The Oppo A55s and Tecno Spark 8T represent two popular choices in the highly competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on how the chipset choice impacts real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Oppo A55s is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 8T’s Helio G35. However, the Spark 8T remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets where basic functionality is paramount.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2022, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 15 | Available. Released 2022, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Turquoise Cyan, Iris Purple, Cocoa Gold | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | KG6p | CPH2309 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8T
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially larger battery capacity (speculation based on market segment).
- Significantly weaker performance due to Helio G35.
- Likely struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Less efficient chipset leads to potentially shorter battery life under load.
Oppo A55s
- Faster and more responsive performance with Dimensity 700.
- More efficient chipset for better battery life.
- Improved image processing capabilities.
- Higher price compared to the Tecno Spark 8T.
- Slower 10W charging.
- May not include accessories in the box to keep costs down.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Oppo A55s, being slightly more premium, *may* feature a higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. The absence of information on refresh rates suggests both are likely capped at the standard 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both devices, typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, both devices likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The Oppo A55s, due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700, is likely to produce better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Dimensity 700’s superior processing power allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Tecno Spark 8T will likely rely more heavily on software enhancements, which may not always yield optimal results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A55s’ Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark 8T’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the Helio G35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 700 deliver substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 7nm process also translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the A55s will handle multitasking and moderately demanding games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Oppo A55s’ 7nm Dimensity 700 chipset is more power-efficient than the Tecno Spark 8T’s 12nm Helio G35. This efficiency, combined with the A55s’ 10W wired charging, suggests comparable or potentially slightly better battery life despite potentially similar battery capacities. The 10W charging on the A55s is relatively slow, but the chipset's efficiency may mitigate the impact of slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8T if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Oppo A55s if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, moderate gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset architecture, even with the slightly higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A55s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Oppo A55s is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio G35 in the Tecno Spark 8T will struggle with PUBG, even on the lowest settings, due to its limited processing power.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Oppo A55s a significant drawback?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, the Dimensity 700's power efficiency means you won't need to charge the Oppo A55s as frequently. Overnight charging is a viable option, mitigating the slower charging speed.
❓ How much of a difference will I notice in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
You'll notice a significant difference. The Oppo A55s will feel much snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, opening websites, and scrolling through social media feeds thanks to the Dimensity 700's superior CPU architecture.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 8T support software updates?
Tecno's software update track record is less consistent than Oppo's. While the Spark 8T will likely receive security patches, major Android version updates are less guaranteed compared to the Oppo A55s.