The Tecno Spark 30 and Infinix Hot 40i represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$150 arena. Both aim to deliver a functional smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 30 leans on MediaTek’s Helio G91, while the Hot 40i opts for the Unisoc T606. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks and light gaming, the Tecno Spark 30 emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its Helio G91 chipset, with its higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable edge over the Unisoc T606 in demanding scenarios, despite both being fabricated on a 12nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 21 | 2023, December 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168 x 76.4 x 7.7 mm or 7.9 mm | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14, HIOS 14 | Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stellar Shadow, Astral Ice, Magic Skin 3.0, Bumblebee Edition | Starlit Black, Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, Starfall Green |
| Models | KL6 | X6528B |
| Price | - | ₹ 10,999 |
Tecno Spark 30
- More powerful CPU for smoother multitasking
- Better GPU performance for gaming
- Potentially improved image processing
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Battery capacity not officially specified
Infinix Hot 40i
- Convenient reverse wired charging
- Slightly lower price point (potentially)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful CPU and GPU
- May struggle with demanding games
- Image processing may be less refined
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies under the hood. While both are 12nm chips, the G91's GPU is more capable, which will translate to a smoother experience when rendering graphics on the display. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this price bracket – adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors (often 2MP for macro or depth). Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the G91’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), the Tecno Spark 30 *may* offer marginally better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on the Hot 40i suggests a focus on utility rather than photographic prowess.
Performance
The core of the difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Tecno Spark 30’s MediaTek Helio G91 features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Infinix Hot 40i’s Unisoc T606, conversely, uses a dual-core Cortex-A75 clocked at 1.6 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. This 0.4 GHz difference in the A75 core speed, while seemingly small, translates to a measurable performance advantage for the Spark 30 in CPU-intensive tasks. The G91 also has a more powerful GPU, making it better suited for gaming. Both devices will likely be paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, but the chipset is the limiting factor.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Spark 30 and Infinix Hot 40i support 18W wired charging. However, the Hot 40i adds the convenience of reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for phones in this price range are between 5000mAh and 5200mAh. The 18W charging will likely take around 2-3 hours for a full charge on both devices. The Hot 40i’s reverse charging capability is a unique advantage for users who frequently travel or rely on multiple devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30 if you frequently multitask, enjoy mobile gaming (even if it's not at maximum settings), and value a slightly more responsive user experience. Buy the Infinix Hot 40i if you prioritize reverse wired charging for topping up accessories, and your usage is primarily focused on basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. The Hot 40i is a solid option for those seeking a dependable, no-frills device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 30 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G91 in the Tecno Spark 30 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's playable.
❓ How useful is the reverse wired charging on the Infinix Hot 40i in real-world scenarios?
The reverse wired charging is incredibly useful for topping up accessories like Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend’s phone in an emergency. It’s a convenient feature that sets the Hot 40i apart from many competitors in this price range.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset known for overheating during prolonged use?
The Unisoc T606 is generally efficient and doesn't typically suffer from significant overheating issues. However, sustained gaming or heavy multitasking *may* lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. The 12nm process node isn't the most efficient, but it's adequate for the intended use case.
❓ What type of storage does the Infinix Hot 40i use – eMMC or UFS?
Given the price point, it's highly probable that the Infinix Hot 40i utilizes eMMC storage. While slower than UFS, eMMC is a cost-effective solution for budget smartphones. This will impact app loading times and file transfer speeds compared to phones with UFS storage.
