The Tecno Spark 5 Air and Nokia 3.4 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Spark 5 Air aims for affordability above all else, while the Nokia 3.4 leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series for a more balanced experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 3.4 is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core Mediatek processor. While charging is slower, the overall performance advantage justifies the slight trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 05. Released 2020, July | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 x 0.36 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | KD6a | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 5 Air
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer larger storage options for the price
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely lower quality display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Nokia 3.4
- Superior processor performance (Snapdragon 460)
- More responsive user interface
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Camera performance is still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are missing for the Tecno Spark 5 Air, but given its price point, it's likely a lower-resolution TFT panel. The Nokia 3.4’s display details are also absent, but Nokia typically uses IPS LCDs in this segment. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and viewing angles, favoring the Nokia 3.4 if it adheres to Nokia’s typical display calibration. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details for the Tecno Spark 5 Air, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Nokia 3.4 likely features a primary sensor around 13MP, typical for this price range. Expect limited low-light performance and a reliance on software processing to enhance image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark 5 Air’s Mediatek quad-core processor is geared towards minimal power consumption, resulting in a basic user experience. In contrast, the Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, features an octa-core configuration (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This architecture provides a substantial boost in multitasking and app loading speeds. The Cortex-A73 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI interactions. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Nokia 3.4 will handle less demanding games with greater fluidity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the Tecno Spark 5 Air. The Nokia 3.4 packs a 4000mAh battery, which, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset, should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Nokia 3.4 is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Tecno Spark 5 Air’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s unlikely to be significantly faster, given its focus on cost reduction.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if your primary need is a functional smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more future-proof platform, even if it means spending a little more and accepting slower charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.4 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing without significant lag. The octa-core CPU and optimized architecture provide a smoother experience compared to the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core processor.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 5 Air a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 5 Air is a viable option for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. However, if you anticipate using your phone for anything beyond these basic functions, the Nokia 3.4 offers a more future-proof and enjoyable experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia 3.4 with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Nokia 3.4 to take approximately 3-4 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a significant drawback compared to phones with faster charging capabilities, but it's a common trade-off in the ultra-budget segment.
