The Tecno Spark 40 and Oppo A31 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Spark 40, particularly the NFC variant, aims for a balance of gaming capability and fast charging, while the A31 focuses on providing a functional smartphone experience at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 40 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Oppo A31’s Helio P35, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. The 45W charging is a substantial advantage, reducing downtime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 02 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.30 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 (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G91 (12 nm) - NFC model | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| 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 |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 55 min to 100% | - |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Mirage Blue | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | KM5 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 490 EUR |
Tecno Spark 40
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G81)
- 45W fast charging for quick top-ups
- More advanced ISP for better image processing
- Specific display details are unknown
- Battery capacity not specified
Oppo A31
- Lower price point (likely)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated processor (Helio P35)
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited performance for gaming and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for both, the focus here is on performance. The A31’s older chipset likely means less efficient display processing, potentially impacting color accuracy and brightness. The Spark 40’s G81 offers a more modern ISP, which *could* translate to slightly better image processing for display output, but this is speculative without further data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Helio G81 in the Tecno Spark 40 includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the Helio P35 in the Oppo A31. This ISP is crucial for image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature basic camera setups, the Spark 40’s ISP will likely produce sharper, more detailed, and better-balanced photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of an NFC model suggests Tecno invested more in features, potentially extending to camera software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 40’s Mediatek Helio G81, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), is a clear upgrade over the Oppo A31’s Mediatek Helio P35 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The G81’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant performance boost in single-core tasks, while the more efficient Cortex-A55 cores improve multi-core performance and power efficiency. The A31’s reliance on four older Cortex-A53 cores at a higher clock speed doesn’t compensate for the architectural advantages of the G81. This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Spark 40, particularly noticeable in gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Tecno Spark 40’s 45W wired charging is a game-changer. The advertised 55 minutes to 100% significantly reduces downtime compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the Oppo A31. Even if the A31 has a slightly larger battery, the Spark 40’s faster charging will likely result in more usable uptime throughout the day. The G81’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 40 if you prioritize performance for mobile gaming, streaming, or multitasking, and value faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a phone that can handle more than just basic tasks. Buy the Oppo A31 if your primary needs are simple – calls, texts, and light social media – and you’re looking for the absolute lowest price point, accepting compromises in performance and charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 40’s Helio G81 chipset handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G81 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. The improved GPU performance compared to the Helio P35 in the Oppo A31 makes a noticeable difference in gaming smoothness.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Tecno Spark 40 compatible with standard USB-PD chargers?
While the Tecno Spark 40 supports 45W charging, it’s crucial to use the included charger or a charger specifically designed for its charging protocol to achieve the fastest speeds. Standard USB-PD chargers may charge the device, but at a slower rate. Check the charger's specifications to ensure compatibility.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the Tecno Spark 40 and Oppo A31?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark 40’s Helio G81 chipset, with its more modern CPU architecture, will result in significantly faster app loading times compared to the Oppo A31’s Helio P35. This difference will be particularly noticeable with larger, more complex applications.
