The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 4 and Oppo A31 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Oppo A31 leveraging a more modern, albeit still entry-level, chipset while the Tecno Spark 4 relies on a simpler, older processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the Oppo A31 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 4’s quad-core processor. While the Spark 4 may suffice for basic tasks, the A31 offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 25. Released 2019, September 25 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lenses | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Purple, Vacation Blue | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | KC8 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | - | About 490 EUR |
Tecno Spark 4
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler interface may appeal to some users
- Potentially better battery life due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- May struggle with modern apps
Oppo A31
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Octa-core processor enables smoother multitasking
- More efficient 12nm process
- Potentially higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life
- Performance still limited compared to mid-range phones
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The Oppo A31, being a slightly newer device, *may* benefit from improved color calibration or viewing angles, but this is speculative. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, budget smartphones in this price range often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image quality. It’s reasonable to assume both devices feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Oppo A31, being a slightly newer model, *might* incorporate improved image processing algorithms, leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. However, without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s impossible to definitively state which device captures superior images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The Tecno Spark 4 utilizes a quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU, a relatively basic configuration. In contrast, the Oppo A31 is equipped with the Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz for its Cortex-A53 cores. This octa-core architecture, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling demanding applications. The Helio P35’s architecture allows for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother performance when running multiple apps simultaneously. The Spark 4 will likely struggle with more than a few apps open at once.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, given the lower processing demands of the Tecno Spark 4, it may exhibit slightly better battery life under similar usage conditions. The Oppo A31’s more powerful processor will consume more energy. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess charging speeds. The A31’s 12nm process *could* mitigate some of the power draw, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 4 if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize affordability above all else. Its simpler processor is adequate for these tasks. Buy the Oppo A31 if you anticipate multitasking, playing casual games, or running more demanding apps. The Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, making it a better choice for users who want a more responsive and versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A31 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset in the Oppo A31 is more than capable of running social media apps smoothly. The octa-core configuration and 12nm process provide sufficient processing power for these applications, even with multiple apps open in the background.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 4 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Tecno Spark 4 can handle very basic, less demanding mobile games. However, for more graphically intensive titles, the quad-core processor will likely struggle, resulting in low frame rates and lag. The Oppo A31 is a better choice for casual gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity isn't specified in the provided data. However, budget smartphones typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card support for expansion. Checking the product listings for each phone is crucial to confirm the exact storage options.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Oppo generally provides more consistent software updates than Tecno. While neither brand is known for extensive long-term support, the Oppo A31 is more likely to receive security patches and minor Android version updates.
