The Wiko Y81 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices rely on Mediatek’s Helio A-series chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and features can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dives deep into those nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic smartphone for essential tasks, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the slightly better choice. Its Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Wiko Y81’s 1.8 GHz Helio A20, translating to smoother app loading and multitasking, despite both running Android Go.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 18. Released 2020, August 18 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.22 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Blue, Gold, Green | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.61 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Y81
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact and lightweight design
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Slower processor compared to Tecno
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Limited camera capabilities
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups
- Slightly better multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar limited camera quality
- Still relies on basic components
Display Comparison
Neither Wiko nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests both displays are geared towards functional visibility rather than immersive viewing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are minimal on both devices. Expect a primary rear camera, likely 8MP or 5MP, accompanied by a depth sensor or a low-resolution macro lens on the Tecno. The Wiko Y81’s camera details are even scarcer. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light are inevitable. The emphasis is on functionality rather than photographic excellence. The 2MP macro lenses often found in this segment offer limited practical benefit due to their low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Wiko Y81 features the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz, while the Tecno Spark Go 2023 boasts the MT6761 Helio A22 with the same core configuration but a faster 2.0 GHz clock speed. This 200 MHz difference, while seemingly small, translates to a measurable performance advantage for the Tecno Spark Go 2023 in CPU-bound tasks. Both devices likely feature limited RAM (typically 2GB or 3GB) and eMMC storage, further emphasizing the focus on basic functionality. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low-power nature of these chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 includes 10W wired charging, offering a faster and more convenient charging experience compared to the Wiko Y81, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. While both phones should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage, the Tecno’s charging capability provides a tangible advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Y81 if you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media, basic gaming, and occasional photo capture, and appreciate the convenience of 10W wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2023 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Helio A22 chipset in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of popular social media apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. While multitasking with several apps open simultaneously may cause some slowdown, the phone should handle basic social media usage without significant issues.
❓ Is the Wiko Y81 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Wiko Y81 is a perfectly adequate choice for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its Helio A20 chipset is sufficient for these basic tasks, and its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, expect limited performance with anything beyond these core functions.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
While technically possible to launch PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. Expect extremely low frame rates, even at the lowest graphics settings. These phones are not designed for gaming, and PUBG Mobile will likely be unplayable for most users. Stick to simpler, less demanding games.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging beyond 10W?
No. Neither the Wiko Y81 nor the Tecno Spark Go 2023 support fast charging technologies beyond the 10W wired charging offered by the Tecno. Expect a full charge to take several hours with the included charger.
