The Tecno Spark 40C and Oppo A17k represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 40C prioritizes processing power with a Helio G81, while the A17k opts for the Helio G35, creating a clear distinction in performance capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Tecno Spark 40C is the better choice. Its Helio G81 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Oppo A17k’s Helio G35, making it noticeably smoother for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the A17k may appeal to those seeking a slightly simpler experience.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 19 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| 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 MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15.1 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Veil White, Ripple Blue, Titanium Grey, Ink Black | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | KM4k | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Spark 40C
- More powerful Helio G81 processor for smoother performance.
- Faster 18W charging capability.
- Better suited for light gaming and multitasking.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful processor.
- May be marginally more expensive than the Oppo A17k.
Oppo A17k
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding processor.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Significantly weaker Helio G35 processor.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding applications.
- Poor gaming performance.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the shared 12nm process node, display differences are likely minimal and not specified in the provided data. Expect both to utilize LCD panels, with color accuracy and brightness being average for this price segment. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on cost reduction rather than premium aesthetics. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to declare a clear winner.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The image processing capabilities of the Helio G81 *may* offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range, but this is speculative. The absence of information regarding sensor size and lens apertures makes a definitive assessment impossible. It's safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 40C’s MediaTek Helio G81, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a substantial performance uplift compared to the Oppo A17k’s Helio G35. The G35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration, while utilizing a higher clock speed on some cores, relies on less efficient core architecture. The A75 cores in the G81 provide significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. This translates to a smoother experience when multitasking and running more demanding applications. The G81 is also better suited for light gaming, while the G35 will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
Both devices utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency characteristics. The Tecno Spark 40C’s 18W charging is a slight advantage over what is typical for the Oppo A17k, potentially reducing charge times. However, without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to predict real-world battery life. The less powerful Helio G35 in the A17k *could* translate to longer standby times, but the G81’s efficiency improvements might offset this during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 40C if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming even on modest settings, and value a more responsive user experience. Buy the Oppo A17k if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 40C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Tecno Spark 40C’s Helio G81 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept a lower frame rate for a playable experience. The Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio G81 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G81’s more modern core architecture (Cortex-A75) provides a significant boost in single-core performance, resulting in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the Helio G35.
❓ Does the Oppo A17k have enough power for video streaming and social media?
The Oppo A17k is sufficient for basic video streaming (YouTube, TikTok) and social media browsing. However, you may experience occasional lag or stuttering when multitasking or loading heavier webpages. It's best suited for users with minimal app usage.
