The Tecno Spark 3 and Infinix Hot 8 Lite represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 3 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Hot 8 Lite’s older MT6580, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading, despite the higher clock speed of the latter.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 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 | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2019, October. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.3 x 75.8 x 8.2 mm (6.11 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 165 x 76.3 x 8.7 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6580 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries, Photocall | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | Dirac sound
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 388 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 40 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Aqua Blue, Bordeaux Red | Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple, Shark Grey, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | X650 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
| SAR | 1.15 W/kg (head) | - |
Tecno Spark 3
- More modern and efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset
- Likely better multitasking performance
- Potentially longer software support
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera performance will be basic
Infinix Hot 8 Lite
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Older and less efficient Mediatek MT6580 chipset
- Slower performance and responsiveness
- Potentially limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. The absence of detailed display specs suggests both are geared towards functional viewing rather than immersive experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution secondary sensors (often 2MP) on phones in this segment suggests these are primarily for marketing purposes and offer minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely be basic, with limited dynamic range and detail. Expect significant noise in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 3’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761) is a 12nm chip featuring a Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This newer process node generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Infinix Hot 8 Lite’s Mediatek MT6580, which utilizes a Quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU. While the Hot 8 Lite’s CPU has a lower clock speed, the architectural improvements in the Helio A22 provide a more significant real-world performance boost, especially in multitasking and app responsiveness. The A22 is also more likely to receive continued software support.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the less power-hungry chipset in the Tecno Spark 3, it’s reasonable to expect comparable or slightly better battery life, even if the Infinix Hot 8 Lite has a marginally larger battery. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both, given the lack of fast charging support and the use of Micro-USB ports (assumed based on the price point).
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more modern chipset architecture for a better long-term user experience. It’s ideal for users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Infinix Hot 8 Lite if you are looking for the absolute lowest possible price and are willing to accept compromises in performance and potentially software updates. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 3 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset in the Tecno Spark 3 is sufficient to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a usable and responsive experience for these common applications.
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 8 Lite suitable for playing mobile games?
The Infinix Hot 8 Lite is not ideal for gaming. The older MT6580 chipset will struggle with most modern mobile games, even at low settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag. The Tecno Spark 3 offers a slightly better gaming experience, but still isn't designed for demanding titles.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive Android updates?
The Tecno Spark 3 is more likely to receive Android updates. Tecno generally provides more consistent software support than Infinix, and the newer Helio A22 chipset is more likely to be supported by future Android versions.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE?
Based on the chipsets, both devices *should* support 4G LTE connectivity. However, specific band support can vary by region. It's crucial to check compatibility with your carrier before purchasing.
