Tecno consistently targets the budget smartphone market, and the Pouvoir 3 Plus and Spark 5 Pro represent two compelling options. While both aim for affordability, they differ in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset impacts everyday use and performance for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 5 Pro offers a slight edge due to its Mediatek Helio A25 chipset, which features a more nuanced CPU configuration. The A25’s combination of faster and slower Cortex-A53 cores provides a more responsive experience in multitasking and moderately demanding apps, making it the better all-rounder.
| 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, 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 |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1548 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | 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 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 32 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 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 | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
|---|
| Type | 6000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Blue | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | LB8, LB8a | - |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus
- Potentially longer battery life for basic tasks
- Stable and consistent performance for simple apps
- Likely more affordable
- Less responsive multitasking
- Lower gaming performance
- Older chipset architecture
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- More responsive multitasking due to A25’s architecture
- Slightly better gaming performance
- More efficient CPU configuration
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno provides detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding brightness nits, resolution, or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Users should expect standard viewing experiences, adequate for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature multiple rear cameras, likely including a primary sensor and depth sensor. The marketing often emphasizes megapixel count over sensor size and quality in this segment. Image processing will likely be similar, prioritizing vibrant colors and boosted contrast. Users shouldn’t expect exceptional low-light performance from either device. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests reliance on software stabilization, which is less effective.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pouvoir 3 Plus utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Spark 5 Pro steps up to the MT6762D Helio A25, also octa-core, but with a heterogeneous configuration: four cores at 1.8 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This 'big.LITTLE' approach allows the A25 to dynamically allocate tasks, using the faster cores for demanding operations and the slower cores for background processes, potentially improving efficiency. While both are 12nm chips, the A25’s architecture offers a performance advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness. The GPU in the A25 is also slightly more capable, offering a marginal improvement in gaming performance.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature large batteries, a hallmark of Tecno’s Pouvoir line. While specific mAh ratings aren’t provided, the Pouvoir 3 Plus, historically, prioritizes battery life. The Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro, while more powerful, may consume slightly more power. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls in the 10W-15W range for both devices. Expect a full charge to take several hours. The Pouvoir 3 Plus may offer slightly longer screen-on time for basic usage, while the Spark 5 Pro’s efficiency gains might mitigate the power difference during mixed workloads.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus if you prioritize a consistently stable, if slightly slower, experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking, even if it means potentially slightly reduced battery life under heavy load.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 5 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio A25 in the Spark 5 Pro can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Low or Medium) to maintain a playable frame rate. It won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The Pouvoir 3 Plus will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s CPU configuration actually make a difference in everyday use?
Yes, the Helio A25’s combination of faster and slower Cortex-A53 cores improves multitasking and app responsiveness. You’ll notice this when switching between apps, browsing the web, or using social media. The Pouvoir 3 Plus, with its all-Cortex-A53 setup, can feel sluggish in comparison when handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus is perfectly adequate for WhatsApp and calls. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these basic tasks, and it may offer slightly longer battery life for these use cases. The Spark 5 Pro won't perform poorly, but the extra processing power isn't necessary.
