The Doogee N30 and Tecno Spark 8 Pro represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 8 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Doogee N30’s Helio A25, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. The 33W fast charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing downtime compared to the N30’s slow 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 18. Released 2020, October | 2021, December 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77.4 x 8.9 mm (6.57 x 3.05 x 0.35 in) | 169 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | NEG |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V/WD Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 130˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Green | Komodo Island, Interstellar Black, Winsor Violet |
| Models | - | KG8, MZ-TECNO KG8, Mobile KG8 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Doogee N30
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially more durable build (Doogee's reputation)
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Tecno Spark 8 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Better gaming capabilities
- Slightly higher price
- May not be as rugged as Doogee models
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness. However, the focus should be on usability rather than visual fidelity at this price point. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (likely including a depth or macro sensor). The image processing capabilities of the Helio G85 in the Tecno Spark 8 Pro likely offer better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the A25 in the Doogee N30. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key factor, but without that data, it's difficult to assess image quality. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the G85 also contributes to improved camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 8 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Doogee N30’s Helio A25 (12nm). The G85 features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the A25’s 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance, making the Spark 8 Pro far more capable for gaming. The A25 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications. Both devices likely feature similar RAM configurations, but the G85’s superior processing power will better utilize available memory.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Tecno Spark 8 Pro’s 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. This allows for a significantly faster 0-100% charge time – likely under 90 minutes – compared to the Doogee N30’s 10W charging, which could take upwards of 3-4 hours. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts the user experience, reducing downtime and making the Spark 8 Pro more convenient for daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee N30 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. Buy the Tecno Spark 8 Pro if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or value faster charging to minimize downtime – even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 8 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 in the Tecno Spark 8 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Doogee N30's Helio A25, which would struggle with these titles.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Doogee N30 really that slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than modern standards. Expect a full charge from 0-100% to take approximately 3-4 hours, making it inconvenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The Tecno Spark 8 Pro's 33W charging is a much more practical solution.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 8 Pro support video recording at 1080p?
While not explicitly stated, the Helio G85 chipset is capable of 1080p video recording at 30fps. However, the quality will depend on the camera sensor and image processing algorithms used by Tecno. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for WhatsApp, calls, and browsing?
Both phones can handle these basic tasks. However, the Tecno Spark 8 Pro offers a smoother and more responsive experience due to its more powerful processor. The faster charging is also beneficial, even for light users.
