The Tecno Spark 40 and Samsung Galaxy A11 represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Spark 40 prioritizes processing power with its Mediatek Helio G81, while the Galaxy A11 aims for a balance of features and efficiency with the Snapdragon 450. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance in apps and light gaming, the Tecno Spark 40 is the clear winner. Its Helio G81 chipset offers a significant uplift over the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A11. However, the A11’s more efficient processor and potentially longer software support make it a viable option for basic smartphone tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 02 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.30 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G91 (12 nm) - NFC model | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 55 min to 100% | 15W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Mirage Blue | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | KM5 | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 40
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- 45W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Potential for NFC support (depending on model)
- Potentially lower battery life due to less efficient chipset
- Software support may be limited compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A11
- More power-efficient processor for longer battery life
- Established brand with potentially longer software support
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Noticeably slower processor for demanding tasks
- Slow 15W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Spark 40’s focus on performance suggests a potentially higher refresh rate, though this is speculative. The Galaxy A11’s 14nm Snapdragon 450 likely contributes to lower power consumption, potentially extending screen-on time.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, the focus should be on the main sensor. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the quality of the primary sensor dictates image quality. Given the market positioning, both are likely to feature modest sensors. The Spark 40’s processor may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of NFC on some Spark 40 models is a notable advantage for contactless payments.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 40’s Mediatek Helio G81 (12nm) represents a substantial leap in processing power compared to the Samsung Galaxy A11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The G81’s octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides significantly better single-core performance – crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. The A11’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are architecturally older and clocked lower at 1.8 GHz. This translates to noticeable lag when running multiple apps or demanding games. The G81 also benefits from a more modern GPU, offering a better gaming experience, even if limited to lower graphical settings.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 40’s 45W wired charging is a significant advantage, promising a full charge in approximately 55 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy A11’s 15W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process is more power-efficient than the Helio G81’s 12nm process. This means the A11 may offer comparable or even slightly better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The faster charging of the Spark 40, however, mitigates the impact of any potential battery capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 40 if you frequently use demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming (even at modest settings), or need faster app loading times. Its 45W charging is also a boon for quick top-ups. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize battery efficiency for all-day use, prefer a well-established brand with potentially longer software support, and primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and light social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 40 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G81 in the Spark 40 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphical settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 450 in the A11 will struggle with these titles, offering a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Tecno Spark 40 compared to the 15W charging on the Galaxy A11?
The 45W charging on the Spark 40 is significantly faster. Tecno claims a 0-100% charge in around 55 minutes. The Galaxy A11’s 15W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 2.5-3 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 40 have NFC for contactless payments?
NFC availability varies depending on the specific Spark 40 model. Some variants include NFC, while others do not. Check the product specifications before purchasing if NFC is a priority.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices compared to Tecno. The Galaxy A11 is likely to receive at least one major Android update, while the Spark 40’s update schedule is less predictable.
