The Tecno Spark 8T and Realme Narzo 50A Prime represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 8T relies on MediaTek’s Helio G35, while the Narzo 50A Prime opts for Unisoc’s Tiger T612. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 8T’s Helio G35, particularly in multitasking and app loading. The inclusion of 18W charging is also a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller difference in battery capacity.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2022, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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 |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Turquoise Cyan, Iris Purple, Cocoa Gold | Black, Blue |
| Models | KG6p | RMX3516, RMX3517 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8T
- Potentially lower initial price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Likely long battery life due to efficient chipset.
- Inferior chipset performance compared to the Narzo 50A Prime.
- Slower charging speeds.
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 8T.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (offset by faster charging).
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization compared to MediaTek.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize panels with similar resolutions and likely IPS LCD technology, given their price point. However, the absence of detailed display specs (brightness, color gamut) necessitates a focus on processing power to drive a smoother visual experience. The Realme Narzo 50A Prime’s more capable chipset will likely translate to slightly snappier scrolling and app transitions, even if the panels themselves are comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Narzo 50A Prime’s superior processing power will likely allow for more effective noise reduction and image sharpening. The presence of 18W charging on the Narzo 50A Prime suggests a slightly more refined overall user experience, potentially extending to camera software features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 8T’s MediaTek Helio G35 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The Realme Narzo 50A Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612 employs a more modern architecture: two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores, offering a substantial boost in single-core performance – crucial for app responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage favors the Narzo 50A Prime, making it better suited for handling multiple apps and moderately demanding tasks. The Spark 8T will likely struggle with heavier multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. However, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. This will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Spark 8T, which likely supports a slower charging rate. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, faster charging can mitigate the impact of a slightly smaller battery, providing more convenient top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8T if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Realme Narzo 50A Prime if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, enjoy faster charging, and anticipate occasional light gaming or multitasking. The Narzo 50A Prime offers a more future-proof experience within this price bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 50A Prime handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While not designed for high-end gaming, the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Narzo 50A Prime can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don't anticipate a smooth experience on maximum settings. The Tecno Spark 8T’s Helio G35 will struggle more with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G35 and Tiger T612 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Narzo 50A Prime’s Tiger T612, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a snappier experience when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Spark 8T’s Helio G35 will feel slower and less responsive, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Realme Narzo 50A Prime with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Tecno Spark 8T, which likely supports a slower charging rate.
