The Tecno Spark 20 and Infinix Hot 40 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver value, they take different approaches: the Spark 20 focuses on affordability, while the Hot 40 Pro prioritizes faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Infinix Hot 40 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset and 33W fast charging offer a significantly smoother experience and quicker top-ups compared to the Tecno Spark 20’s Helio G85 and 18W charging. However, the Spark 20 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 01 | 2023, December 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2023, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 168.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13 | Android 13, XOS 13.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.15", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 20-75% in 35 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Black, Cyber White, Neon Gold, Magic Skin 2.0 (Blue) | Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, Starlit Black, Starfall Green, Free Fire |
| Models | KJ5, KJ5n | X6837 |
| Price | - | £ 179.95 / € 226.31 |
Tecno Spark 20
- More affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery life for light users
- Slower processor and graphics
- Slower charging speed
- Less vibrant display
Infinix Hot 40 Pro
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Significantly faster charging
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Slightly higher price
- May not be a significant upgrade for very basic users
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
The Infinix Hot 40 Pro boasts a noticeably brighter display, measured at 534 nits, compared to the Tecno Spark 20 (brightness data unavailable). This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Furthermore, the Hot 40 Pro’s 1822:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the Hot 40 Pro’s superior specifications indicate a more enjoyable viewing experience, particularly for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Infinix Hot 40 Pro’s image processing capabilities are likely more refined, benefiting from the more powerful chipset. The presence of 'Photo / Video' as a feature suggests a focus on versatile capture options, potentially including features like HDR and night mode. It's reasonable to assume the Hot 40 Pro will deliver more consistent and detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We would caution against expecting flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 40 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, offers a substantial advantage over the Tecno Spark 20’s Helio G85 (12nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, are more efficient and powerful than the G85’s Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G99’s superior architecture will be the bottleneck for the Spark 20.
Battery Life
The Infinix Hot 40 Pro shines in the battery and charging department. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Hot 40 Pro’s active use score of 12:56h demonstrates excellent endurance. Crucially, it supports 33W wired charging, capable of charging from 20-75% in just 35 minutes. The Tecno Spark 20, limited to 18W charging, will take considerably longer to replenish its battery. The faster charging speed of the Hot 40 Pro is a significant convenience factor, minimizing downtime and ensuring you can quickly get back to using your phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 20 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Infinix Hot 40 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience for gaming and multitasking, and value the convenience of faster charging and a brighter display. The Hot 40 Pro is for users who want a phone that can keep up with their daily demands without constant battery anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G99 in the Infinix Hot 40 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significant improvement over the Helio G85 in the Tecno Spark 20, offering smoother gameplay and reduced lag.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 20 with the 18W charger?
Based on the 33W charger's 20-75% in 35 minutes, a full charge on the Tecno Spark 20 with its 18W charger will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours. This is a considerable difference compared to the Hot 40 Pro's faster charging capabilities.
❓ Is the camera on the Infinix Hot 40 Pro good enough for casual social media posting?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 40 Pro's camera is perfectly adequate for casual social media posting in good lighting conditions. While it won't compete with flagship phone cameras, the improved image processing capabilities of the Helio G99 will result in more shareable photos and videos.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 40 Pro support reverse wired charging, and if so, how useful is it?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 40 Pro supports reverse wired charging. This allows you to use the phone as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone. While not a primary feature, it can be a lifesaver in emergency situations.
