The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark 20P and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches – the Spark 20P focuses on affordability, while the Nord CE 3 Lite prioritizes faster charging and a more established brand reputation. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and a smoother overall experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage and superior efficiency compared to the Tecno Spark 20P’s Mediatek processor, and the 67W charging is a game-changer.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 13 | 2023, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, 80% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray |
| Models | - | CPH2467, CPH2465 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | £ 169.98 / € 209.99 |
| SAR | - | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.70 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 412006 (v9)
GeekBench: 2052 (v5)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Spark 20P
- Most affordable option
- 5G connectivity
- Functional for basic tasks
- Slower processor
- Slow charging speed
- Likely lower build quality
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
- Faster Snapdragon 695 processor
- 67W SuperVOOC charging
- More refined software experience
- Slightly higher price
- LCD display (not OLED)
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Tecno Spark 20P, it’s likely an LCD panel given its price point. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite also utilizes an LCD. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness, where the Nord CE 3 Lite, benefiting from OnePlus’s display tuning, is expected to perform slightly better. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will vary. Without detailed sensor information for the Tecno Spark 20P, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s camera performance will hinge on its main sensor and image processing algorithms. While a 2MP macro camera is common in this segment, its utility is limited. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) offers better image processing capabilities than the Mediatek chipset in the Spark 20P, resulting in sharper images and improved low-light performance on the OnePlus device.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Spark 20P’s Mediatek chipset. The Snapdragon 695 utilizes a Kryo CPU architecture with a dual-cluster configuration (2x2.2 GHz Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Silver) designed for efficient task handling. The Spark 20P’s 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 octa-core CPU, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 695 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The Nord CE 3 Lite is the clear winner for users who play mobile games or frequently switch between apps.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W wired charging is a standout feature. Achieving 80% charge in just 30 minutes is a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark 20P’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Nord CE 3 Lite effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Nord CE 3 Lite’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 20P if you need a functional 5G smartphone on an extremely tight budget and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you prefer a more responsive user experience, significantly faster charging, and the peace of mind that comes with a well-known brand, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek processor in the Tecno Spark 20P sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While PUBG Mobile may be playable on the Tecno Spark 20P, expect significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates. The Mediatek processor will likely struggle with sustained performance, leading to lag and stuttering, especially during intense battles. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Snapdragon 695 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite from 0%?
OnePlus claims 80% charge in 30 minutes with the 67W SuperVOOC charger. A full 0-100% charge will likely take around 45-50 minutes, making it exceptionally fast compared to the Tecno Spark 20P, which will take well over two hours with its 18W charging.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite support 5G on all networks and carriers?
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite supports 5G, but compatibility varies depending on your carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your carrier to ensure the phone supports the specific 5G bands they use. The Snapdragon 695 includes a 5G modem, but band support is key.
