The Tecno Spark series consistently delivers impressive features at budget-friendly prices. The Spark 9 Pro and Spark 8 Pro are two strong contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro edges out the 9 Pro primarily due to its significantly faster 33W charging. While both offer similar performance thanks to the Helio G85 chipset, the 8 Pro's quicker charging and potentially slightly better camera software make it the preferable choice 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, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 02 | 2021, December 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, January 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (KH7n only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue | Komodo Island, Interstellar Black, Winsor Violet |
| Models | KH7, KH7n | KG8, MZ-TECNO KG8, Mobile KG8 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- Potentially newer design
- Similar performance to Spark 8 Pro
- 64MP Main Camera
- Slower 18W charging
- Limited information on display improvements
- Potentially less refined camera software
Tecno Spark 8 Pro
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially better camera software
- Good value for money
- Older design
- Similar performance to Spark 9 Pro
- 64MP Main Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and visuals. While the Spark 9 Pro *might* have a slightly improved panel (e.g., better color accuracy or brightness), concrete differences are not widely reported. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 64MP main camera, but software processing and secondary lenses (ultrawide, macro, depth) can differ. The Spark 8 Pro's camera software has generally been praised for its image processing, potentially giving it a slight edge. Expect comparable image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Powered by the identical Mediatek Helio G85 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the two devices should be very similar. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games may require lower graphics settings.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, the Spark 8 Pro's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage over the Spark 9 Pro's 18W charging. This translates to considerably faster charging times and more convenient usage.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly newer design and potentially a marginally improved display (though details are scarce). The Tecno Spark 8 Pro is a better buy for those who value faster charging speeds and potentially a more refined camera experience, especially if it's available at a similar or lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 9 Pro worth the upgrade from the Spark 8 Pro?
Unless you specifically desire the newer design or a marginal display improvement, the Spark 8 Pro's faster charging makes it a more compelling upgrade.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance thanks to the Helio G85 chipset. Expect adequate performance for most games at medium settings.