The Samsung Galaxy A10s and Tecno Spark 3 Pro represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices utilize Mediatek chipsets, but a key difference lies in their processing power: the A10s features the Helio P22, while the Spark 3 Pro uses the Helio A22. This comparison dissects these chipsets to determine which phone delivers the better user experience for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A10s is the superior choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Spark 3 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22, resulting in smoother app launches and better multitasking capabilities, justifying a potential slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A107M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2019, August 12. Released 2019, August 27 |
| 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) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | - | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- More powerful octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Potentially better image processing due to the Helio P22 chipset
- Likely slightly better battery efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- Display quality is likely similar to the Spark 3 Pro
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- Lower price point, making it highly accessible
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks like calls and messaging
- Likely similar battery life to the A10s for light usage
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the A10s
- May exhibit lag and stuttering during everyday use
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. The display experience will likely be similar, making the chipset the differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The A10s *may* benefit from slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities integrated within the Helio P22, potentially leading to marginally improved image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and won’t significantly impact photo quality. The primary sensor’s quality and software optimization will be the key determinants of camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A10s’ Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This configuration allows for parallel processing, significantly improving multitasking and app responsiveness compared to the Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761). The Spark 3 Pro’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU will struggle with more demanding tasks. While both are built on a 12nm process, the additional cores in the P22 provide a clear architectural advantage. Users will notice faster app loading times and smoother scrolling on the A10s.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Helio P22 in the A10s, while more powerful, is also more efficient than the A22. This efficiency, combined with potential software optimizations, could translate to slightly longer battery life despite the increased processing load. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 Pro if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and primarily use your phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10s if you value a more responsive user experience, occasionally play casual games, or frequently switch between apps. The extra processing cores offer a tangible benefit for everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A10s handle popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the A10s is sufficiently powerful to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and other common social media apps without significant lag. The octa-core processor provides a smoother experience compared to the Spark 3 Pro, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 3 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The Tecno Spark 3 Pro is only suitable for very light gaming. The Helio A22’s quad-core CPU will struggle with most modern mobile games, resulting in low frame rates and stuttering. The Samsung Galaxy A10s, while not a gaming powerhouse, will offer a noticeably better gaming experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A10s support software updates?
Samsung generally provides software updates for its A-series devices, but the frequency and duration of support for the A10s are limited. Expect at least one major Android update, but long-term support is not guaranteed. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro's update schedule is less predictable.
❓ Which phone is better for someone new to smartphones?
Both phones are relatively easy to use for first-time smartphone owners. However, the Samsung Galaxy A10s’ smoother performance and more responsive interface might make the transition easier and less frustrating. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro is simpler, but its slower performance could be a drawback.
