The Tecno Spark series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Spark 8C and Spark 8 Pro are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Helio G85 chipset, faster charging (33W), and generally improved performance. While the 8C is a more affordable option, the 8 Pro's upgrades justify the price difference 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2021, December 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, January 04 |
| 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) | 169 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | NEG |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (HBM) |
| 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 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED lash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray | Komodo Island, Interstellar Black, Winsor Violet |
| Models | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k | KG8, MZ-TECNO KG8, Mobile KG8 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8C
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Weaker processor
- Slower charging
- Lower performance
Tecno Spark 8 Pro
- Faster processor (Helio G85)
- 33W fast charging
- Improved performance
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more expensive
- Similar display to 8C
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer a large viewing area, the Spark 8 Pro might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though specific details are often not heavily emphasized in this price range. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor around 48MP. The Spark 8 Pro's more powerful processor likely allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly better detail and dynamic range from the 8 Pro's camera.
Performance
This is where the Spark 8 Pro shines. The Helio G85 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Unisoc T606. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the 8 Pro. The 8C will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or heavy applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Spark 8 Pro's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 8C's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 8C is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality. The Tecno Spark 8 Pro is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and improved gaming capabilities, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 8 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and faster charging are important to you. The Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade over the Spark 8C's processor.
❓ What is the camera quality like on both phones?
Both have decent cameras, but the Spark 8 Pro's processor likely allows for better image processing and potentially better low-light performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both offer all-day battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries, but the Spark 8 Pro charges significantly faster.