The Tecno Spark series consistently targets the entry-level smartphone market. We're comparing the Tecno Spark 3, a veteran of the budget space, against the newer Tecno Spark 40C to determine if the generational leap justifies an upgrade, focusing on the core improvements in processing power and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 40C is the clear winner. Its Helio G81 chipset delivers significantly improved performance over the Spark 3’s Helio A22, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. The addition of 18W charging is a substantial convenience upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2025, July 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, August |
| 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) | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 15, HIOS 15.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | Unspecified |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries, Photocall | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 388 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 40 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Aqua Blue, Bordeaux Red | Veil White, Ripple Blue, Titanium Grey, Ink Black |
| Models | - | KM4k |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.15 W/kg (head) | - |
Tecno Spark 3
- Extremely affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life with conservative usage
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow performance for multitasking and gaming
- Slow charging speeds
- Outdated chipset
Tecno Spark 40C
- Significantly faster performance with Helio G81
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Improved gaming capabilities
- Higher price compared to the Spark 3
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize 12nm process technology, suggesting similar power efficiency in display operation. However, detailed display specifications like resolution, panel type (IPS vs. TFT), and brightness are not provided for the Spark 3. The Spark 40C, while also lacking detailed display specs, benefits from the more powerful GPU of the Helio G81, potentially enabling smoother rendering of UI elements and video playback. Without knowing the peak brightness of either display, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent for both devices. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The focus should be on image processing capabilities, which are heavily tied to the chipset. The Helio G81 in the Spark 40C offers a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Helio A22, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the 40C has a clear advantage in processing power.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Tecno Spark 3’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, is designed for basic smartphone functions. The Spark 40C’s Helio G81 is a significant upgrade, featuring an octa-core configuration with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architectural shift – moving from solely efficiency-focused A53 cores to including performance-oriented A75 cores – translates to a substantial improvement in CPU performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The G81’s Mali-G52 MC2 GPU also offers a considerable boost in graphics performance compared to the A22’s IMG PowerVR GE8320, making the 40C far more capable for gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Spark 40C’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a major advantage. The Spark 3 likely supports only standard 5W or 10W charging. This means the 40C will significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience. Even with a similar battery capacity, the more efficient Helio G81 in the Spark 40C could contribute to slightly longer battery life during moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Tecno Spark 40C if you prioritize smoother performance for gaming, video streaming, and multitasking, and value the convenience of faster charging, even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 40C run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G81 in the Spark 40C is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The A22 in the Spark 3 would struggle significantly, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Spark 40C a significant improvement over the Spark 3?
Yes, it is. Standard 5W or 10W charging on the Spark 3 can take several hours to fully charge the battery. 18W charging on the Spark 40C will substantially reduce charging times, making it much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their phone.
❓ Does the Spark 40C offer a noticeable improvement in app loading times compared to the Spark 3?
Absolutely. The octa-core Helio G81 with its faster Cortex-A75 cores will result in significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the quad-core Helio A22 in the Spark 3.
