The Tecno Spark 8 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance, the Tecno Spark 8 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, offers a more mature architecture and generally smoother experience compared to the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter’s octa-core configuration.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 02 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 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 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HIOS 7.6 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | KG6, KG6k, MZ-TECNO KG6k | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8
- More powerful and efficient chipset (Helio P22)
- Better single-core performance for smoother app usage
- More responsive user interface
- May experience slightly faster battery drain under heavy load
- Likely similar camera performance to the Smart 5 Pro
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Potentially slightly longer battery life in light usage scenarios
- Lower price point (potentially, depending on retailer)
- Acceptable for very basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful and efficient chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slower app launch times and less responsive UI
- Higher power consumption for similar tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, the absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset, like the Spark 8’s Helio P22, will translate to a more fluid experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even on a similar-quality display.
Camera Comparison
Given the price bracket, camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 8’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This 12nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While the Smart 5 Pro also has an octa-core CPU, it’s comprised of a split configuration – four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. The A53 cores in the Spark 8, despite being an older architecture, generally offer better single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The larger process node of the Unisoc chip suggests higher power consumption for similar tasks, potentially leading to more heat and throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s less powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life in ideal conditions, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Real-world battery performance is heavily influenced by usage patterns, and the Spark 8’s more efficient chipset may offset the potential gains from the Smart 5 Pro’s lower power draw during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, messaging, and light web browsing with reasonable responsiveness. It’s the better option for users who occasionally play less demanding mobile games. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and you prioritize potentially longer battery life due to the less powerful, and therefore less energy-hungry, chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Smart 5 Pro can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A’s lower processing power and less efficient architecture may result in slower loading times, occasional lag, and a less fluid experience compared to the Tecno Spark 8, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the 12nm process of the Helio P22 in the Tecno Spark 8 a significant advantage over the 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A?
Yes, the 12nm process is considerably more efficient. It means the Helio P22 can deliver similar performance with less power consumption, resulting in better battery life and reduced heat generation compared to the 28nm Unisoc chip.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle less demanding games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but the Tecno Spark 8 will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience due to its more powerful processor. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro may experience occasional frame drops or lag during gameplay.
