The Tecno Spark series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Two contenders in this lineup are the Spark 9 Pro and the Spark 9T. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera performance make it a better overall choice despite potentially a slightly higher price. The 9T remains a budget option, but falls short in key areas.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 02 | 2022, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, (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 | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Particle Silver, Vitality Green |
| Models | KH7, KH7n | KH6 |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- More powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Faster 18W charging
- Likely better camera performance
- Smoother gaming experience
- Potentially better display quality
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have slightly less RAM/storage in some configurations
Tecno Spark 9T
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Large display for media consumption
- Weaker processor (Helio G37)
- Slow 10W charging
- Subpar camera performance
- Laggy performance with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.6-inch display, probably an IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. However, the Spark 9 Pro might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially higher panel quality. Expect a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels on both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a 48MP main camera, the Spark 9 Pro's more powerful processor should enable better image processing, resulting in sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low light. The 9 Pro likely has better video recording capabilities as well. Expect similar selfie camera specs (around 32MP) on both.
Performance
This is where the Spark 9 Pro shines. The Helio G85 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the 9 Pro. The 9T will struggle with demanding apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Spark 9 Pro's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the 9T's 10W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro? Users prioritizing performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. Who should buy the Tecno Spark 9T? Those on an extremely tight budget who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are willing to compromise on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 9 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, the performance boost from the Helio G85 and faster charging make the Spark 9 Pro a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 9T handle basic games?
It can handle very basic games, but don't expect smooth performance on anything graphically demanding. The Spark 9 Pro is a much better choice for gaming.