The Oppo A8 and Tecno Spark 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dives deep into the core specifications, focusing on the chipset differences and their impact on real-world performance to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Oppo A8 edges out the Tecno Spark 5 Pro. Its Helio P35 chipset, with slightly higher clock speeds on its Cortex-A53 cores, provides a smoother experience, particularly when multitasking. However, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro remains a viable option for users with very basic needs.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | PDBM00 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Oppo A8
- Slightly faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better image processing
- More responsive user experience
- May consume slightly more battery
- Likely similar camera quality to the Spark 5 Pro
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- Potentially longer battery life under light use
- Very affordable price point
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower processor for demanding tasks
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on the processing power needed to drive the display, which is covered in the performance section. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for this segment. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, and neither is expected to feature high brightness levels for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary sensors of limited utility (often 2MP depth or macro lenses). The image processing capabilities of the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Oppo A8 *may* offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the A25 in the Tecno Spark 5 Pro, but this is heavily dependent on software optimization. Users should not expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo A8 features the Mediatek Helio P35 (MT6765V/CB) with an octa-core configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, while the Tecno Spark 5 Pro utilizes the Helio A25 (MT6762D) with 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The P35’s higher peak clock speeds translate to a noticeable performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. While both use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the 800MHz difference in the faster cores of the P35 will result in quicker app loading times and smoother operation. The A25 is geared towards efficiency, potentially offering slightly better battery life, but at the cost of responsiveness. Both chipsets feature modest integrated GPUs, suitable for light gaming but not demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for this price point. The Helio A25’s focus on efficiency in the Tecno Spark 5 Pro *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under light usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but is likely to be in the 10W-15W range for both, resulting in relatively slow charging times – expect several hours to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A8 if you need a phone that can handle moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefits from a slightly more responsive user interface. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over raw performance. The Spark 5 Pro is ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a simple, reliable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A8 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 5 Pro a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro is well-suited for basic social media and communication apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The Helio A25 is sufficient for these tasks, and the phone will likely offer good battery life for all-day use.
❓ Can I expect smooth multitasking on either of these phones?
The Oppo A8 will offer a noticeably smoother multitasking experience due to its faster processor. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro may struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously, leading to lag and slowdowns.
❓ What kind of storage options are typically available on these devices?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Given the limited internal storage, a microSD card is highly recommended for storing photos, videos, and apps.
