The Tecno Spark 6 and Infinix Note 8i represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – affordable devices aiming to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. Both leverage Mediatek’s Helio G series, but subtle differences in chipset and CPU configuration can significantly impact performance. This comparison dissects those nuances to determine which phone offers the best value for budget-conscious users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance in demanding tasks, the Infinix Note 8i emerges as the winner. Its Helio G80, with a marginally faster Cortex-A55 cluster, provides a small but noticeable edge. However, the Tecno Spark 6 remains a compelling option for those seeking a reliable device at an even lower price point.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 25. Released 2020, September 25 | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.3 x 9.2 mm (6.72 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) | 171.4 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 7.0 | Android 10, XOS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Comet Black, Dynamic Orabge, Misty Violet | Gray, Blue, Green |
| Models | KE7 | X683, X683B |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Tecno Spark 6
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G70 performance
- Sufficient for everyday tasks
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to Note 8i
- Camera quality likely similar to Note 8i, but details unknown
Infinix Note 8i
- Faster CPU clock speed on Cortex-A55 cores
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Potentially more responsive user experience
- May be slightly more expensive than Tecno Spark 6
- Camera quality likely similar to Tecno Spark 6, but details unknown
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference will lie in calibration and brightness. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to declare a winner, but historically, Infinix tends to prioritize slightly more vibrant (though potentially less accurate) color profiles. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither device is expected to feature high refresh rate technology.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent. Both brands typically equip their budget phones with a primary sensor and several auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a direct comparison is impossible. Image processing will likely differ, with Tecno often leaning towards brighter, more saturated images, while Infinix may aim for a more natural look. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be a weakness.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Tecno Spark 6 uses the Mediatek Helio G70, while the Infinix Note 8i features the Helio G80. Both are built on a 12nm process, ensuring similar power efficiency. However, the G80’s CPU boasts a slightly higher clock speed for the Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). While the Cortex-A75 cores remain at 2.0 GHz on both, the faster A55 cluster translates to snappier performance in multi-tasking and less demanding applications. This difference, though small, will be noticeable during app switching and general UI responsiveness. Both devices will handle popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but the Note 8i will likely maintain more stable frame rates at higher settings.
Battery Life
Both devices support 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. Actual 0-100% charge times will depend on the battery capacity, which isn’t specified. Given the typical battery sizes in this segment (around 5000mAh), expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours. The efficiency of the Helio G80 in the Note 8i *might* translate to slightly better battery life during gaming, but the difference will likely be minimal in everyday usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 6 if you need a dependable smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest price. Buy the Infinix Note 8i if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for gaming and multitasking, and are willing to spend a little extra for the incremental performance boost offered by the Helio G80.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 8i handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G80 is capable, Genshin Impact is a particularly demanding title. Expect to play at low settings with moderate frame rates. The phone may experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to frame drops.
❓ Is the 18W charging considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is relatively standard for budget smartphones. It's not the fastest available, but it's sufficient for topping up the battery overnight or getting a decent charge during a short break. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
❓ How much RAM does each phone have, and is it sufficient for multitasking?
The provided data doesn't specify RAM capacity. However, both phones are typically available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. 4GB is recommended for smoother multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use (eMMC or UFS)?
The provided data doesn't specify the storage type. However, given the price point, it's likely both devices utilize eMMC storage. UFS storage would offer faster read/write speeds, but is less common in this segment.