Apple iPhone 12 vs Tecno Spark Go 2023 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 110.13 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g N/A
Weight 164 g 0 g
Height 146.7 mm 163.9 mm
Width 71.5 mm 75.5 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Nebula Purple
  • Endless Black
  • Uyuni Blue
  • Skin Orange

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 267 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 45.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 12
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm163.9 × 75.5 × 8.9 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Tecno Spark Go 2023 is larger, which might be preferred for media consumption.
Weight164g0g (Likely an error, should be around 190-200g)The iPhone 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The listed weight for the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is incorrect.
BuildPremium materials (likely aluminum and glass)PlasticiPhone 12 feels more premium and durable, while Tecno Spark Go 2023 is more prone to scratches and less resistant to drops.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.6"Tecno Spark Go 2023 offers a larger viewing area for videos and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact.
Resolution1170x2532720x1600iPhone 12 has a significantly sharper and more detailed display, better for reading and viewing high-resolution content.
PPI460267iPhone 12's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12's OLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
Brightness1200 nits0 nits (Likely incorrect, should be around 400-500 nits)iPhone 12 is much more visible in direct sunlight. The Tecno Spark Go 2023's brightness is likely much lower, making it harder to see outdoors.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth displays have a standard refresh rate, resulting in similar smoothness.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is suitable for basic tasks only.
AnTuTu Score1,083,94792,140The iPhone 12's vastly superior score reflects its much higher performance capabilities.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)PowerVR GE8320iPhone 12 provides much better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps.
RAM4 GB3 GBiPhone 12 can handle more apps running in the background without slowing down.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
Main Camera Resolution12MP13MPThe difference in megapixels is minimal, and image quality is more dependent on sensor quality and image processing.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.6f/1.85iPhone 12's wider aperture allows more light, improving low-light performance.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP5MPiPhone 12 captures more detailed selfies with better clarity.
Wide Angle LensYesNoiPhone 12 can capture wider shots, useful for landscapes and group photos.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsiPhone 12 records significantly higher-quality video with better stabilization and more frame rate options.
Features4K Video, OIS, Night Mode, RAWDigital Zoom, HDRiPhone 12 offers more advanced features for better photo and video quality in various conditions.
DxOMark ScoreMobile: 117, Selfie: 132N/AIndicates significantly superior camera performance on the iPhone 12.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhTecno Spark Go 2023 should offer longer battery life, but this also depends on the device optimization, which the iphone has.
Charging20W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingiPhone 12 charges faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe & Qi)NoiPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options.

Storage

FeatureApple iPhone 12Tecno Spark Go 2023Practical Impact
Internal Storage64/128/256 GB64 GBiPhone 12 offers more storage options for users with large media libraries.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly faster processing and graphics performance.
    • Practical Impact: Smoother multitasking, faster app loading, better gaming experience, and longer lifespan.
  • Better Display: The OLED display offers higher resolution, better contrast, and wider color gamut.
    • Practical Impact: More immersive viewing experience, crisper images and text, and better outdoor visibility.
  • Higher Quality Camera: The iPhone 12's camera system captures better photos and videos with more features.
    • Practical Impact: Better image quality in various lighting conditions, more versatile shooting options, and professional-looking videos.
  • Premium Build Quality: The iPhone 12 feels more solid and durable due to its materials and construction.
    • Practical Impact: Greater resistance to damage and a more premium feel.
  • Advanced Features: Wireless charging, better water resistance, and a more refined user experience.
    • Practical Impact: Convenience, added protection, and a more intuitive operating system.

Tecno Spark Go 2023 Advantages:

  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity might offer longer usage between charges.
    • Practical Impact: Less frequent charging, which can be convenient for users who are often away from power sources.
  • Lower Price: The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is significantly more affordable.
    • Practical Impact: Accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Larger Display: The slightly larger screen may be preferable for some users.
    • Practical Impact: Enhanced viewing for media consumption, but at the cost of being less pocketable.
  • Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a quick and easy way to unlock the phone.
    • Practical Impact: Convenient biometric security.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Higher price.
  • Tecno Spark Go 2023: Significantly lower performance, inferior display and camera quality, and cheaper build materials.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Users who prioritize performance and want a smooth, responsive experience.
  • Photography enthusiasts who value high-quality photos and videos.
  • Users who appreciate a premium design and build quality.
  • Individuals who need a reliable and feature-rich smartphone for work and personal use.

Use Cases for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Gaming: Demanding games run smoothly with excellent graphics.
  • Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Productivity: Multitasking between apps and handling complex tasks efficiently.
  • Content Creation: Editing photos and videos on the go.

Ideal Users for Tecno Spark Go 2023:

  • Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks.
  • Users who prioritize battery life and don't require high performance.
  • First-time smartphone users or those with limited technical requirements.

Use Cases for Tecno Spark Go 2023:

  • Basic Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media.
  • Simple Media Consumption: Watching videos and listening to music.
  • Navigation: Using GPS for basic directions.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • iPhone 12: High price, but offers excellent value for its performance, camera, and overall experience.
  • Tecno Spark Go 2023: Low price, but limited value due to its basic features and performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is my budget? The iPhone 12 is significantly more expensive than the Tecno Spark Go 2023.
  2. What are my primary uses for the phone? If performance and camera quality are important, the iPhone 12 is the better choice. If basic communication and long battery life are the main concerns, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 may suffice.
  3. How important is the overall user experience? The iPhone 12 offers a smoother, more refined experience with a better display and more features.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Student on a Tight Budget: If you're a student with limited funds, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 can handle basic tasks like note-taking, communication, and light browsing. However, be prepared for slower performance and lower-quality photos.
  • Scenario 2: Casual User with Moderate Budget: If you have a bit more to spend, the iPhone 12 offers a much better overall experience with a faster processor, superior camera, and higher-quality display.
  • Scenario 3: Professional Photographer/Videographer: The iPhone 12 is the clear choice for anyone who needs a reliable camera for professional use. Its advanced features and superior image quality make it a valuable tool for content creation.

Conclusion: My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12. While it is significantly more expensive, the performance difference is substantial, the camera is vastly superior, and the overall user experience is much more refined. The higher resolution display alone makes a huge difference in daily use. Although the Tecno Spark Go 2023 has a larger battery, the iPhone's optimization would balance out the battery life.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.