The Tecno Spark 5 Air and Oppo A12s represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a significant difference in processing power separates these two, impacting everyday usability and multitasking capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A12s is the better choice. Its octa-core Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core processor. While both phones are limited in features, the A12s offers a more responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| 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, July 14. Released 2020, July 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 x 0.36 in) | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 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 |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Deep Blue, Flowing Silver |
| Models | KD6a | - |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) |
Tecno Spark 5 Air
- Potentially lower price point
- Large display size (6.55 inches)
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Significantly weaker processor
- Likely limited RAM
- Poor multitasking performance
Oppo A12s
- More powerful octa-core processor
- 12nm process node for better efficiency
- 10W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is still limited
- Slow charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The A12s’ slightly larger screen size (6.5 inches vs. the Spark 5 Air’s 6.55 inches) is negligible. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles, with neither device offering features like high refresh rates or HDR support. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Neither phone is expected to excel in image quality. While both likely feature a main camera and potentially additional sensors, the lack of detailed specifications makes a direct comparison difficult. The A12s may benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect flagship-level results. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A12s is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Oppo A12s’ Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) is the clear winner in performance. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s unspecified quad-core Mediatek chipset. The 12nm process node of the Helio P35 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A12s. The Spark 5 Air will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag during everyday use. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely limited on both devices, further exacerbating the performance gap.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Oppo A12s includes 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow but adequate for overnight charging. The Spark 5 Air’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the A12s’ more efficient chipset may provide a slight advantage in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Oppo A12s if you want a more fluid experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefit of a more powerful processor, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A12s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low settings and potentially experience frame drops. It's not a gaming-focused device, but it will offer a playable experience, unlike the Tecno Spark 5 Air which will likely struggle significantly.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference between the octa-core Helio P35 and the quad-core processor in the Tecno Spark 5 Air is very noticeable. The A12s will feel much smoother when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Spark 5 Air will exhibit lag and slowdowns more frequently.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with?
Both phones are typically offered with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Both support microSD card expansion, so adding a memory card is highly recommended to store photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Does the Oppo A12s support fast charging?
No, the Oppo A12s only supports 10W wired charging, which is a relatively slow charging speed. Expect it to take several hours to fully charge the battery from 0%.
