Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Tecno Spark 8C and Tecno Pova Neo 2 are both strong contenders in the affordable segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 edges out the Spark 8C thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the Spark 8C is a decent option, the Pova Neo 2 provides a more compelling overall experience for the price.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2022, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | Dual-LED lash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (LG6n only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 7000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma |
| Models | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k | LG6n |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8C
- Clean and simple UI
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Affordable price
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Faster charging (18W)
- Larger battery capacity
- Better gaming performance
- UI might have more bloatware
- Camera performance not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. While specific panel types aren't always detailed, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price range. The Pova Neo 2 might have slightly better brightness due to its slightly higher price point, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor around 48MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Pova Neo 2's more powerful processor might allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities will likely be similar, offering 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the Pova Neo 2 shines. The MediaTek Helio G85 offers a significant performance boost over the Unisoc T606. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Pova Neo 2. The T606 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Pova Neo 2 generally boasts a larger battery capacity (around 6000mAh) compared to the Spark 8C (around 5000mAh). Coupled with its more efficient chipset, this translates to longer battery life. The Pova Neo 2 also includes 18W fast charging, a notable advantage over the Spark 8C's slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 8C is a good choice for users prioritizing a clean, simple interface and basic functionality. It's ideal for light users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and occasional social media. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is better suited for users who want a more responsive experience, enjoy gaming, or need faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 8C good for gaming?
The Spark 8C can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Pova Neo 2 is a much better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 generally offers longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. The Spark 8C's battery life is decent but will drain faster with heavier use.