Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The Tecno Spark 8 Pro and Realme Narzo 50i Prime are both contenders, offering attractive price points. But which one truly delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, faster charging, and generally more robust feature set. While the Realme Narzo 50i Prime is a decent option for basic users, the Spark 8 Pro offers a better overall value proposition.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 29 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 04 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| 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 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Komodo Island, Interstellar Black, Winsor Violet | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | KG8, MZ-TECNO KG8, Mobile KG8 | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8 Pro
- Faster Processor (Helio G85)
- 33W Fast Charging
- Better Camera System
- Likely FHD+ Display
- More RAM/Storage Options (typically)
- Tecno's software can be a bit bloated
- Build quality might not be as premium
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- Very Affordable
- Clean Realme UI
- Decent Battery Life
- Slow Processor (Tiger T612)
- Slow 10W Charging
- Lower Resolution Display
- Less RAM/Storage
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the Tecno Spark 8 Pro likely has a slightly higher resolution (likely FHD+ vs. HD+ on the Narzo 50i Prime), resulting in a sharper image. Color accuracy and brightness are likely comparable within the budget segment.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses (macro, depth). While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Spark 8 Pro should perform better in low-light conditions and offer more creative shooting options.
Performance
The Mediatek Helio G85 in the Tecno Spark 8 Pro is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Narzo 50i Prime. Expect smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more responsive user experience on the Spark 8 Pro.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the Tecno Spark 8 Pro's 33W fast charging is a major advantage. It will charge significantly faster than the Narzo 50i Prime's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and fast charging. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and GPU.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the Tecno Spark 8 Pro charges much faster.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro generally has a better camera system with more features and better low-light performance.
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 50i Prime worth buying?
It's a decent option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability over performance. However, the Tecno Spark 8 Pro offers better value overall.
