The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Spark 8 Pro and Realme Narzo 50 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50 edges out the Tecno Spark 8 Pro thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G96 vs G85) and generally better software optimization. Both offer 33W charging and decent cameras, making them excellent value for money, but the Narzo 50 provides a smoother overall 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 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 29 | 2022, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 04 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Komodo Island, Interstellar Black, Winsor Violet | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | KG8, MZ-TECNO KG8, Mobile KG8 | RMX3286 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 610 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8 Pro
- Potentially more affordable
- Large display
- Decent camera hardware (high MP main sensor)
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially less refined software
- Image processing may not be as good
Realme Narzo 50
- More powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Better software optimization
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slightly more premium feel
- May be slightly more expensive
- Lower resolution main camera (48MP)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both are adequate for media consumption, the Realme Narzo 50 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Realme's generally better display tuning. Expect similar viewing angles and responsiveness.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro typically boasts a higher resolution main camera (likely 64MP vs Narzo 50's 48MP), but megapixels aren't everything. Realme often excels in image processing, so the Narzo 50 might produce more consistently good photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both phones likely offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but image quality will vary.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 50's Helio G96 chipset holds a clear advantage over the Tecno Spark 8 Pro's Helio G85. The G96 features Cortex-A76 cores, which are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores in the G85. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Narzo 50. Both phones will handle everyday tasks without issue, but the Narzo 50 will feel more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 33W fast charging on both devices should allow for a relatively quick recharge. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but both should perform similarly in this area.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro is a great choice for users prioritizing a large display and potentially a slightly more affordable price. The Realme Narzo 50 is ideal for those seeking better performance, a more refined user experience, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G96 chipset.
❓ Does either phone have 5G connectivity?
Neither the Tecno Spark 8 Pro nor the Realme Narzo 50 offer 5G connectivity. They both support 4G LTE.
❓ What is the storage and RAM configuration of each phone?
Both phones typically come in configurations like 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB. Check the specific retailer for available options.