Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Tecno Spark 8C 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.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 8C emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more efficient 12nm Unisoc T606 chipset and improved CPU architecture. While both are budget phones, the Spark 8C delivers a smoother, faster experience, making it the better choice for most users.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| 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) | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 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 (~83.7% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED lash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Basic camera
Tecno Spark 8C
- Better performance
- More efficient chipset
- Improved camera
- Slightly better battery life
- Still a budget phone
- Camera not flagship quality
- Design may be basic
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a large 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the Spark 8C might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially improved panel technology. Brightness levels are likely comparable, suitable for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras (likely a main lens, depth sensor, and macro lens), the Spark 8C generally has a slightly better camera system. Expect improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Both will likely produce decent photos in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Performance
This is where the Spark 8C shines. The Unisoc T606's 12nm process and Cortex-A75 cores offer a substantial performance boost over the Pop 5 LTE's 28nm SC9863A and Cortex-A55-only CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Spark 8C. The Pop 5 LTE will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a large 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Spark 8C's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life overall, especially during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Tecno Pop 5 LTE? It's a good option for users prioritizing basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. Who should buy the Tecno Spark 8C? Ideal for those needing a bit more performance for social media, casual gaming, and multitasking without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 LTE good for gaming?
The Pop 5 LTE's chipset is not ideal for gaming. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates even in less demanding games.
❓ Which Tecno phone has better multitasking capabilities?
The Tecno Spark 8C offers significantly better multitasking performance due to its more powerful processor.
❓ What is the typical RAM configuration for these phones?
Both phones are typically available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, though the Spark 8C might offer slightly more storage options.
