The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark 30C and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Spark 30C leans on a more powerful, albeit older, chipset, while the A05s prioritizes battery life and Samsung’s established brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a more balanced experience. Its superior battery life, measured at 11:32h of active use, and brighter 468 nit display outweigh the Spark 30C’s marginally faster CPU. The A05s is the better all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0 | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | kl5, kl5n | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | $ 131.27 / € 149.99 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 30C
- Potentially faster CPU for light tasks
- More affordable price point (likely)
- May offer more RAM options
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely shorter battery life
- Inferior display brightness
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Excellent battery life (11:32h active use)
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Slightly slower CPU clock speed
- May be slightly more expensive
- Samsung’s software can be bloated
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits compared to an unstated value for the Tecno Spark 30C (likely lower, based on market positioning). This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. Furthermore, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ superior specifications make it the clear winner for visual clarity and usability in varied lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups, but details are limited. The Samsung Galaxy A05s likely features a higher resolution main sensor, typical of Samsung’s A-series. While both will likely include a 2MP macro lens (of limited utility), the A05s’ image processing algorithms, honed over years of development, will likely deliver more consistent and pleasing results. Without specific sensor size or aperture information for the Tecno Spark 30C, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance, but Samsung’s experience gives it an edge.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a more efficient architecture than the Tecno Spark 30C’s MediaTek Helio G81. While the Helio G81’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz) provide a clock speed advantage over the A05s’ Kryo 265 Gold cores (4x2.4 GHz), the Snapdragon 680’s newer architecture and smaller node size contribute to better sustained performance and thermal management. The A05s’ CPU configuration, with four performance cores, is also more balanced for multitasking. The 6nm process also means less heat generation, potentially reducing throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery life, achieving 11:32h of active use. The Tecno Spark 30C’s battery capacity is unstated, but given its focus on performance, it likely prioritizes a smaller battery to keep the phone lightweight. The A05s also supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Spark 30C’s 18W charging. This faster charging speed minimizes downtime and ensures you spend less time tethered to a wall outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30C if you prioritize raw processing power for light gaming and multitasking, and are willing to compromise on battery life. Its Helio G81 chipset offers a performance edge. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value long-lasting battery, a brighter and more visible display, and the reliability of the Samsung ecosystem. It’s the better choice for everyday users and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process helps prevent excessive throttling, but extended gaming sessions may result in some performance dips. The Tecno Spark 30C's Helio G81 might offer slightly higher peak frame rates, but at the cost of potentially more heat and shorter battery life.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between 18W and 25W?
The 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A05s will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the Tecno Spark 30C’s 18W. Expect a faster 0-50% charge on the A05s, making it more convenient for users who need a quick power boost. While neither is exceptionally fast by modern standards, the A05s offers a tangible advantage.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are best used in ideal lighting conditions and should not be expected to produce professional-looking macro shots. The primary camera on either phone will likely deliver better results for close-up photography.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A05s is the superior choice for media consumption. Its brighter display (468 nits) and higher contrast ratio (1418:1) provide a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience, especially in well-lit environments. The larger screen size (typically found on A05s models) also contributes to a more comfortable viewing experience.
