The Realme Narzo 10A and Tecno Spark 5 Pro represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Realme Narzo 10A emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G70 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the Spark 5 Pro remains a viable option for basic use cases.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 22 | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~82.7% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 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, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | So Blue, So White | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | RMX2020 | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme Narzo 10A
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Faster app loading times
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality likely similar to the Spark 5 Pro without further specs
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- Potentially slightly longer battery life under light use
- Very affordable price point
- Suitable for basic communication tasks
- Noticeably slower processor
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display specs are not provided. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is typical for these phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. It's reasonable to assume the Narzo 10A, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, will have faster image processing capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 10A’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) features a more powerful CPU configuration – octa-core with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25 (12nm) with 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G70 are significantly more capable than the A53 cores in the A25, resulting in faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. This translates to a noticeably snappier experience on the Narzo 10A, particularly when running multiple apps or playing graphically intensive games. The G70 also benefits from a more capable GPU, further enhancing gaming performance. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the G70 provide a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Realme Narzo 10A offers 10W wired charging, while the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar. The Helio A25’s lower power consumption in the Spark 5 Pro *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under light usage, but the G70’s efficiency gains and potential for optimized software could offset this difference. A full 0-100% charge on both devices will likely take over 2.5 hours with their respective charging standards.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10A if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, smoother app switching, and a more responsive user interface. It’s ideal for students or users who frequently use social media and streaming services. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over raw performance. It’s a good fit for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 10A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G70 in the Narzo 10A is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G70 and Helio A25 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Narzo 10A will feel significantly snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and scrolling through web pages. The Spark 5 Pro may exhibit lag and delays, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
The Realme Narzo 10A supports 10W wired charging. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s charging speed is not officially specified, but it’s likely to be around the same, meaning both phones will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge.
