and feature set
- Mediatek Helio chipset may not be as efficient as Unisoc T612
- Brand recognition is still growing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather durability and power efficiency. Expect 720p+ resolution on both, adequate for everyday tasks, but not ideal for media consumption. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both devices likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The image processing algorithms will be crucial, and Tecno has been aggressively improving its camera software. Given the price point, expect acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The absence of OIS on either device means relying heavily on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The vivo Y18i utilizes the Unisoc T612, a 12nm chip with a heterogeneous core configuration – two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. The Tecno Spark 20C, however, employs a Mediatek Helio chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. While the A75 cores in the Y18i offer higher single-core performance, the higher clock speed of the A53 cores in the Spark 20C, combined with Mediatek’s optimizations, likely translates to a snappier experience in multitasking and app launching. The Unisoc T612’s 12nm process may also lead to slightly higher power consumption under load.
Battery Life
Both phones will likely feature a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the Tecno Spark 20C’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the vivo Y18i’s 15W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While 3W difference may not seem substantial, it adds up over the lifespan of the device, especially for users who charge their phones frequently.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18i if you prioritize a brand with a strong reputation for software stability and long-term support, and if your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Tecno Spark 20C if you value faster charging speeds, a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, and are comfortable with a brand that’s rapidly gaining market share.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio chipset in the Tecno Spark 20C overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio chipset isn't known for extreme performance, the Cortex-A53 cores are relatively efficient. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding games, but sustained gaming in titles like PUBG may lead to some thermal throttling. The phone's plastic build will help dissipate heat, but it won't match the cooling capabilities of more expensive devices.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are limited in their capabilities. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography. The primary camera will deliver far superior results in most scenarios.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 20C handle demanding apps like video editing software without significant lag?
The Tecno Spark 20C's 2.2GHz CPU will handle basic video editing tasks, but it's not designed for professional-level editing. Expect some lag and rendering delays when working with large video files or complex projects. It's suitable for quick edits and social media content creation, but not for intensive video production.
