The Tecno Spark 8T and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Spark 8T prioritizes a newer, if less powerful, chipset, while the Galaxy A12 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and a more mature, though older, Exynos processor. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these choices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and occasional light gaming, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) offers a more consistently smooth experience thanks to its Exynos 850 chipset. While the Tecno Spark 8T’s Helio G35 is more power-efficient, the A12’s performance advantage outweighs this benefit in most scenarios.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 15 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Turquoise Cyan, Iris Purple, Cocoa Gold | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | KG6p | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Tecno Spark 8T
- Potentially longer battery life due to the Helio G35’s efficiency.
- May be more affordable depending on regional pricing.
- Likely lighter due to less complex thermal design.
- Significantly lower processing power compared to the Exynos 850.
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Missing charging specification suggests slower charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset for smoother performance.
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups.
- Samsung’s brand recognition and software support.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Tecno Spark 8T.
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load.
- Potentially higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics like panel type and resolution are missing, but both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the Exynos 850’s GPU will likely provide a smoother experience when scrolling through content or playing simple games. However, without knowing the peak brightness or color accuracy of either display, a definitive winner is difficult to declare. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting the entry-level segment. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with lower-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance will likely be a weakness for both.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Tecno Spark 8T’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Exynos 850 utilizes newer Cortex-A55 cores across all eight, offering improved instructions-per-clock (IPC) compared to the Spark 8T’s mix of Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the A12. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained loads. The Helio G35 prioritizes efficiency, but sacrifices raw processing power.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 8T’s Helio G35 chipset benefits from its 12nm process, leading to lower power consumption. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the G35’s efficiency will likely translate to longer battery life during typical usage. The Samsung Galaxy A12 includes 15W wired charging, a feature absent from the provided Tecno Spark 8T specs. This faster charging capability partially offsets any potential battery life advantage the Spark 8T might have, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8T if you need a phone primarily for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing, and battery life is your absolute top priority. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, plan to engage in moderate multitasking, or occasionally play less demanding mobile games. The A12 also benefits from Samsung’s established software support and wider service network.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a flagship processor, its 8nm process and relatively modest clock speeds mean it's unlikely to experience significant overheating during typical gaming. Some throttling may occur during extended, graphically intensive sessions, but it shouldn't lead to a complete performance collapse.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. Expect soft, grainy results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the graphics to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' is recommended for a more stable frame rate. Expect occasional frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ How does the Helio G35's CPU architecture impact app loading times compared to the Exynos 850?
The Helio G35 utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores, while the Exynos 850 uses newer Cortex-A55 cores. The A55 cores offer improved IPC, meaning they can execute more instructions per clock cycle. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times and a more responsive user interface on the Galaxy A12.
