Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 Pro and Tecno Spark 10C 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 10C edges out the Pop 5 Pro thanks to its superior processor (Unisoc T606 vs. Helio A22), faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While both are budget options, the Spark 10C provides a more compelling overall experience.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 19 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 19 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| 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 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | No |
| 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 | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky Cyan | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | BD4j, BD4h | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Tecno Pop 5 Pro
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Compact size
- Weak processor
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Low screen brightness
Tecno Spark 10C
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Faster charging
- More modern design
- 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 but limited brightness. The Spark 10C might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Pop 5 Pro likely has a basic dual-camera setup (13MP main + depth sensor). The Spark 10C probably features a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP) and additional features like night mode. Image quality on the Spark 10C should be noticeably better, especially in low light.
Performance
This is where the Spark 10C shines. The Unisoc T606's octa-core architecture with Cortex-A75 cores offers a significant performance boost over the Pop 5 Pro's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user interface on the Spark 10C. Gaming will be noticeably better on the Spark 10C, though still limited by the budget hardware.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Spark 10C's 18W fast charging provides a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the Pop 5 Pro's likely standard charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 Pro is a good choice for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and extremely tight budgets. The Tecno Spark 10C is ideal for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks, social media, and occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 Pro good for gaming?
The Pop 5 Pro's processor is quite weak, so gaming performance will be limited to very basic titles at low settings. Don't expect a smooth experience with demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer all-day battery life with moderate use. However, the Spark 10C's faster charging makes it more convenient to top up.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 10C handle multitasking?
Yes, the Spark 10C's more powerful processor allows for smoother multitasking compared to the Pop 5 Pro.