The Meizu M10 and Tecno Spark 5 Pro represent two contenders in the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the architectural differences between the Mediatek Helio P25 in the M10 and the Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro, revealing which device offers a smoother user experience and better long-term value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and a slightly smoother experience in everyday tasks, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its newer 12nm Helio A25 chipset offers improved power efficiency over the Meizu M10’s older 16nm Helio P25, translating to potentially longer battery life and less thermal throttling during sustained use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 | 184 g (6.49 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6757T Helio P25 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T880MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 8 | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.2
2 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Purplish Red, Sea Blue | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Meizu M10
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- Established brand recognition (Meizu).
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Less power-efficient 16nm chipset.
- Higher risk of thermal throttling during sustained use.
- Older chipset architecture.
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- More power-efficient 12nm chipset.
- Better sustained performance due to improved thermal management.
- Modern chipset architecture.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Lower peak CPU clock speeds.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display prowess, and detailed display specs are unavailable. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the underlying chipsets' ability to efficiently drive the display. The more modern A25 in the Spark 5 Pro *may* offer slightly better power management related to display output, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this market segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. However, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget-oriented camera sensors. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio A25 *may* offer slightly improved image processing capabilities compared to the P25, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the quality will largely depend on the specific sensors used, which are currently unknown. Any claims of significant camera superiority would be speculative without sensor details.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu M10’s Mediatek MT6757T Helio P25 (16nm) features an octa-core CPU with a split configuration of 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro utilizes the Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12nm) with a similar octa-core setup of 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the P25 boasts higher peak clock speeds, the A25’s 12nm process node is significantly more efficient. This means the A25 can maintain sustained performance for longer periods without overheating, a critical advantage for gaming and multitasking. The smaller node size also translates to lower power consumption. The A25's architecture, while using the same Cortex-A53 cores, benefits from Mediatek's optimizations over the intervening years.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25 chipset’s superior power efficiency is the key factor here. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Spark 5 Pro is likely to deliver longer screen-on time and overall battery life. The 12nm process allows for reduced power draw during both active use and standby, directly impacting the user experience. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the A25’s efficiency could allow for faster charging with the same wattage adapter.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M10 if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed for occasional bursts of performance and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. This phone might appeal to users who occasionally run demanding apps and don't mind frequent charging. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if you value consistent performance, better battery life, and a more modern chipset architecture for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. It’s the better option for users who prioritize longevity and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 5 Pro handle PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio A25 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at low to medium settings with a playable framerate. The improved thermal management compared to the Helio P25 will help prevent significant frame drops during extended gaming sessions. Expect to prioritize battery life over maximum graphical fidelity.
❓ Does the Meizu M10’s higher clock speed translate to a noticeably faster experience in everyday tasks?
Not necessarily. While the Helio P25 has higher peak clock speeds, the Helio A25’s more efficient architecture and optimized power management often result in a smoother and more responsive experience in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and app switching. Peak clock speed isn't the sole determinant of performance.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
Both phones will provide a basic video playback experience. However, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s more efficient chipset *may* result in slightly longer video playback time on a single charge. The display quality is likely similar on both, given their price points.
