The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy A25 and Tecno Spark 20P represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver essential features, they take different approaches to performance, display technology, and overall user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A25 is the superior choice. Its significantly brighter display, more powerful Exynos 1280 chipset, and longer battery life justify the price difference. The Tecno Spark 20P remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute affordability, but compromises are made in key areas.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 13 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| 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) | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Market/region dependent |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A256E, SM-A256E/DS, SM-A256E/DSN, SM-A256B, SM-A256B/DS, SM-A256B/DSN, SM-A256U, SM-A256U1 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | € 175.99 / $ 120.32 / ₹ 18,399 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 20P
- More affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable performance for light usage
- Inferior display brightness and quality
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A25
- Brighter and higher-quality display
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 1280 chipset
- Faster 25W charging
- Longer battery life
- Higher price compared to the Tecno Spark 20P
- May be overkill for basic users
- Camera details beyond 'Photo/Video' are limited
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A25 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1030 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Tecno Spark 20P, making the A25 far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While the Spark 20P's panel specifics are unknown, it's likely to be considerably dimmer. Samsung's display technology generally offers superior color accuracy and viewing angles, enhancing the overall visual experience. The A25's higher brightness also benefits HDR content viewing, providing a more dynamic range.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature camera systems, but details beyond 'Photo / Video' for the Tecno Spark 20P are lacking. The Samsung Galaxy A25 likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which are generally well-regarded. While sensor size and aperture details are missing for the Spark 20P, it's reasonable to assume the A25’s camera will offer superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A25, if present (based on Samsung's A-series trends), would further enhance image clarity and reduce blur.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A25 is powered by the Exynos 1280 (5nm), featuring a combination of Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture, built on a smaller 5nm process, delivers significantly better performance and efficiency compared to the Tecno Spark 20P’s Mediatek chipset with its Cortex-A53 cores. The A25’s CPU configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness and multitasking capabilities. The 5nm process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Spark 20P is adequate for basic tasks, the A25 handles demanding applications and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A25 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving 10:19 hours of active use. While the Tecno Spark 20P’s battery capacity is unknown, the A25’s longer runtime suggests a combination of efficient chipset and optimized software. Furthermore, the A25 supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Spark 20P’s 18W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups and less downtime, making the A25 more convenient for users who are frequently on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 20P 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 Samsung Galaxy A25 if you prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more refined camera experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A25 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some warming is expected during intensive gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling or overheating issues, especially compared to less efficient chipsets.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver truly impressive macro photography. Expect soft images and limited dynamic range.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A25 reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings?
The Exynos 1280 should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings, but performance may vary depending on the specific game version and other background processes. Expect a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience in most scenarios.
❓ What type of charging protocol does the Tecno Spark 20P use, and is a Power Delivery (PD) charger compatible?
The Tecno Spark 20P supports 18W wired charging, but the specific charging protocol isn't publicly available. While a PD charger *might* work, it may not deliver the full 18W if the protocols aren't compatible. Using the included charger is recommended.
