The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Tecno Spark 8 and the Huawei nova Y61. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova Y61 edges out the Tecno Spark 8 thanks to its significantly faster charging and likely improved software experience. While the Spark 8 offers decent value, the nova Y61's charging speed and potential software advantages make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - EVE-LX3 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - EVE-LX3 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 02 | 2022, November 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2022, November |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 164.3 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HIOS 7.6 | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes (EVE-LX9N only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple | Sapphire Blue, Mint Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | KG6, KG6k, MZ-TECNO KG6k | EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N, EVE-LX3 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8
- Larger Display (potentially)
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Decent Value for Money
- Slower Charging
- Less Powerful Processor
- Older Chipset
Huawei nova Y61
- Faster Charging (22.5W)
- Potentially Smoother Performance
- Modern Design
- Smaller Battery (potentially)
- Camera Specs Unknown
- Huawei Ecosystem Limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature LCD displays, with the Tecno Spark 8 potentially having a slightly larger screen size (around 6.6 inches vs. the nova Y61's likely 6.5 inches). Expect similar resolutions (likely HD+). Color accuracy and brightness will be average for this price range, but the Spark 8's larger size might offer a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are missing for the nova Y61, but we can assume a primary sensor around 13MP. The Tecno Spark 8 typically features a multi-camera setup (likely 13MP main + depth sensor + macro). Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions for both, but low-light performance will be a challenge. Huawei's image processing often produces vibrant colors, while Tecno's can be more natural.
Performance
The Huawei nova Y61's 'Octa-core' CPU is vague, but it's likely a more modern and efficient chipset than the Mediatek Helio P22 in the Tecno Spark 8. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the nova Y61. The Spark 8's Helio P22 is adequate for basic tasks but can struggle with demanding games or apps.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 8 likely has a larger battery capacity (potentially 5000mAh) compared to the Huawei nova Y61 (likely around 4000mAh). However, the nova Y61's 22.5W fast charging significantly offsets this difference. The Spark 8's 10W charging will result in much longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 8 is a good option for users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life on a tight budget. The Huawei nova Y61 is ideal for those who value faster charging, a potentially smoother user experience, and a more modern design, even if it means a slightly smaller battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Huawei nova Y61 is likely the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor, although neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ Does the Huawei nova Y61 have Google Play Services?
Due to US sanctions, Huawei phones typically do not come with Google Play Services pre-installed. Users may need to explore alternative app stores or sideload apps.
