The LG W41+ and Tecno Spark 7 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the differences between the MediaTek Helio G35 powering the LG W41+ and the Helio G80 in the Tecno Spark 7 Pro, revealing which device offers the better experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G80 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, delivers a noticeably smoother experience than the LG W41+'s Helio G35, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. While both offer adequate battery life, the performance advantage of the Spark 7 Pro justifies its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2021, February 22 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 03 | Available. Released 2021, May 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 164.9 x 76.2 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, PDAF
Secondary unknown camera
Third unknown camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Alps Blue, Spruce Green, Neon Dream, Magnet Black |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
LG W41+
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Spark 7 Pro
- Less responsive for multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
Tecno Spark 7 Pro
- Superior performance with the Helio G80 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app launching
- Better gaming experience
- More efficient processor
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less battery life under heavy load (though offset by efficiency)
- Camera quality dependent on software optimization
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (brightness, color accuracy) are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Expect typical LCD performance in this price bracket, prioritizing visibility over vibrant colors or high refresh rates. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both devices will feature modest camera systems. The focus is likely on a primary sensor for daylight photography, with secondary sensors (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) offering limited utility. Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Tecno often emphasizes camera features in its marketing, suggesting potentially more refined software algorithms on the Spark 7 Pro. The G80’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also likely more capable than the G35’s, potentially leading to better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G80 (MT6769V/CU) utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage over the LG W41+'s Helio G35 (MT6765G), which features four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores in the G80 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While the G35 has a higher clock speed on its primary cores, the older A53 architecture is less efficient and delivers lower performance per clock cycle. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Spark 7 Pro.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Helio G80 in the Spark 7 Pro is more power-efficient due to its newer architecture, potentially offsetting the higher processing demands. Charging wattage is unknown for both, but expect relatively slow charging speeds – likely 10W or 15W – given the budget focus. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Spark 7 Pro’s more efficient chipset should provide a slight edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41+ if you need a basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize a potentially lower price point. It's suitable for users who rarely engage in demanding tasks. Buy the Tecno Spark 7 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or anticipate using multiple apps simultaneously. The G80 chipset provides a significant performance boost for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 7 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G80 in the Spark 7 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly more playable experience than the LG W41+'s Helio G35, which would likely struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G80 and G35 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio G80's more powerful Cortex-A75 cores result in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Spark 7 Pro feels snappier and less prone to lag.
❓ Does the LG W41+ have any advantages over the Tecno Spark 7 Pro besides potentially a lower price?
The LG W41+ might appeal to users who prefer a very simple, uncluttered software experience. However, this is often offset by the performance limitations of the Helio G35. The Spark 7 Pro offers a more balanced package with a significant performance boost.