The Lenovo A7 and Tecno Spark 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A7 relies on an older, larger-node chipset, while the Spark 5 Pro opts for a newer, more efficient Mediatek processor. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall responsiveness and slightly better efficiency, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A25, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite similar core counts. However, the A7 remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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 | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 164.7 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | L19111 | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Outdated and inefficient chipset
- Slower performance and responsiveness
- Likely shorter battery life
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- More efficient and powerful chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Potentially longer battery life
- More modern architecture
- Slightly higher price point
- May not be available in all markets
- Camera quality likely similar to A7
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications prevents a direct comparison of brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. The focus here is clearly on functionality over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting basic photography needs. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Spark 5 Pro is unlikely to provide significant benefit due to its low resolution and limited image quality. Image processing will be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Mediatek Helio A25 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A25 utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8GHz, while the A7 uses a mix of A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz. The A53 architecture, while older, benefits from the more efficient manufacturing process. This means the Spark 5 Pro will likely handle multitasking and app loading times more smoothly. The A7’s larger node and slower clock speeds will result in noticeable lag during more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s more efficient Helio A25 chipset will likely result in longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery to the A7. The 12nm process node consumes less power, reducing the strain on the battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are expected to utilize standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you need a phone for absolutely essential tasks – calls, texts, and very light web browsing – and are on the tightest of budgets. Its simplicity and lower price point are its main draws. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, casual gaming, and multitasking, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset architecture, even if it comes at a slight price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Helio A25 chipset in the Tecno Spark 5 Pro is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides sufficient processing power for these everyday applications. The Lenovo A7 may exhibit noticeable lag when switching between these apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo A7 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not ideal for gaming. While it can handle very basic 2D games, it will struggle with more demanding 3D titles. Expect low frame rates and significant lag. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro, with its Helio A25, offers a slightly better gaming experience, but still isn't designed for intensive gaming.
❓ How much storage does each phone typically offer, and can it be expanded?
While not specified, both phones in this price range typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps, as the base storage is limited.
