The Tecno Spark series consistently targets the entry-level smartphone market, but the gap between models can be substantial. We're pitting the older Tecno Spark 5 against the newer Spark 40C to determine if the upgrade is justified, focusing on the core improvements in processing power and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 40C is the clear winner. Its Helio G81 chipset delivers a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, while the inclusion of 18W charging addresses a key pain point of the older Spark 5. The price difference will be the deciding factor for some, but the performance gains are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 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 04. Released 2020, May 26 | 2025, July 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, August |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 | Android 15, HIOS 15.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Grey | Veil White, Ripple Blue, Titanium Grey, Ink Black |
| Models | KE5, KD7S | KM4k |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Spark 5
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Slow performance with demanding apps.
- Slow charging speeds.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Tecno Spark 40C
- Significantly faster performance with Helio G81.
- 18W fast charging for reduced downtime.
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness.
- Likely a higher price tag than the Spark 5.
- May not be a substantial upgrade for very basic users.
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency considerations impacting display choices. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) aren't provided, the focus here is on the performance uplift. The Spark 40C's improved processing power will translate to smoother animations and faster app loading times, enhancing the overall visual experience, even on a similar display panel. We can assume both are LCD panels given the price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the improved processing power of the Helio G81 in the Spark 40C will likely result in faster image processing and potentially better image quality, even with similar camera sensors. The A22’s limited processing capabilities could lead to slower capture times and less effective noise reduction in the Spark 5. We can expect the 40C to handle HDR processing more effectively.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Tecno Spark 5 features the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Spark 40C boasts the Mediatek Helio G81. This is a significant jump. The Helio G81’s CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – utilizes more powerful Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance, compared to the Spark 5’s all-Cortex-A53 setup. This means the 40C will handle demanding apps and multitasking with considerably less lag. The G81 also features a more capable GPU, making it suitable for light gaming, a scenario the A22 would struggle with.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Spark 40C’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a major advantage. The Spark 5 likely supports standard 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. This means the 40C can top up much faster, reducing downtime and improving usability. Even if the Spark 40C has a slightly smaller battery, the faster charging could offset this, providing a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you're on an extremely tight budget. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone use. Buy the Tecno Spark 40C if you want a smoother, more capable experience for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. It's a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a more modern smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 40C run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G81 in the Spark 40C is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Spark 5’s Helio A22 would struggle significantly with this game, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Spark 40C a significant improvement over the Spark 5?
Yes, it is. The Spark 5 likely supports only 10W charging, meaning a full charge could take over 3 hours. The Spark 40C’s 18W charging can reduce this time considerably, potentially to around 1.5-2 hours, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Can I expect a noticeable difference in app loading times between the two phones?
Absolutely. The Helio G81 in the Spark 40C has a much more powerful CPU and GPU, resulting in significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Helio A22 in the Spark 5.
