The Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Smart 8 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 30C prioritizes processing power with the Helio G81, while the Smart 8 Pro focuses on broader feature set and reverse charging, albeit with a less powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance in demanding apps and smoother multitasking, the Tecno Spark 30C is the better choice. Its Helio G81 chipset offers a noticeable advantage over the Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s Helio G36. However, the Smart 8 Pro’s reverse charging capability and potentially lower price make it appealing for specific use cases.
| 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, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0 | Rainbow Blue, Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | kl5, kl5n | X6525B |
| Price | $ 131.27 / € 149.99 | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark 30C
- Faster processor (Helio G81)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better multitasking performance
- Lacks reverse charging
- Potentially lower battery efficiency due to more powerful chipset
Infinix Smart 8 Pro
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly better power efficiency (12nm process)
- Slower processor (Helio G36)
- Slower charging (10W)
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s Helio G36 is fabricated on a 12nm process, potentially offering slightly better power efficiency, but at the cost of raw performance. Display specs beyond panel type are not provided, so we can assume similar resolutions and refresh rates (likely 60Hz).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The focus should be on the main sensor’s capabilities, which are not specified. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance image quality, and differences here will be more subjective. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image stabilization will be digital, potentially resulting in softer images in low light.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 30C’s Mediatek Helio G81 is the clear winner in terms of processing power. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a significant performance boost over the Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s Helio G36. The G36 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.2 GHz and another four at 1.6 GHz. While the G36’s higher clock speed on some cores might seem advantageous, the older Cortex-A53 architecture is less efficient and powerful than the A75 cores in the G81. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Spark 30C.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 30C’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will drastically reduce the time it takes to replenish the battery, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The Smart 8 Pro does offer reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Spark 30C. However, the slower charging speed and potential battery drain from reverse charging need to be considered.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30C if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, running multiple apps simultaneously, and generally providing a more responsive user experience. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Pro if you prioritize a phone that can act as a power bank for other devices, and your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 30C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G81 in the Tecno Spark 30C is capable of running 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. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action sequences. The Infinix Smart 8 Pro will struggle with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially resulting in a less enjoyable experience.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Infinix Smart 8 Pro with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Infinix Smart 8 Pro will likely take around 3-4 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Tecno Spark 30C’s 18W charging, which can potentially achieve a full charge in around 2 hours.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Infinix Smart 8 Pro useful for everyday use?
The reverse charging feature is a niche but potentially useful addition. It's ideal for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in emergencies. However, keep in mind that using reverse charging will drain the Smart 8 Pro’s battery significantly.
