The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A57 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The A57 prioritizes processing power with a more modern chipset, while the Spark 9 Pro focuses on faster charging and a potentially more aggressive price. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a brighter display, the Oppo A57 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in efficiency and processing power over the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 12nm Helio G85, despite the latter’s faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 14 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (KH7n only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Lilac | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | PFTM20 | KH7, KH7n |
| Price | About 200 EUR | - |
Oppo A57
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 10W charging
- Battery capacity not specified
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially more aggressive pricing
- Helio G85 is still capable for everyday tasks
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
Display Comparison
The Oppo A57 boasts a measured peak brightness of 761 nits, a significant advantage over what is typical in this price bracket. While the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s likely to be lower, impacting outdoor visibility. The A57’s higher brightness translates to a more usable experience in direct sunlight. Panel technology and refresh rates are not specified for either device, but given the price point, both likely utilize 60Hz LCD panels. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with neither phone aiming for premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a vital role. The Dimensity 810 generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio G85, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. It’s reasonable to assume both phones include a standard array of lenses, but the A57’s ISP is likely to extract more detail and produce more refined images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A57’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz – compared to the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Helio G85 (12nm) with its two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 810 is crucial; it allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. The Helio G85, while capable, is older and less efficient. This translates to the A57 handling demanding tasks and games with more fluidity.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Oppo A57’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-up times, a crucial benefit for users who don’t have time to wait for hours to reach a full charge. However, battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. The Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency could offset the slower charging speed of the A57, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the charging wattage difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57 if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, moderate gaming, and benefits from a brighter screen for outdoor visibility. It’s ideal for users who value responsiveness and future-proofing within a budget. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you prioritize quick top-ups and are less concerned with demanding applications; its 18W charging is a significant advantage for those who frequently find themselves with low battery and limited access to power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A57 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Dimensity 810 in the Oppo A57 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, and you shouldn't expect the highest graphical fidelity. The Helio G85 in the Spark 9 Pro will likely require even lower settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 9 Pro with its 18W charging?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to give an exact time. However, 18W charging should realistically take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery size. This is considerably faster than the Oppo A57’s 10W charging.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Dimensity 810 and Helio G85 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, particularly when multitasking or opening multiple apps. The Dimensity 810’s more modern CPU architecture and 6nm process provide a smoother and more responsive experience. The Helio G85 is adequate for basic tasks, but will show more lag when pushed.
