The Honor 8A 2020 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Honor 8A 2020, released in 2020, features a more powerful, albeit older, chipset, while the Tecno Spark Go 2021 is a newer device with a simpler processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the Honor 8A 2020 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 may appeal to those seeking a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 10. Released 2020, April 15 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.5 x 8.2 mm (6.15 x 2.89 x 0.32 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Honor 8A 2020
- Significantly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking.
- Octa-core CPU handles demanding apps better.
- Potentially faster image processing due to chipset capabilities.
- Likely shorter battery life under heavy load.
- Older chipset architecture compared to newer options.
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Potentially longer battery life with light usage.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Likely lower price point.
- Slow performance with multiple apps or demanding tasks.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Honor 8A 2020’s chipset might allow for slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but the actual display quality (resolution, color accuracy) is likely comparable. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests both will likely include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Honor 8A 2020’s more powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly faster image processing, but the overall image quality will be heavily dependent on sensor size and lens quality – data not provided. We can expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The Honor 8A 2020’s Mediatek Helio P35 is an octa-core processor, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. The Helio P35’s eight cores provide a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more complex tasks. While the Cortex-A53 architecture is older, having eight of them provides a substantial performance boost over four. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 will likely struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously, experiencing noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the less demanding processor in the Tecno Spark Go 2021, it’s reasonable to expect longer battery life with similar usage patterns. The Honor 8A 2020’s Helio P35 will consume more power during intensive tasks, potentially reducing battery life. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to utilize slow charging speeds common in this price range.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8A 2020 if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, enjoy occasional gaming, or anticipate using demanding applications. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if you prioritize simplicity, extended battery life with minimal usage, and are looking for the absolute lowest possible price point for smartphone functionality. The Honor 8A 2020 is for the user who wants *more* from their budget, while the Tecno Spark Go 2021 is for the user who wants *less* complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 8A 2020 be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Honor 8A 2020’s Mediatek Helio P35 chipset should handle TikTok and Instagram without significant issues. The octa-core processor provides enough power for these apps, although intensive editing or prolonged use might lead to some slowdown. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 may struggle with these apps, especially with multiple other apps running in the background.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2021 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is an excellent choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for calls, texts, and simple messaging apps. The focus is on providing essential functionality at the lowest possible cost, making it ideal for those with minimal smartphone requirements.
❓ Can I expect to play mobile games on either of these phones?
The Honor 8A 2020 is the better option for gaming, but expectations should be tempered. It can handle less demanding games at lower settings. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 will struggle with most modern mobile games due to its limited processing power. Expect low frame rates and significant lag even on basic titles.
