The Tecno Spark 6 and Nokia G20 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Spark 6 prioritizes processing power with its Helio G70 chipset, while the G20 aims for longevity and a clean software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Tecno Spark 6 is the better choice. Its Helio G70 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Nokia G20’s Helio G35. However, the Nokia G20’s cleaner software and potentially longer software support are valuable considerations for those seeking a hassle-free experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 25. Released 2020, September 25 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.3 x 9.2 mm (6.72 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 7.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Comet Black, Dynamic Orabge, Misty Violet | Glacier, Night |
| Models | KE7 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 6
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially less software support than Nokia
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
Nokia G20
- Clean Android experience with fewer pre-installed apps
- Potentially longer software update support from Nokia
- Lower power consumption under light usage
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Struggles with demanding apps and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The difference in processing power will likely be more noticeable than any minor display variations.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely employ similar budget camera sensors. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G70 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is speculative. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which will be limited by the processing power of the respective chipsets. Focusing on the chipset, the G70's slightly more powerful ISP could lead to marginally better low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 6’s Mediatek Helio G70, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a clear advantage over the Nokia G20’s Helio G35. The G35 utilizes 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G70 are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores in the G35, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural differences translate to a noticeable performance gap, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. The G70 is better suited for gaming, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
The Nokia G20’s 10W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Tecno Spark 6’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Spark 6 means less time tethered to a wall. The G35’s lower power consumption *could* translate to slightly better battery life under light usage, but the difference will likely be offset by the G70’s ability to complete tasks faster, reducing overall screen-on time. The 18W charging on the Spark 6 provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 6 if you need a phone capable of handling moderately demanding apps and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prioritize a simple, bloatware-free Android experience and value long-term software updates, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. It’s best suited for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Nokia G20’s Helio G35 chipset is designed for basic tasks. While it can run social media apps, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when scrolling through feeds or loading images, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Tecno Spark 6 will offer a smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 18W really that noticeable?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 6 will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the battery compared to the Nokia G20’s 10W charging. This means less downtime and more time using your phone. Expect a 0-100% charge to take considerably longer on the G20.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile?
PUBG Mobile is a demanding game. The Tecno Spark 6, with its Helio G70, can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings (balanced graphics, medium frame rate). The Nokia G20’s Helio G35 will likely struggle to provide a playable experience, even at the lowest settings, due to its weaker processing power.
