Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Tecno Spark Go 2023 and the Realme 12 Pro. I'll use my engineering background and hands-on experience to cut through the marketing hype and focus on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing not just on the specs but on their real-world impact:
| Feature | Tecno Spark Go 2023 | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is slightly more compact; both are similarly thin. |
| Weight | 0 g | 190 g | Realme 12 Pro is heavier, which can feel more premium but might be less comfortable for prolonged use; Tecno weight data is not accurate. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro's higher resolution results in much sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 267 | 394 | Significantly sharper display on the Realme 12 Pro. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to IPS LCD, particularly beneficial in dark mode and for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz refresh rate on the Realme 12 Pro provides smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro display will be much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro’s 4nm chipset offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 92,140 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro has a much higher performance that is ideal for demanding tasks. The Tecno is mainly for basic tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 710 in the Realme 12 Pro provides superior graphics processing for gaming and multimedia. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 13MP (f/1.85) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882, 0.7µm) + 8MP (f/2.2 wide) + 32MP (f/2.0 telephoto) | Realme 12 Pro offers a much more versatile and higher resolution primary camera. It also features dedicated ultrawide and telephoto lenses. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Realme 12 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera, ideal for better detail in video calls and photos. Tecno has a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Realme 12 Pro can record significantly higher-quality video, offering more flexibility for content creation. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Dual Camera | Digital & Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, OIS, EIS | Realme 12 Pro has advanced features like optical zoom and image stabilization, providing superior image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a similar battery capacity, which should provide similar endurance depending on usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro offers a more recent version of Android, likely meaning more features and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Realme 12 Pro has newer and faster WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE with A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 12 Pro has newer, faster, and more feature-rich Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro has more satellites for accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 256GB or 512GB | Realme 12 Pro comes with significantly more storage, which is great if you have many media files. |
| RAM | 3GB | 8GB or 12GB | More RAM on the Realme 12 Pro means smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 12 Pro has better quality sound, with features ideal for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic sensor for security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Realme 12 Pro has a gyroscope allowing for more advance motion sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Strengths: Affordable, basic functionality, decent battery life for the price point.
- User Experience: The phone is suited for very basic tasks, it would not be adequate for many uses.
- Limitations: The low resolution display, slow performance, and basic camera significantly limit its appeal, very low storage and RAM.
Realme 12 Pro
- Strengths: Premium AMOLED display with high refresh rate, fast performance, capable camera system with telephoto lens, fast charging, modern software.
- User Experience: This phone offers a fluid and enjoyable experience for everyday use, media consumption, and photography.
- Limitations: The lack of expandable storage might be a problem for some users, it is a bit heavier than the Tecno.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Ideal User: Someone with very basic needs who needs a device for calls, texts, and simple browsing and is on a tight budget.
- Use Case: First phone for kids, emergency phone, basic communication tool for elderly users.
- Recommendation: If budget is your primary concern and you don't expect much from your phone, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is a very budget friendly device.
Realme 12 Pro
- Ideal User: Someone who wants a well-rounded phone with a high-quality display, good performance, and versatile camera.
- Use Case: Daily driver for work and play, media consumption, photography, social media, light gaming.
- Recommendation: If you need a reliable, capable device that can handle most tasks well, the Realme 12 Pro is a great all-arounder.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Tecno is for a minimal budget and the Realme for a more mid-range budget.
- Priorities: What features are most important to you (display, performance, camera, battery)? The Realme excels in all areas other than battery life.
- Usage: How do you intend to use the phone on a daily basis? The Realme can handle more advanced use cases and the Tecno more basic cases.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Tecno Spark Go 2023. It will handle basic daily tasks but will feel clunky if you're used to a higher-end device.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Media Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro. The better display, chipset, and audio features make for a great user experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro. The versatile camera setup, including the telephoto lens, is perfect for capturing great moments.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely go with the Realme 12 Pro. The leap in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall features is too significant to ignore, especially if you are planning to use it as a daily driver. While the Tecno is very affordable, it is so basic that I wouldn't recommend it for most people, as it would limit your experience. The Realme 12 Pro is a good choice for a broad range of users as it offers a balanced approach between price and capability.
The Realme 12 Pro is the better choice for most users due to its overall performance, display, and camera capabilities.
