The Tecno Spark 3 Pro and Nokia 3.2 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. Both phones aim to deliver a functional Android experience at an incredibly affordable price point, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Nokia 3.2 emerges as the better choice. While the Tecno Spark 3 Pro boasts a higher clocked CPU, the Snapdragon 429’s architecture and Qualcomm’s optimization provide a smoother, more responsive user experience in everyday tasks.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.07 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Black, Steel |
| Models | - | TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- Higher CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz)
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer more storage options
- Less optimized chipset (Helio A22)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially less refined software experience
Nokia 3.2
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 429)
- 10W wired charging support
- Generally smoother software experience
- Lower CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less internal storage
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The absence of features like high refresh rates or HDR support is expected. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. Image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will be limited. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected. Focusing on the chipset, the Snapdragon 429’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered more capable than the Helio A22’s, potentially leading to slightly better image quality and faster processing times.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Nokia 3.2, however, employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, also a quad-core Cortex-A53 but clocked at 1.8 GHz. While the Tecno has a higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 429 benefits from Qualcomm’s architectural optimizations and more efficient CPU design. This translates to better sustained performance and smoother multitasking, despite the lower clock speed. The 12nm process node is shared by both, suggesting similar power efficiency, but Qualcomm’s software optimization gives it an edge. The Nokia 3.2 will likely handle app switching and light gaming more gracefully.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Nokia 3.2 has a significant advantage with its 10W wired charging support. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s likely to be slower. This means the Nokia 3.2 can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, faster charging can mitigate the impact of a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 Pro if you absolutely need the highest possible CPU clock speed on a very tight budget and are comfortable with potentially less optimized software. This phone caters to users who prioritize raw numbers over overall refinement. Buy the Nokia 3.2 if you value a more stable Android experience, slightly better performance in sustained tasks, and the benefit of 10W charging for quicker top-ups, even if it means a slightly lower CPU clock speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 3 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Tecno Spark 3 Pro can run these apps, the Helio A22 chipset may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or switching between apps frequently. The Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3.2 offers a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Nokia 3.2 a good option for playing mobile games?
The Nokia 3.2 is suitable for casual gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles. The Snapdragon 429 can handle less intensive games, but graphically rich games will likely require reduced settings and may still experience occasional stuttering.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond 10W?
Neither phone supports fast charging beyond 10W. Both are entry-level devices and prioritize affordability over advanced charging technologies. The Nokia 3.2’s 10W support is still a benefit over potentially slower charging on the Tecno Spark 3 Pro.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Nokia generally provides more consistent and timely software updates than Tecno. The Nokia 3.2 is more likely to receive Android version updates and security patches, extending the phone’s lifespan and security.
