The Tecno Spark 3 and Samsung Galaxy A10s represent two popular choices in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, but they differ significantly under the hood. This comparison focuses on the core performance differences stemming from their respective Mediatek Helio A22 and Helio P22 chipsets, and how those differences translate to real-world usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app switching, the Samsung Galaxy A10s is the better choice. Its octa-core Helio P22 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 3’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more capable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 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 | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 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 | 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) | 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 (~82.2% 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), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries, Photocall | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 388 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 40 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Aqua Blue, Bordeaux Red | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | - | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.15 W/kg (head) | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 3
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower performance than the A10s
- Less capable for multitasking
- Likely less refined camera image processing
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially improved camera image quality
- May be slightly more expensive
- Slightly higher power consumption
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context data focuses on the chipsets, we can infer both likely utilize similar LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+. The key difference will likely be color calibration and brightness, with Samsung historically offering slightly more accurate colors. However, without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively state which display is superior. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The A10s likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in more pleasing photos in good lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated macro lens on the A10s (often 2MP) is unlikely to provide substantial benefit given the sensor size, and image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting. The Tecno Spark 3 will likely offer a simpler, more straightforward camera experience.
Performance
The core distinction lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A10s’ Mediatek Helio P22 is an octa-core processor, featuring eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the Tecno Spark 3’s Helio A22, a quad-core processor also using Cortex-A53 cores at the same 2.0 GHz clock speed. While both use the same core architecture and clock speed, the doubling of cores in the P22 provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This means the A10s will handle app switching, background processes, and multitasking more efficiently. The 12nm process node is shared by both, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the P22’s architecture will still demand slightly more power under load. The A10s will likely exhibit less lag when opening multiple apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with 5W or 10W chargers. The Helio P22’s slightly higher power consumption under load might result in marginally shorter battery life on the A10s during intensive tasks, but in typical usage scenarios, the difference will be minimal. The overall battery experience will depend more on software optimization and user habits.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 if you need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are heavily constrained by budget. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10s if you prefer a more responsive experience, plan to use multiple apps simultaneously, or occasionally enjoy mobile games – the extra cores and processing power offer a tangible improvement in usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A10s handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the A10s provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of common social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The octa-core configuration ensures a responsive experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 3 suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Tecno Spark 3 can technically *run* PUBG Mobile, the experience will likely be limited to the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Helio A22’s quad-core processor struggles with the demands of modern mobile games, resulting in lag and stuttering. The A10s would provide a better, though still limited, gaming experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A10s support software updates for security patches?
Samsung generally provides a reasonable level of software support for its A-series devices, including security patches. However, the A10s is an older model, so the duration of support may be limited. Check Samsung's official website for the latest update information.
❓ What type of storage does the Tecno Spark 3 use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, budget smartphones like the Tecno Spark 3 typically use eMMC storage. It almost certainly includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to increase the available space for photos, videos, and apps.
