The Oppo A57e and Tecno Spark 9 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The A57e prioritizes rapid 33W charging, while the Spark 9 Pro boasts a more powerful Helio G85 chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A57e’s Helio G35, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding apps. While the A57e’s 33W charging is faster, the Spark 9 Pro’s superior processing power offers a more impactful everyday experience.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 31 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 31 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.95 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | - |
| | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance | - |
| 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 600 nits | IPS LCD |
| 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 MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (KH7n only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | CPH2387 | KH7, KH7n |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
Oppo A57e
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Potentially slightly better battery life with light usage
- Clean and simple software experience (typical of Oppo)
- Weaker Helio G35 processor
- Less capable for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially slower app loading times
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- More powerful Helio G85 processor
- Smoother performance for gaming and apps
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy use
- Tecno’s UI can be more cluttered
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display. The Helio G85 in the Spark 9 Pro will contribute to smoother animations and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment – adequate but not color-critical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The image processing capabilities of the Helio G85 in the Spark 9 Pro may offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range. The A57e and Spark 9 Pro both likely include a 2MP macro lens, which, given their limited resolution, will produce images of questionable quality. Focusing on the primary sensor’s capabilities, the G85’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely provide a more refined image processing pipeline.
Performance
The core distinction here is the chipset. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A57e’s Helio G35 (12nm). The G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the G35 relies solely on four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the A57e’s cores have a higher clock speed, the A75 architecture in the G85 offers substantially better single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Spark 9 Pro will handle graphically intensive games with fewer stutters and at higher settings.
Battery Life
The Oppo A57e’s 33W wired charging is its standout feature, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro is limited to 18W charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. However, battery life is also influenced by chipset efficiency. The more powerful Helio G85 in the Spark 9 Pro may consume more power during intensive tasks, potentially offsetting some of the charging speed advantage. For typical daily use, both phones should offer all-day battery life, but the A57e’s faster charging will be more convenient for users who frequently need to top up.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57e if you absolutely prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly. It’s ideal for users who value convenience over raw performance. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially when multitasking or playing mobile games. It’s the better option for those who want a phone that feels more capable and future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9 Pro struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G85 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense firefights, but the experience should be playable. The Oppo A57e’s Helio G35 will likely require lower settings and may exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ How much slower is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 9 Pro compared to the Oppo A57e’s 33W?
The Oppo A57e can reach 50% charge in 30 minutes, while the Tecno Spark 9 Pro will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge. The difference is substantial, making the A57e the clear winner for users who prioritize quick top-ups. However, overnight charging is still a viable option with the Spark 9 Pro.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are best avoided in favor of using the main camera and digitally zooming in.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and browsing the web?
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s more powerful processor will provide a smoother experience when streaming videos and browsing the web, with faster page loading times and less lag. While both phones have adequate displays, the G85’s processing power enhances the overall user experience.
