Tecno Spark GO 1

The Tecno Spark GO 1 is available in two variants: 3GB RAM with 64GB storage, priced at QAR 324, and 4GB RAM with 128GB storage, priced at QAR 370. These prices position the Tecno Spark GO 1 as a competitive entry-level smartphone in the Qatari market. 

The phone comes in three color options: Startrail Black, Glittery White, and Lime Green, catering to different style preferences.

Tecno Spark GO 1 Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Tecno Spark GO 1
Release Date	August 29, 2024
Display	6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels, 120Hz Refresh Rate
Operating System	Android 14 (Go Edition) with HiOS 14
Processor	Unisoc Tiger T615, Octa-Core (2x 1.8 GHz + 6x 1.6 GHz)
RAM	3GB or 4GB
Storage	64GB or 128GB, Expandable up to 1TB
Rear Camera	13MP (f/1.8 Aperture), Dual LED Flash
Front Camera	8MP with Dual LED Flash
Battery	5000 mAh, 15W Wired Charging
Colors	Startrail Black, Glittery White, Lime Green
Price in Qatar	Starting from QAR 324

Design and Display

The Tecno Spark GO 1 features a modern design with a large 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. The screen boasts a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of 263 ppi.

One of the standout features of this budget-friendly device is its 120Hz refresh rate, which is uncommon in this price range. This high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and improved responsiveness, enhancing the overall user experience.

The phone’s body is made of plastic, which helps keep the cost down while still providing a durable build. It measures 166 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and 8 mm in thickness, making it relatively slim for a budget smartphone. Weighing 189 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and a substantial feel in hand.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Tecno Spark GO 1 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T615 chipset. This octa-core processor features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.6 GHz for power efficiency. The GPU is a Mali-G57 MP1, which handles graphics processing for everyday tasks and light gaming.

The device runs on Android 14 (Go Edition) with Tecno’s custom HiOS 14 skin on top. The Go Edition of Android is optimized for devices with lower RAM and storage, ensuring smooth performance even on budget hardware. This combination of hardware and software allows for efficient multitasking and app management, catering to the needs of budget-conscious users who still want a responsive smartphone experience.

Camera Capabilities

In the camera department, the Tecno Spark GO 1 offers a single 13MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This wide aperture allows for better low-light performance and the ability to create a natural bokeh effect in photos. The rear camera is accompanied by a dual LED flash, which helps in capturing brighter images in low-light conditions.

For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera, also equipped with a dual LED flash. This front flash is a notable feature in the budget segment, as it allows for better self-portraits in challenging lighting conditions. Both cameras can record video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, providing decent video quality for social media sharing and personal use.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the highlights of the Tecno Spark GO 1 is its large 5000 mAh battery. This capacity is generous for a budget smartphone and should easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.

The device supports 15W wired charging, which, while not the fastest in the market, is respectable for its price point. This charging speed allows users to quickly top up their battery when needed, reducing downtime.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Tecno Spark GO 1 supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on a single device. It’s compatible with 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds for browsing and streaming. The phone also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac (dual-band) for fast wireless connectivity at home or in public hotspots.

Bluetooth 5.0 is included for wireless audio and accessory connections, and there’s a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones, allowing users to connect their wired headphones without the need for an adapter.

For security, the Spark GO 1 includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which doubles as the power button. This placement is ergonomic and allows for quick unlocking of the device. Additionally, the phone supports face unlock using the front camera, providing an alternative method of biometric authentication.

Storage and Expandability

The Tecno Spark GO 1 comes in two storage variants: 64GB and 128GB. Both options use eMMC 5.1 storage, which, while not as fast as UFS storage found in more expensive phones, provides adequate performance for everyday use.

For users who need more space, the phone supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB, allowing for ample storage of photos, videos, and apps.

Comparison with Other Budget Smartphones

When compared to other budget smartphones in the Qatari market, the Tecno Spark GO 1 holds its own in terms of features and price. The Tecno Spark 20C, for instance, offers a similar experience but with a slightly larger 50MP main camera and a more powerful MediaTek Helio G36 processor. However, the Spark GO 1’s 120Hz refresh rate display gives it an edge in terms of user experience smoothness.

The Tecno Spark 20 Pro and Spark 20 Pro+ offer more premium features such as higher resolution cameras and faster processors, but they also come at a higher price point.

For users looking for alternatives from other brands, the Nokia G20 provides a clean Android experience and good build quality, while the Infinix Hot 12 offers a large display and battery at a similar price point.

In the same price range, phones like the Realme C35 and Oppo A17 compete with the Spark GO 1, offering similar specifications but with different design languages and software experiences.

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is another contender, bringing the reliability of the Samsung brand to the budget segment, albeit with slightly lower specifications in some areas compared to the Spark GO 1.

Target Audience and Use Cases

The Tecno Spark GO 1 is aimed at budget-conscious consumers who want a smartphone with modern features without breaking the bank. It’s particularly suitable for first-time smartphone users, students, or as a secondary device for those who need a reliable backup phone.

The device’s large display and high refresh rate make it good for media consumption, such as watching videos or browsing social media. The decent camera setup is sufficient for casual photography and video calls, making it suitable for staying connected with friends and family.

With its large battery, the Spark GO 1 is also a good choice for users who need a phone that can last throughout a long day without needing to recharge. This makes it ideal for commuters, travelers, or anyone who spends a lot of time away from power outlets.

The inclusion of Android Go Edition means that the phone can run smoothly even with its modest hardware specifications. This optimized version of Android is designed to use less storage space and data, making the Spark GO 1 a good option for users with limited data plans or those in areas with slower internet connections.

Performance in Daily Use

In day-to-day use, the Tecno Spark GO 1 performs admirably for its price point. The 120Hz refresh rate display provides a smoother visual experience than many other budget phones, making scrolling through social media feeds, web pages, and app lists feel more fluid and responsive.

The Unisoc Tiger T615 processor, while not a powerhouse, is capable of handling everyday tasks without significant lag. Users can expect smooth performance when browsing the web, using messaging apps, and running light productivity applications. However, for more demanding tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking, users may notice some slowdowns or longer load times compared to mid-range or flagship devices.

The camera performance is decent for its class, producing satisfactory photos in good lighting conditions. The 13MP main camera can capture detailed shots, and the AI enhancements help in optimizing the images for better color and contrast. In low-light situations, the dual LED flash comes in handy, though users shouldn’t expect miracles in very dark environments.

Battery life is a strong point for the Spark GO 1. With its 5000 mAh capacity, most users can easily get through a full day of use without needing to recharge. Heavy users might even stretch it to a day and a half with moderate use. The 15W charging, while not the fastest, provides a reasonable charging speed that can top up the battery in about two hours from empty to full.

Software Experience and Updates

The Android 14 Go Edition that comes pre-installed on the Tecno Spark GO 1 is a lightweight version of Android designed specifically for entry-level smartphones. This version of Android uses less storage space and runs more efficiently on devices with limited RAM and processing power.

Tecno’s HiOS 14 skin adds some customization options and features on top of the stock Android experience. Users can expect a variety of themes, gesture controls, and some pre-installed apps that Tecno believes add value to the user experience. However, some users might prefer a more stock Android look and feel.

One potential concern with budget smartphones is the frequency and duration of software updates. While Tecno has improved its update policy in recent years, users should not expect the same level of long-term support that they might get from more established brands like Samsung or Nokia in the budget segment.

It’s advisable to check Tecno’s update policy for the Spark GO 1 to understand how long the device will receive security patches and potential Android version upgrades.

Connectivity and Network Performance

The Tecno Spark GO 1 supports 4G LTE networks, which is standard for budget smartphones in 2024. This ensures that users can enjoy fast mobile data speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading content. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers or network providers simultaneously, which can be particularly useful for separating work and personal communications or for travelers who need to use local SIM cards.

Wi-Fi connectivity includes support for 802.11 b/g/n/ac standards, including dual-band capability. This means the phone can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, with the latter offering faster speeds when available. Bluetooth 5.0 is included for connecting wireless accessories like headphones, speakers, or smartwatches, providing improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth versions.

The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a welcome feature at this price point, as it offers faster data transfer speeds and more convenient charging compared to the older micro-USB standard. The retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack is also noteworthy, as it allows users to connect wired headphones or external speakers without the need for adapters or wireless options.

Audio and Multimedia Experience

While budget smartphones often compromise on audio quality, the Tecno Spark GO 1 makes an effort to provide a decent multimedia experience. The device features a single loudspeaker, which, while not exceptional, is adequate for casual media consumption and speakerphone calls. The inclusion of the 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones for better audio quality.

The large 6.67-inch display, despite its HD+ resolution, provides an enjoyable viewing experience for watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through content smooth and responsive, enhancing the overall visual experience.