Tecno's Pouvoir and Spark series consistently target the entry-level smartphone market. The Pouvoir 3 and Spark 3 Pro represent distinct approaches within this segment. While both aim for affordability, they differ significantly in their core processing power, impacting everyday usability and long-term performance. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother experience, the Tecno Spark 3 Pro is the better choice. Its Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance over the Pouvoir 3’s older MT6739WA, despite both featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs.
| 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, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 3, 7, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, June | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.6 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.20 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 154.3 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.07 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WA (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), HIOS 4.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Blue | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black |
Tecno Pouvoir 3
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower processor
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter sustained performance
- More noticeable lag and stuttering
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- More powerful and efficient Helio A22 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Better gaming performance (though still limited)
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Slightly higher price point
- May still struggle with demanding applications
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature basic LCD panels typical of this price point. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, relying on basic sensors and image processing. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price bracket, expectations should be tempered. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio A22 might offer slightly better noise reduction capabilities, giving the Spark 3 Pro a marginal advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Pouvoir 3’s MT6739WA (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the A22 can maintain higher clock speeds for longer without overheating. While both CPUs utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture, the Spark 3 Pro’s 2.0 GHz clock speed versus the Pouvoir 3’s 1.3 GHz translates to a tangible performance boost in app loading times and general system responsiveness. This difference is particularly noticeable when multitasking or running slightly more demanding applications. The larger process node of the MT6739WA in the Pouvoir 3 will likely result in more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are not provided, the more efficient Helio A22 chipset in the Spark 3 Pro will likely result in comparable, if not slightly better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity than the Pouvoir 3. The 28nm process of the MT6739WA is less efficient, consuming more power for the same tasks. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, but fast charging is unlikely to be supported, meaning 0-100% charge times will likely be in the 2-3 hour range.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 if your primary need is extended battery life and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a good option for users on a very tight budget. Buy the Tecno Spark 3 Pro if you value a more responsive user interface, smoother multitasking, and a slightly better gaming experience, even if it means potentially sacrificing a small amount of battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 3 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio A22 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not a gaming-focused device, but it will offer a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the MT6739WA and Helio A22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio A22 in the Spark 3 Pro results in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Pouvoir 3’s MT6739WA will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Does the Tecno Pouvoir 3 support software updates?
Given the age and price point of the Pouvoir 3, significant software updates are unlikely. Expect limited security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades. The Spark 3 Pro may receive slightly more support, but long-term software maintenance is not a strong point for either device.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
Both phones will provide an adequate video watching experience, but neither excels in this area. The slightly more responsive processor in the Spark 3 Pro might result in smoother playback of higher-resolution videos, but the display quality is likely similar on both.
