The Tecno Spark 3 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 7A represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they achieve this with different approaches to core hardware, specifically their chipsets. This comparison dissects the differences between the MediaTek Helio A22 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and a smoother overall experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 439 provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more capable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| 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) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | - | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Adequate for basic communication tasks.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi 7A.
- Less responsive user interface.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 439.
- Smoother multitasking and app loading times.
- More efficient chipset potentially leading to better battery life.
- Qualcomm ISP for potentially better image processing.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 3 Pro.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the cost-conscious design of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi 7A likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439, potentially offering slightly better image processing and noise reduction. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro relies on the ISP integrated within the Helio A22, which is generally less sophisticated. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical improvement.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 is an octa-core processor, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and another four at 1.45 GHz. This configuration allows for more efficient task handling and parallel processing compared to the Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s MediaTek Helio A22, which utilizes a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. While the Helio A22 has a higher clock speed per core, the Snapdragon 439’s eight cores provide a substantial advantage in multi-threaded workloads. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 7A. The Snapdragon 439 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimizations for Android, potentially leading to better sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature battery capacities in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A includes 10W wired charging, a standard offering. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s charging capabilities are not specified, but are likely similar. The Snapdragon 439’s improved efficiency could translate to slightly better battery life on the Redmi 7A, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Real-world usage will heavily influence battery performance, but the Redmi 7A’s chipset offers a potential edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 Pro if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you value a more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a chipset that can handle slightly more demanding applications and games, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Xiaomi Redmi 7A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 439 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro with the Helio A22 will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, offering a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Snapdragon 439 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 7A will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and scrolling through web pages. The Helio A22 in the Spark 3 Pro will exhibit more lag and slower response times, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 7A support fast charging?
No, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A supports 10W wired charging, which is considered standard but not fast charging. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
Both phones are capable of handling WhatsApp and Facebook. However, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking between these apps and others.
