Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Tecno Spark 10 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 10 edges out the Pop 5 LTE thanks to its more efficient chipset, faster processor speeds, and 18W charging. While both are budget-friendly, the Spark 10 provides a noticeably smoother experience and quicker charging, making it the slightly better overall choice.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2023, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 13, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera | 50 MP, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 50 MP, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Black, Blue, White, Skin Orange |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | KI5q |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 151.38 / ₹ 9,899 |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Extremely Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- LTE Connectivity
- Underpowered Chipset
- Slow Charging
- Basic Camera
Tecno Spark 10
- Better Performance
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Improved Camera
- More Efficient Chipset
- Slightly More Expensive
- Still a Budget Phone (Limited Features)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The Spark 10 might have a slightly brighter display, but this is speculative without official data.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Spark 10 likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and additional features like a depth sensor. While both phones will offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, the Spark 10 should perform better in low light and offer more creative shooting options. Expect both to have a front-facing camera around 32MP.
Performance
Here's where the Spark 10 shines. The MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Pop 5 LTE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Spark 10. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Spark 10's 18W wired charging provides a significant advantage, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Pop 5 LTE's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, affordability above all else, and who don't demand high performance. The Tecno Spark 10 is a better fit for those seeking a more responsive experience, slightly better camera capabilities, and faster charging without significantly increasing the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the MediaTek Helio G37?
The MediaTek Helio G37 is a more modern and efficient chipset built on a 12nm process, offering significantly better performance and power efficiency compared to the Unisoc SC9863A's 28nm process.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
While both phones can handle basic games, the Tecno Spark 10 will provide a noticeably smoother gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset and GPU.