The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark 10 and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Spark 10 focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Galaxy A14 offers a choice of chipsets and Samsung’s established brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Helio G80 version) is the better choice. While the Tecno Spark 10 is a capable device, the A14’s more powerful chipset and Samsung’s software support provide a smoother, more future-proof experience, justifying the slight price premium.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Skin Orange | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | KI5q | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | € 151.38 / ₹ 9,899 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 10
- Faster charging speed (18W)
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple, uncluttered software experience
- Less powerful processor (Helio G37)
- Older CPU architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor options (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- Modern CPU architecture
- Samsung’s One UI software features
- Potentially longer software support
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Potentially higher price point
- One UI can be resource intensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the focus here is on processing power. The Galaxy A14’s potential for smoother UI animations, thanks to the more capable chipset, will indirectly improve the perceived display experience. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket, and color accuracy will be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in everyday scenarios, but the Galaxy A14 has the potential for better image processing. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, details are limited. The A14’s chipset offers more processing power for computational photography, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be limited. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is crucial, and the A14’s processing advantage gives it an edge.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the Tecno Spark 10’s Mediatek Helio G37 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the G80 provide a substantial performance boost in single-core tasks and gaming. The Exynos 850 (8nm) version of the A14 further improves efficiency and sustained performance. The Spark 10’s older Cortex-A53 cores will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. The A14, even with the G80, will offer a noticeably smoother experience.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 10 features 18W charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 is limited to 15W. However, the A14’s more efficient chipset (especially the Exynos 850 version) could offset the slower charging speed. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the A14’s efficiency gives it a potential advantage in sustained use. The 18W charging on the Spark 10 will offer slightly faster top-ups, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 10 if you prioritize a simple, uncluttered Android experience and are comfortable with a less powerful processor for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from Samsung’s One UI software features and longer-term software updates. The A14 is also the better choice for users who value a more established brand and wider accessory availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like the Helio G37 in the Spark 10. The larger surface area of the A14 also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
No, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Tecno Spark 10 and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and fixed focus result in images lacking detail and sharpness. You're better off using the main camera and cropping for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 version of the Galaxy A14 can run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, performance may dip during intense firefights. The Exynos 850 version will offer a more consistent 60fps experience.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Tecno Spark 10 compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its devices than Tecno. The Galaxy A14 is likely to receive at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches, while the Spark 10’s support may be limited to one major update and shorter security patch cycles.
