Tecno's Camon 15 Air and Spark 5 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the differences between the MediaTek Helio P22 in the Camon 15 Air and the Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro, revealing which device offers the best balance of performance and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Helio A25 chipset, with its dual-core configuration running at a higher clock speed, provides a noticeable performance edge in multitasking and light gaming, making it more future-proof for demanding apps. However, the Camon 15 Air remains a viable option for basic smartphone tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 13. Released 2020, April 13 | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 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 | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 384 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (3G) | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Malachite Blue, Ice lake Blue, Misty Gray | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | CD6, CD6S | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Tecno Camon 15 Air
- Potentially more stable performance for very basic tasks.
- Likely a slightly lower price point (depending on retailer).
- Consistent user experience for core functions.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Spark 5 Pro.
- May struggle with multitasking and newer apps.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- More powerful Helio A25 chipset for improved performance.
- Better multitasking and app loading speeds.
- Slightly improved gaming experience.
- Potentially better future-proofing.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Camon 15 Air.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (depending on optimization).
- May experience minor thermal throttling under sustained load.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno explicitly details display specifications beyond size and resolution in readily available data. Given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither device prioritizes display quality as a key selling point. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both models, consistent with their price bracket. Users should expect a functional, but not exceptional, viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary sensors (depth, macro) of lower resolution. The image processing capabilities of the Helio P22 and A25 are similar, so image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be a weakness on both devices. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests reliance on software-based stabilization, which may introduce artifacts. Users shouldn't expect flagship-level camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Camon 15 Air’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) features an octa-core configuration of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Spark 5 Pro utilizes the Helio A25 (MT6762D), also octa-core, but with a heterogeneous setup: four cores at 1.8 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. While both are 12nm chips, the A25’s architecture, with faster cores, provides a performance advantage. This translates to quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Spark 5 Pro. The A25’s slightly improved GPU will also offer a marginally better gaming experience, though neither phone is designed for graphically intensive titles. The RAM configuration (not specified in the data) will also play a role, but the chipset is the primary differentiator.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, typical Tecno phones in this price range feature batteries between 4000mAh and 5000mAh. Charging wattage is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro *may* offer slightly longer runtimes. Without knowing the charging wattage, it's difficult to estimate 0-100% charging times, but both are likely to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 15 Air if you prioritize a consistently stable experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing, and are less concerned with demanding applications. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if you anticipate needing more processing power for multitasking, occasional gaming, or running newer, more resource-intensive apps, and value a slightly more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 5 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect occasional frame drops and don't anticipate a smooth, high-fidelity gaming experience. The Camon 15 Air will struggle even more with this title.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and Helio A25 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, particularly when multitasking or opening multiple apps. The Spark 5 Pro with the Helio A25 will feel more responsive and less prone to lag when switching between applications. For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference is less pronounced, but still present.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
Neither phone excels in low-light photography. Both likely rely on software processing to compensate for the lack of OIS and potentially smaller sensor sizes. Expect noisy images with limited detail in challenging lighting conditions. Results will be similar between the two devices.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Fast charging support is not specified for either device. Given their price point, it's unlikely they support particularly fast charging standards. Expect charging times to be several hours from 0% to 100%.
