The Huawei nova Y72 and Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in chipset architecture and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance and future-proofing compared to the Huawei nova Y72’s older Kirin 710A. The faster 33W charging further sweetens the deal, making it a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 26 | 2024, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February | Available. Released 2024, June 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 168.5 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.5 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 200 g or 201.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, EMUI 14, no Google Play Services | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Startrail Black, Glossy White, Neon Green |
| Models | MGA-LX3 | KJ8 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Huawei nova Y72
- Huawei brand recognition
- Potentially more refined software experience (depending on EMUI version)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Older Kirin 710A chipset
- Slower 22.5W charging
- Less efficient 14nm process
Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset
- Faster 33W charging
- More efficient 6nm process
- Tecno brand may be less familiar to some
- Software updates may be less frequent than Huawei
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies elsewhere. The focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive a smooth visual experience, which the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G is better equipped to handle. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket, and both will likely utilize IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 6080’s ISP is more modern and capable than the Kirin 710A’s, meaning better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G will likely produce more refined and detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and shouldn't heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Huawei nova Y72’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal management, translating to sustained performance during demanding tasks. Furthermore, the Dimensity 6080’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a more potent combination than the Kirin 710A’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Tecno.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova Y72 supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G steps up to 33W. This faster charging speed translates to significantly reduced charging times. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the efficiency gains of the Dimensity 6080 chipset in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G could offset a potentially smaller battery, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The 33W charging is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y72 if you prioritize brand familiarity within the Huawei ecosystem and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates. It’s a reasonable choice for basic tasks and light usage. Buy the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G if you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset architecture, making it ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming, or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 6080 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience compared to the Kirin 710A.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G with the 33W charger?
While exact charging times vary based on usage, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 33W charging should take approximately 60-75 minutes to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is a significant improvement over the Huawei nova Y72’s 22.5W charging, which would likely take over 90 minutes.
❓ Is the Kirin 710A still a viable option for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Kirin 710A is still adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging. However, you may experience noticeable slowdowns when multitasking or running more demanding applications. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 6080 offers a much smoother and more responsive experience for these tasks.
