Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Tecno Spark 3 and Tecno Pop 5S are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 3 generally edges out the Pop 5S due to its more powerful processor and potentially better camera capabilities. However, the Pop 5S might offer a more streamlined experience and potentially a slightly better price point, making it a strong contender for basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2022, February 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 155.3 x 75.8 x 8.2 mm (6.11 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 148 x 72.3 x 9.9 mm (5.83 x 2.85 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~75.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | - |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries, Photocall | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP |
| 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 |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | 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-Ion 3020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Aqua Blue, Bordeaux Red | Light Purple, Deep Blue |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 1.15 W/kg (head) | - |
Tecno Spark 3
- Better Performance
- Potentially Better Camera
- Larger Display (likely)
- More RAM (likely)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Design might be less refined
Tecno Pop 5S
- Potentially Lower Price
- Simple and User-Friendly
- Compact Size (likely)
- Lower Performance
- Less Powerful Camera
- Smaller Display (likely)
Display Comparison
The Tecno Spark 3 likely features a larger display (around 6.5 inches) with a slightly higher resolution compared to the Pop 5S (estimated around 6.1-6.3 inches). Both will likely use IPS LCD panels, offering decent viewing angles but not exceptional color accuracy. Expect similar brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
While specific Pop 5S camera specs are unavailable, the Spark 3 typically boasts a dual-camera setup (13MP + 2MP) and a front-facing camera. Expect the Spark 3 to deliver slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, due to its more powerful processor assisting image processing. Both phones will likely offer basic camera features like HDR and portrait mode.
Performance
The Spark 3's Mediatek Helio A22 chipset with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Pop 5S. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Spark 3. The Pop 5S will handle basic tasks adequately but may struggle with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have battery capacities in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are likely to be standard (5-10W).
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 3 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly better camera. The Tecno Pop 5S is a good choice for those seeking a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, especially if budget is a primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
The Tecno Spark 3 has a more powerful processor (Helio A22) compared to the Pop 5S, resulting in smoother performance and faster app loading times.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos?
The Tecno Spark 3 is likely to offer better photo quality, especially in low light, due to its more capable processor and potentially better camera hardware.
