The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and both the Huawei nova Y61 and Tecno Spark 10 5G aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. While both devices feature octa-core processors, the Tecno Spark 10 5G boasts a more modern chipset, the Mediatek Dimensity 6020, while the Huawei relies on a generic octa-core configuration. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark 10 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Huawei nova Y61’s unspecified processor, making it more capable for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Huawei’s 22.5W charging offers a slight edge in replenishment speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - EVE-LX3 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - EVE-LX3 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 01 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2023, April 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.5 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (EVE-LX9N only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sapphire Blue, Mint Green, Midnight Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N, EVE-LX3 | KI8 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Huawei nova Y61
- Faster 22.5W wired charging
- Potentially simpler software experience (depending on region)
- May offer a more streamlined user interface
- Less powerful and efficient processor
- Unspecified processor architecture raises performance concerns
- Likely to exhibit more thermal throttling under load
Tecno Spark 10 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
- 7nm fabrication process for improved efficiency
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Slower 18W wired charging
- HiOS software may not appeal to all users
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests neither prioritizes a premium display experience. Users should expect standard viewing angles and color reproduction. The lack of information makes it impossible to assess brightness nits or color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a detailed camera comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor and image processing algorithms. Given the market segment, expect both to include lower-resolution auxiliary lenses (like 2MP macro cameras) that offer limited practical benefit. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software algorithms, potentially resulting in softer images in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, specifically with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a significant upgrade over the Huawei nova Y61’s unspecified octa-core processor. The 7nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6020 also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits gamers and users who frequently multitask. The Huawei’s processor, lacking specific details, likely utilizes a less efficient and older architecture.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the charging speeds offer a point of differentiation. The Huawei nova Y61 supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Tecno Spark 10 5G is limited to 18W. This means the Huawei will likely achieve a faster 0-100% charge time, assuming similar battery capacities. However, the Dimensity 6020’s superior power efficiency in the Tecno Spark 10 5G could offset the slower charging speed with longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y61 if you prioritize a potentially simpler software experience (depending on region and Huawei Mobile Services) and slightly faster charging speeds. Buy the Tecno Spark 10 5G if you value a more powerful and efficient processor for smoother multitasking, gaming, and 5G performance, and are comfortable with Tecno’s HiOS software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the Tecno Spark 10 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6020’s 7nm process is designed for efficiency, and while it will generate heat during gaming, it’s less prone to overheating compared to older, larger-node chipsets. However, sustained high-performance tasks will inevitably lead to some thermal throttling, which is typical for phones in this price range. The phone's thermal design will play a role, but the Dimensity 6020 is generally well-managed.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and fixed focus result in soft, often noisy images. While they can be fun to experiment with, don’t expect professional-level macro photography. The primary camera will deliver far superior results even when digitally zoomed in.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 10 5G support high frame rates (90fps) in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Dimensity 6020 is capable, achieving 90fps in PUBG Mobile will depend on the game settings and the phone’s thermal management. It’s likely you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable 60fps. 90fps may be achievable with significant compromises to visual fidelity, but it’s not a guaranteed experience.
