The Tecno Spark 8 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing hardware. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Tecno Spark 8 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, offers a performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s older, less efficient 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 02 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 164.2 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| 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) |
| 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 | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | KG6, KG6k, MZ-TECNO KG6k | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 8
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Potentially better single-core performance
- Slightly smoother user experience
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality likely basic
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Extremely affordable price point
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Potentially longer standby time (due to lower usage)
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Slower overall performance
- Potential for noticeable lag
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specifics like brightness nits and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with standard color reproduction. The focus here is on the underlying processing power, as display performance is less impacted by the chipset in these devices. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are limited, but the emphasis will be on affordability rather than image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be viewed with skepticism; its utility is limited by the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. The primary sensor’s size and aperture will be the key determinants of image quality, but this information is currently unavailable. Image processing will likely be minimal on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 8’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This 12nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) found in the Galaxy A03 Core. While the A03 Core also has an octa-core CPU, it’s split into four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. The A53 cores in the Helio P22, 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 will likely result in higher power consumption for similar tasks, and potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient 28nm process will likely translate to shorter battery life compared to the Tecno Spark 8, despite potentially similar capacity. The Tecno Spark 8’s 10W charging is standard for this price point, and the A03 Core likely offers a similar charging speed. Expect full charge times to be in the 2.5-3.5 hour range.
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 a degree of fluidity. It’s the better option for users who occasionally play less demanding mobile games. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if your primary concern is absolute minimal cost and you only require a phone for the most basic functions – calls, texts, and very limited app usage – and are willing to accept slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a very entry-level chipset. While it *can* run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or when loading media. The Tecno Spark 8’s Helio P22 will handle these tasks more smoothly.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 8 a good option for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Tecno Spark 8 is not ideal for demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. You’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and may still experience frame rate drops. The Helio P22 is simply not powerful enough for a consistently smooth gaming experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Samsung’s update policy for the A03 Core is limited. Expect minimal software updates, primarily security patches. Long-term software support should not be a primary consideration when purchasing this device.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the Tecno Spark 8’s more responsive chipset will make even simple tasks like making calls and sending texts feel slightly more fluid. The A03 Core will function, but may exhibit noticeable delays.
