The Tecno Spark 7 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a remarkably low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best experience for the budget-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 7 emerges as the better choice. Its more modern Mediatek Helio A25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s quad-core MT6739W, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| 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, 28, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 09 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 16 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, AF
Secondary unknown camera | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· 6000 mAh (Global)· 5000 mAh (Africa only) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Morpheus Blue, Spruce Green, Magnet Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | KF6, KF6j, KF6i, KF6k, PR651h, PR651, PR651E, KF6m, KF6h, KF6n | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Tecno Spark 7
- More powerful octa-core processor
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Lower resolution main camera sensor (typically)
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Established Samsung brand
- Potentially lower price point (depending on configuration)
- Software optimizations from Samsung
- Availability of different RAM/Storage configurations
- Significantly weaker quad-core processor
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Slower overall performance
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but both are likely to utilize LCD panels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Given the price point, both will likely feature sizable bezels. The A02's display is likely to be more color-shifted due to the older chipset's image signal processor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are limited, but the A02 is often paired with a 13MP main sensor, while the Spark 7 typically features an 8MP main sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio A25 is more modern, potentially leading to better image processing and slightly improved photo quality in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both devices is largely marketing fluff and offers minimal practical benefit. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 7’s Mediatek Helio A25 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). The A25’s octa-core configuration (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides more processing power than the A02’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The 12nm process node of the Helio A25 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the Spark 7. The A02 will struggle with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device in the provided data. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio A25’s superior power efficiency in the Tecno Spark 7 will likely translate to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 7 if you prioritize responsiveness and a smoother user experience, even with basic apps. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and need a reliable device for calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you are looking for a brand name and are willing to accept a slower, more basic experience, and potentially benefit from Samsung’s software optimizations, or if you find a particularly aggressive sale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W chipset is quite limited. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and difficulty multitasking. The Tecno Spark 7’s Helio A25 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 7 a good option for mobile gaming?
The Tecno Spark 7 is not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly better suited for casual gaming than the Galaxy A02. The Helio A25 can handle less demanding games at lower settings. However, don’t expect to play graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support software updates for security patches?
Samsung typically provides a limited number of security updates for its entry-level devices. While the A02 will likely receive some updates, the long-term support is not guaranteed and may be shorter than that of more expensive Samsung models. Tecno's update schedule is less predictable.
❓ What RAM and storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A02?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 is available in 32GB 2GB RAM ($149.99), 32GB 3GB RAM ($129.99), and 64GB 3GB RAM ($199.99) configurations. The Tecno Spark 7's RAM/Storage options vary by region.
