The Tecno Spark 9 and Oppo A17k represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but subtle differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Tecno Spark 9 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones utilize Mediatek Helio G series chipsets, the Spark 9’s Helio G37 offers a marginal performance edge, making it more responsive for multitasking and light gaming.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | KG5p | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9
- Slightly better performance due to Helio G37 chipset
- Potentially smoother gaming experience
- Competitive price point
- Limited information on display quality
- Camera performance likely average
Oppo A17k
- Oppo’s ColorOS may offer a refined software experience
- Competitive price point
- Potentially better software support
- Helio G35 chipset offers slightly lower performance
- Limited information on display quality
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost optimization. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. Without further data, a direct comparison is impossible, but users shouldn't expect premium display quality from either.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the market segment, both are likely to feature a primary camera paired with basic auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). Image quality will heavily rely on software processing and the size of the primary sensor, which is currently unknown. Expect decent results in well-lit conditions, but performance will degrade significantly in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests that image stabilization will be primarily digital, potentially leading to softer images and increased noise.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Tecno Spark 9 features the Mediatek Helio G37, while the Oppo A17k uses the Helio G35. Both are 12nm chips with an identical CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. However, the G37 generally exhibits slightly higher clock speeds in the GPU, leading to a modest performance advantage in graphics-intensive tasks. This translates to marginally smoother gaming and faster image processing. While the difference isn't massive, it's noticeable in side-by-side comparisons. Both phones will likely struggle with demanding AAA titles, but the Spark 9 will offer a more playable experience with less stuttering.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified in the provided data. However, typical battery sizes for phones in this price range fall between 5000mAh and 6000mAh. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, display brightness, and software optimization. Without knowing the charging wattage, it’s difficult to estimate 0-100% charging times. Both phones will likely support standard 10W or 18W charging, resulting in charging times of several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you need a phone that feels a bit snappier during daily use and can handle slightly more demanding apps without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between applications or enjoy casual gaming. Buy the Oppo A17k if you prioritize a potentially more refined software experience (based on Oppo’s ColorOS reputation) and are primarily focused on basic communication and media consumption, accepting a slightly less fluid performance profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While both phones can *run* these games, expect to play them at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with reduced frame rates. The Helio G37 in the Tecno Spark 9 will provide a slightly smoother experience than the Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k, but neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How does Oppo’s ColorOS compare to Tecno’s HiOS in terms of software updates and features?
Oppo’s ColorOS generally has a reputation for more frequent software updates and a wider range of features compared to Tecno’s HiOS. However, update frequency can vary depending on the specific model and region. Both interfaces are based on Android and offer similar core functionality, but ColorOS often includes more customization options and pre-installed apps.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G37 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The performance difference is subtle but present. The Tecno Spark 9 with the Helio G37 will feel slightly more responsive when switching between apps, opening new tabs in a browser, or scrolling through social media feeds. Users accustomed to higher-end phones may notice the difference more than those upgrading from older, slower devices.
