The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the itel S24 and Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G are two contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a more modern chipset, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift and quicker charging times compared to the itel S24’s Helio G91 Ultra. However, the itel S24 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 29 | 2024, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2024, June 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 168.5 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.5 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 200 g or 201.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 108 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, bypass charging, 50% in 40 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Coastline Blue, Starry Black | Startrail Black, Glossy White, Neon Green |
| Models | S667LN | KJ8 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
itel S24
- More affordable price point
- Bypass charging allows use while charging
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Older chipset with lower performance
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely less efficient power consumption
Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 6080 chipset
- Faster 33W charging
- Improved multitasking and app loading speeds
- Slightly higher price
- No bypass charging
- May not offer a dramatically better camera experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or brightness. However, the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly is relevant; the Dimensity 6080's GPU is likely to handle graphics-intensive tasks on the display more efficiently than the Helio G91 Ultra's.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it's reasonable to assume both phones target the same market segment and will feature similar camera setups focused on social media sharing. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The 2MP macro cameras commonly found in this price range are unlikely to deliver significant detail or usability.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the itel S24’s Helio G91 Ultra. The Dimensity 6080 features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, compared to the G91 Ultra’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6080 also contributes to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both have 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the overall architecture favors the Tecno device.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 33W charging is a significant advantage over the itel S24’s 18W charging. The 33W charging can reportedly reach 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the itel S24 takes 40 minutes to reach the same level. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed of the Tecno device mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The bypass charging feature on the itel S24 allows for charging while the phone is in use, a useful feature for gamers or those who need constant uptime.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S24 if you need a functional 5G smartphone with a focus on affordability and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or extended gaming sessions. Buy the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending slightly more. The Dimensity 6080 provides a tangible advantage for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 6080 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio G91 Ultra, allowing for smoother gameplay and reduced lag, especially during intense firefights.
❓ Does the itel S24's bypass charging feature significantly impact battery health over time?
While bypass charging is convenient, consistently charging the phone while in use can generate more heat, potentially accelerating battery degradation over the long term. However, the impact is likely to be minimal for typical usage patterns, and the convenience may outweigh the slight risk for some users.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 33W truly noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G's 33W charging can top up the battery significantly faster, reducing downtime and making it more convenient to quickly recharge before heading out. The itel S24's 18W charging feels comparatively slow in today's market.
