The Tecno Spark 20 and Honor X8b represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal. The Spark 20 leans on MediaTek’s Helio G85, while the X8b opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and faster charging, the Honor X8b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, offers better power management and a smoother overall experience, complemented by significantly faster 35W charging. While the Tecno Spark 20 is a capable device, it falls slightly behind in these crucial areas.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 01 | 2023, December 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2023, December 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13 | Android 13, MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Black, Cyber White, Neon Gold, Magic Skin 2.0 (Blue) | Glamorous Green, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Blue |
| Models | KJ5, KJ5n | LLY-LX1, LLY-LX2, LLY-LX3 |
| Price | - | $ 369.00 / € 219.99 |
Tecno Spark 20
- Potentially lower price point
- Capable of handling everyday tasks
- MediaTek Helio G85 offers decent performance for the price
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely less refined software experience
Honor X8b
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 (6nm)
- Significantly faster 35W charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse
- May lack some features found on higher-end models
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies in the underlying efficiency. We can infer that both likely utilize LCD panels given the price point. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on power draw. The X8b's more efficient chipset will indirectly benefit display-related battery life.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 680 typically offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities compared to the Helio G85. This means the X8b is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes makes a definitive statement impossible, but Qualcomm’s ISP generally compensates for smaller sensors more effectively.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a clear advantage over the Tecno Spark 20’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to significantly improved power efficiency, meaning the X8b will run cooler and consume less battery for the same tasks. While the Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 680’s four Kryo 265 Gold cores at 2.4 GHz offer a more modern architecture and higher peak performance. This difference will be noticeable in app loading times and multitasking. The X8b is likely to handle more demanding applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Honor X8b’s 35W wired charging is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Spark 20’s 18W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times – potentially reducing a full charge from over two hours on the Spark 20 to under an hour and a half on the X8b. The Snapdragon 680’s efficiency will also contribute to longer battery life between charges, even if the battery capacities are similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 20 if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are comfortable with potentially longer charging times. It’s a good choice for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Honor X8b if you value a more refined user experience, better power efficiency for all-day use, and the convenience of significantly faster 35W charging. This phone is ideal for users who stream videos, play casual games, and want a phone that can keep up with their daily demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X8b handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a dedicated gaming chip, so don't expect the highest graphical fidelity. The Tecno Spark 20's Helio G85 might offer similar gaming performance, but potentially with more thermal throttling.
❓ How much faster is the 35W charging on the Honor X8b compared to the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 20?
The 35W charging on the Honor X8b can reduce charging times by 30-50% compared to the Tecno Spark 20’s 18W charging. Expect a full charge in around 90-120 minutes on the X8b, versus over two hours on the Spark 20.
❓ Does the more efficient Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X8b translate to noticeably longer battery life in real-world usage?
Yes, the 6nm Snapdragon 680 is significantly more power-efficient than the 12nm Helio G85. This translates to potentially 10-20% longer battery life with moderate usage, allowing you to get through a full day without needing to recharge.
