The Tecno Spark 8 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent two popular choices in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and improved power efficiency compared to the Tecno Spark 8’s Helio P22. While the Spark 8 may be slightly cheaper in some markets, the Redmi 10C’s faster charging and more modern processor justify the small price premium.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 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, September 02 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| 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) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | KG6, KG6k, MZ-TECNO KG6k | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Likely similar battery life due to lower power demands
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to potential throttling
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Improved multitasking and gaming performance
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer a drastically improved camera experience
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature 720p+ displays typical of this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the Redmi 10C benefits from the more modern chipset potentially allowing for better image processing and color calibration. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses, but details are scarce. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Redmi 10C’s more powerful chipset will likely provide an advantage in this area, enabling more sophisticated image processing algorithms. While sensor sizes are unknown, the Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more capable than the Helio P22’s, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Spark 8’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and less heat generation. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – a mix of 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores – provides a more balanced and powerful processing experience than the Spark 8’s homogenous 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 octa-core setup. This difference will be most noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and gaming. The Redmi 10C will handle more demanding applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for this segment. However, the Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Spark 8’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and improving usability. While a larger battery capacity on the Spark 8 could partially offset this, the efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 680 will likely result in comparable real-world battery life despite potentially having a slightly smaller cell.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, and are willing to spend a little more for a more responsive and future-proof experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Helio P22 in the Spark 8 will struggle with even low settings, resulting in noticeable lag and frame drops.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi 10C compared to the 10W charging on the Spark 8?
The 18W charging on the Redmi 10C will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times depend on various factors, expect the Redmi 10C to charge roughly 40-50% faster than the Spark 8.
❓ Is the difference between the 12nm and 6nm process technology significant in real-world usage?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The 6nm process used in the Snapdragon 680 is more efficient, meaning it consumes less power for the same level of performance. This translates to longer battery life, less heat generation, and reduced throttling during demanding tasks.
❓ If I primarily use my phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp, is the Redmi 10C overkill?
For extremely basic usage, the Tecno Spark 8 will suffice. However, even for these tasks, the Redmi 10C’s smoother performance and faster charging will provide a more pleasant user experience, and future-proof your purchase slightly.
