The LG W31+ and Tecno Spark 6 Go represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both phones utilize MediaTek Helio chipsets, but differ in their configurations and target price points. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the LG W31+ emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a more stable and predictable experience than the potentially variable Helio A20/A25 found in the Tecno Spark 6 Go. However, the Spark 6 Go's availability in 3GB/4GB RAM configurations offers a potential advantage for multitasking.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 | 2020, November 22. Released 2020, November 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) - 2GB, 3GB modelMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 4GB model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | Midnight Blue | Ice Jadelite, Mystery White, Aqua Blue |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | KE5j, KE5k |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 70 EUR |
LG W31+
- More consistent performance with Helio P22
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Stable octa-core CPU configuration
- RAM options are unknown, potentially limiting multitasking
- Display specs are likely basic
Tecno Spark 6 Go
- Available with 3GB or 4GB RAM for improved multitasking
- Potentially lower price point
- Android Go edition optimization (depending on variant)
- Helio A20 variant offers significantly lower performance
- Performance can be inconsistent with the A25's split core design
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. Specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are not provided, but given the price bracket, expect 720p+ panels. The focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by lower-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Image processing will be geared towards maximizing detail in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and limited dynamic range in low light. The presence of a larger main sensor (if any difference exists) would be the primary differentiator, but without specific data, it's difficult to assess.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG W31+ features the MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762), an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 6 Go is more complex, offering either the Helio A20 (MT6761D) with a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, or the Helio A25 (MT6762D) with an octa-core configuration (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The P22’s consistent octa-core setup provides a more stable performance baseline. The A25 variant of the Spark 6 Go offers a closer performance match, but the A20 is significantly weaker. The A25’s split core configuration may lead to some performance inconsistencies. Users engaging in even moderate multitasking will benefit from the 3GB or 4GB RAM options available on the Spark 6 Go, mitigating the chipset's limitations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the 12nm process and relatively low-power chipsets, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be in the 10W-15W range. The actual 0-100% charge time will depend on the battery capacity and charger efficiency. The slightly more efficient Helio P22 in the LG W31+ might translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31+ if you need a dependable device for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use, and value a consistent user experience. Buy the Tecno Spark 6 Go if you prioritize affordability above all else, and potentially need more RAM for running multiple apps simultaneously, especially if opting for the 3GB or 4GB variant. Consider the Spark 6 Go if you frequently use apps optimized for Android Go edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 6 Go struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Helio A20 variant of the Spark 6 Go may exhibit some lag when running multiple instances of these apps or switching between them rapidly. The Helio A25 and the LG W31+'s Helio P22 will handle these apps more smoothly, especially with 3GB or 4GB of RAM.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are best used in well-lit conditions and should not be expected to produce professional-looking macro shots.
❓ Which phone is better for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones should be capable of running casual games without significant issues. However, the LG W31+ with its Helio P22 will provide a slightly smoother and more consistent gaming experience due to its more stable processor configuration.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 6 Go benefit from using the Android Go edition software?
If your Spark 6 Go comes with Android Go edition (often found on models with 2GB RAM), it can significantly improve performance by using lighter versions of Google apps. This is particularly beneficial on the Helio A20 variant, maximizing its limited processing power.