The Tecno Spark 7 and Nokia G100 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Spark 7 prioritizes affordability, while the G100 aims for a more balanced experience with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better app responsiveness than the Tecno Spark 7’s Helio A25. While the Spark 7 is cheaper, the G100’s improved user experience justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 44, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 09 | 2022, September 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 16 | Available. Released 2022, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195.1 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0"
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | 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 b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· 6000 mAh (Global)· 5000 mAh (Africa only) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Morpheus Blue, Spruce Green, Magnet Black | Nordic Blue |
| Models | KF6, KF6j, KF6i, KF6k, PR651h, PR651, PR651E, KF6m, KF6h, KF6n | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Tecno Spark 7
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Likely lighter due to simpler components.
- May offer longer software support due to Tecno's growing commitment.
- Significantly weaker performance due to the Helio A25 chipset.
- Less efficient chipset leads to potentially shorter battery life.
- Slower app loading and multitasking.
Nokia G100
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 662.
- More efficient chipset for better battery life.
- 15W fast charging support.
- Higher price compared to the Tecno Spark 7.
- May be slightly heavier due to more advanced components.
- Nokia's software update track record can be inconsistent.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While neither spec sheet details resolution or brightness, the G100’s superior chipset will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the panel itself is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia G100 benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 662, which generally provides superior image processing capabilities compared to the ISP found in the Helio A25. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor’s quality is more important.
Performance
The Nokia G100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is the clear winner here. The 11nm fabrication process is more efficient than the Tecno Spark 7’s MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm), translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 662’s CPU configuration – 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver – offers a significant clock speed advantage over the Spark 7’s 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This means faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nokia G100. The Snapdragon 662 also features a more capable Adreno 610 GPU, providing a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Nokia G100 includes 15W wired charging, a feature absent from publicly available information regarding the Tecno Spark 7. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 662’s improved efficiency should result in comparable or even better battery life on the G100, despite potentially having a similar mAh rating. The 15W charging will also significantly reduce charging times compared to a slower, unspecified charging solution on the Spark 7.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 7 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Nokia G100 if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a chipset that will likely receive longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G100 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia G100 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. The Tecno Spark 7’s Helio A25 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Spark 7 and Nokia G100?
The Tecno Spark 7 runs HiOS, Tecno’s custom Android skin, which is known for its features but can include pre-installed bloatware. The Nokia G100 runs Android One, offering a cleaner, near-stock Android experience with guaranteed security updates for a specified period, minimizing bloatware and providing a more streamlined user interface.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A25 and Snapdragon 662 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Snapdragon 662 provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience when navigating the UI, opening apps, and multitasking. The Helio A25 can feel sluggish, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
