The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the ZTE Blade V30 and the Tecno Spark 10C. Both promise a decent experience without breaking the bank, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade V30 edges out the Tecno Spark 10C thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better overall performance. However, the Tecno Spark 10C might offer a more compelling price point depending on regional availability and deals. Ultimately, it's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - Mexico | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 26, 28, 66 - Mexico | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 16 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.8 x 8.9 mm (6.53 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | 9030 | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 200 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
ZTE Blade V30
- Slightly more powerful chipset (T618)
- Potentially higher price
- Camera quality may not be significantly better
Tecno Spark 10C
- Potentially more affordable
- Reliable brand
- Less powerful chipset (T606)
- May receive shorter software support
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5-6.6 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The Blade V30 *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is speculative without official data.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often a point of differentiation in this price range. While both likely have a multi-camera setup (main sensor, depth sensor, macro), the Blade V30 *may* have a slightly higher resolution main sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing, so real-world testing is crucial. Expect decent daytime shots, but low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
Here's where the ZTE Blade V30 takes a slight lead. The Unisoc Tiger T618 boasts a higher clock speed on its Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz on the T606), suggesting better performance in demanding tasks. Both chipsets are entry-level, so don't expect blazing-fast speeds, but the V30 should feel a bit more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 18W wired charging, which is standard for this segment. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging times will be comparable.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade V30 is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming. The Tecno Spark 10C is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, affordable phone with a focus on essential features and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade V30's slightly more powerful chipset gives it a small edge for gaming, although both phones are best suited for casual games.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Tecno is generally known for providing decent software updates, but ZTE's track record is less consistent. Check regional availability and update policies before purchasing.