The Tecno Spark 4 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the entry-level segment of the Android market, catering to first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to hardware, resulting in distinct performance and user experiences. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A10e emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 7884 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 4 Lite’s quad-core Helio A22, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - AT&T |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Metro PCS, T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0
or
2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Black |
| Models | KC8S | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 4 Lite
- Potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset.
- More affordable price point.
- Larger display size (6.6 inches).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the A10e.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the octa-core Exynos 7884.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Likely shorter battery life under heavy use.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 4 Lite.
- Display details are unknown.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The A10e’s display size is not provided, but the Spark 4 Lite has a 6.6-inch display. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. Display quality is likely similar, focusing on basic readability rather than color accuracy or high brightness. Expect standard HD+ resolutions on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices focusing on basic image capture. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The A10e may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering slightly better dynamic range and color accuracy. However, don't expect flagship-level results from either device. The 2MP macro camera on the Spark 4 Lite is unlikely to deliver significant improvements over standard photos.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884, built on a 14nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53). This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Spark 4 Lite’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) and its quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The A73 cores in the A10e offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While the Helio A22’s 12nm process is more efficient, the A10e’s core count and architecture provide a clear advantage in multitasking and more demanding applications. The A10e will handle more apps in the background without significant slowdown.
Battery Life
Battery life is a potential strength for the Tecno Spark 4 Lite. While specific battery capacities aren’t provided, the less powerful Helio A22 chipset will consume less energy. The A10e’s more powerful Exynos 7884 will drain the battery faster under load. However, the A10e’s faster processor will complete tasks quicker, potentially offsetting some of the battery drain in everyday use. Charging speeds are also unknown for both devices, making it difficult to assess overall convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 4 Lite if you need a supremely affordable device primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and value long battery life over performance. It’s ideal for users new to smartphones or those needing a simple backup phone. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a slightly more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7884 is a relatively efficient chip, and given the A10e's plastic build, thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major issue during moderate gaming. However, demanding titles at high settings for extended periods may cause some performance reduction to manage heat.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 4 Lite a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 4 Lite is an excellent entry point for first-time smartphone users. Its simplicity, affordability, and basic functionality make it easy to learn and use, providing a gentle introduction to the Android ecosystem.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A10e handle popular games like PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Galaxy A10e can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Exynos 7884 isn't a gaming powerhouse, so demanding settings will likely result in lag and stuttering.
❓ What version of Android does each phone ship with, and are software updates guaranteed?
The Tecno Spark 4 Lite likely shipped with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware. The Samsung Galaxy A10e likely shipped with Android 9 Pie. Software update support is limited for both devices, with no guarantee of major Android version upgrades.
