The Oppo A12 and Tecno Spark Go 2020 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – dictate their real-world performance and suitability for various tasks. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Oppo A12 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s quad-core Helio A20. While both phones offer basic functionality, the A12 handles demanding apps and light gaming with greater ease.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 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, April 20. Released 2020, April 20 | 2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 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 | 165 g (5.82 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Ice Jadeite, Aqua Blue, Sky Black |
| Models | CPH2083, CPH2077 | KE5S |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | $ 519.00 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | $ 539.00 | - |
Oppo A12
- Superior processing power with the Helio P35
- Octa-core CPU for better multitasking
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slightly higher price point
- Likely similar display quality to the Tecno
Tecno Spark Go 2020
- More affordable price
- Potentially slightly better battery life due to lower power consumption
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance with the Helio A20
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Slower app launch times
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the internal hardware driving the experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the image processing capabilities will be heavily reliant on the chipset. The Oppo A12’s more powerful Helio P35 will likely offer faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance, even with similar sensor hardware. Focusing on the main sensor is key; any secondary 2MP sensors on either device are unlikely to provide significant image quality improvements and should be considered marketing features rather than substantial upgrades.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A12’s Mediatek Helio P35 is an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark Go 2020’s Mediatek Helio A20, a quad-core processor with all cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. The A12’s octa-core design and higher clock speeds translate to significantly better multi-tasking and app launch times. While both are based on a 12nm process, the architectural advantage of the P35 is substantial. The A12’s 3GB/4GB RAM options (depending on the storage configuration) further contribute to a smoother experience compared to the Spark Go 2020’s likely 2GB/3GB configuration. This difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps or running more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified in the provided data. However, given the budget segment, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Helio P35 in the Oppo A12, while more powerful, is also relatively efficient. The Tecno Spark Go 2020’s Helio A20 will likely offer slightly better battery life due to its lower power consumption, but the difference won’t be dramatic. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times – expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A12 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic communication and social media. Its superior processing power makes it suitable for light gaming, running multiple apps simultaneously, and a generally smoother user experience. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2020 if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very light app usage, and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It's a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Oppo A12 can *run* PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during intense moments. The Helio P35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, and the game will likely push the processor to its limits. The Tecno Spark Go 2020 will struggle even more with PUBG.
❓ How much storage space is realistically usable on the 32GB/64GB Oppo A12 models?
Expect around 20-25GB of usable storage on the 32GB model and 45-50GB on the 64GB model after accounting for the operating system and pre-installed apps. Both phones support microSD card expansion, which is highly recommended if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio P35 and Helio A20 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P35's octa-core architecture provides a significantly smoother experience when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The Helio A20 can feel sluggish and unresponsive, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
