New budget-friendly 5G phones in India start at around Rs 10,000. While there are many good entry-level 5G phones available across different brands, some people may still opt for 4G phones due to various factors such as budget constraints, patchy 5G coverage in their area, or simply because they have reliable 4G connectivity and don’t see an immediate need to upgrade. Others might view a 4G phone as a temporary solution until 5G networks become more widespread and reliable. For those considering a 4G phone, Tecno has announced the Tecno Spark Go 1. While it is an entry-level 4G phone, it packs some specifications that may surprise many, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
1. Design and Build
The Tecno Spark Go 1 makes a strong first impression with its sleek design and vibrant display. On the front, it has a punch-hole display with a chunky bottom bezel, and its back panel has a camera module housing a single camera, an LED flash, and an IR blaster (which mimics a camera sensor). The top bezel houses an LED flash, which can be used for the front camera and also lights up for notifications.
The top and bottom edges have speakers for stereo output. The top lacks a secondary microphone, while the bottom edge also features a primary microphone, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the left is a SIM card slot, and the right edge has a volume rocker and a power button, which doubles up as a fingerprint sensor.
Available in Startrail Black, Glittery White, and Lime Green, the Spark Go 1’s build is both stylish and functional. It measures 8.35mm (or 8.55mm for the leather variant) in thickness and weighs 189 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use. As can be seen, I am provided with a white variant of the device. Its retail package includes the Spark Go 1 unit, a case, an 18W charger, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and some paperwork.
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TECNO Spark GO 1 (Glittery White, 4GB+64GB) | 4+ Years Lag Free Fluency | 6.67″ 120Hz Smooth Display… | Check Price on Amazon |
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2. Display and Audio
One of the highlights of the Spark Go 1 is its segment-first display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 6.67-inch HD+ LCD panel offers a brightness of 480 nits, which is good enough for indoor use but may struggle in brighter conditions outside. The phone offers 60Hz (constant) and 120Hz (auto-switch) refresh rate options. While the screen offers Eye Care mode, there is no option to modify the color scheme on the device.
There’s Widevine L1 support for viewing HD streaming content. The device also features DTS dual stereo speakers that enhance the entertainment experience with rich and immersive sound.
3. Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Tecno Spark Go 1 is powered by a Unisoc T615 processor. The phone offers 8GB of RAM, which consists of 4GB of LPDDR4x physical RAM and up to 4GB of virtual RAM. For storage, it offers 64GB of eMMC 5.1 and a dedicated microSD card slot.
The phone runs on Android 14 Go, based on HiOS 14. This operating system is designed to be lightweight and responsive, providing a streamlined and user-friendly interface. It houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging.
Tecno claims that the Spark Go 1 offers up to 4+ years of lag-free performance. While this promise of long-term value is appealing, it remains to be seen how well the device will hold up in real-world use. Shown above is how the device performed on AnTuTu, Geekbench, and CPU Throttle benchmarking apps.
4. Cameras and Other Features
The Tecno Spark Go 1 has a 13-megapixel camera on the back and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera includes multiple shooting modes such as AI Cam, Beauty Mode, Portrait, Time-Lapse, Dual Video, Super Night, Panorama, Pro Mode, AR Shot, Short Video, and 1080P video recording.
The front camera, equipped with dual-color temperature flash, is well-suited for selfies and video calls, offering modes like AI Cam, Beauty Mode, Portrait, and 1080P video recording.
The in-built infrared remote-control sensor is another notable feature of the Spark Go 1, enabling users to control various home gadgets directly from their phone. Additionally, the phone includes AI Active Noise Cancellation, which improves call quality in noisy environments.
5. Final Thoughts
Usually, entry-level smartphones priced around Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 struggle to offer smooth performance. However, the Spark Go 1 is a good effort from Tecno, focusing on smooth performance at such a low price with features like a 120Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and a toned-down version of Android (which is nothing unusual for such a priced phone). In addition, the inclusion of a side-facing fingerprint sensor, an IR blaster, and dual speakers are welcome additions to the device. Overall, the Tecno Spark Go 1 offers excellent value for money, with a robust feature set that caters to the needs of everyday users.
Tecno Spark Go 1 price in India
The Spark Go 1 is available via Amazon for Rs 7,299 (~$88). It comes in three colors: Lime Green, Glittery White, and Startrail Black.
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