The ZTE nubia Music and Tecno Spark 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver functionality, but significant architectural differences and charging capabilities separate these devices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10C emerges as the better choice. Its newer 12nm Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE nubia Music’s older 28nm SC9863A. The 18W charging also significantly reduces downtime, making the Spark 10C a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 28 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes, dual jacks | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow; other colors | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | Z2353 | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | € 93.99 | ₹ 9,990 |
ZTE nubia Music
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset.
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Tecno Spark 10C.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Older, less efficient 28nm chipset.
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Unisoc T606.
- Faster 18W charging.
- More efficient 12nm chipset.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy use.
- Potentially a slightly higher price tag.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to drive the display, which we'll cover in the performance section. Bezels are likely substantial on both, and color accuracy will be typical for this segment – adequate for casual viewing but not color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The absence of information suggests neither device prioritizes photography. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance image quality, and low-light performance will likely be limited on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, is a clear upgrade over the ZTE nubia Music’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The T606’s CPU configuration – 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 – includes higher-performance A75 cores, offering a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the nubia Music’s all-A55 configuration (4x1.6 GHz & 4x1.2 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable user experience. The older 28nm process of the SC9863A will also likely result in higher heat generation under load, potentially leading to thermal throttling.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging wattage provides a significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W wired charging is considerably faster than the ZTE nubia Music’s 10W charging. This means the Spark 10C can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. Even if the nubia Music has a slightly larger battery, the slower charging speed will likely negate that advantage for many users. The 12nm process of the T606 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Music if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential communication and media consumption, and you prioritize a potentially longer battery life due to the less powerful chipset. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and faster charging to minimize interruptions. The Spark 10C is the better option for users who demand more than just the bare minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Tecno Spark 10C, with its Cortex-A75 cores, is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. The improved processing power provides a smoother and more responsive user experience compared to the ZTE nubia Music.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C a significant improvement over the ZTE nubia Music's 10W charging?
Absolutely. 18W charging will drastically reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Tecno Spark 10C. While exact 0-100% times aren't available, you can expect a noticeably faster charging experience, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected for longer. The ZTE nubia Music's 10W charging will require significantly more time to achieve a full charge.
❓ Can I play basic mobile games on the ZTE nubia Music?
You can play basic mobile games on the ZTE nubia Music, but expect limited performance. The Unisoc SC9863A is a less powerful chipset, and graphically demanding games may experience lag or require reduced graphics settings. The Tecno Spark 10C will offer a better gaming experience due to its superior processing power.
