The Tecno Spark series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. Choosing between the Spark 9 and the newer Spark 10 Pro can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is the clear winner, offering a more powerful chipset (Helio G88 vs G37), brighter display, and generally improved performance. While the Spark 9 remains a budget-friendly option, the 10 Pro provides a noticeable upgrade for a relatively small price difference.
| 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, July 18 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2023, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.3 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Starry Black, Pearl White |
| Models | KG5p | KI7 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 245.74 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1991:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 249938 (v9)
GeekBench: 1358 (v5.1), 1376 (v6)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Spark 9
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent display for the price
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Lower brightness display
- Older software
Tecno Spark 10 Pro
- More powerful chipset (Helio G88)
- Brighter display
- Improved camera performance
- Faster charging (18W)
- Slightly more expensive
- Battery life may be marginally shorter (though still excellent)
Display Comparison
The Spark 10 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its measured 521 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Both phones feature a high 1991:1 contrast ratio (though the 10 Pro's is measured, the 9's is nominal), promising deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Spark 10 Pro likely has a slightly improved panel overall.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Spark 10 Pro's improved chipset and likely software optimizations should translate to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect more detail, better dynamic range, and potentially improved video stabilization on the 10 Pro. Specific megapixel counts are not provided, but the newer processor generally allows for better image processing.
Performance
The Helio G88 in the Spark 10 Pro is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37 in the Spark 9. The G88's dual Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The Spark 9 will handle basic tasks adequately, but the 10 Pro offers a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an impressive endurance rating of 131 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Spark 10 Pro's more efficient chipset and potentially optimized software could give it a slight edge in real-world usage. The Spark 10 Pro also includes 18W wired charging, a small but welcome improvement over the Spark 9's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 9 is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and long battery life. The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, better camera performance, and a brighter, more vibrant display, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 10 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, the Spark 10 Pro offers a significant upgrade in performance and display quality, making it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G37 and Helio G88 chipsets?
The Helio G88 is a more powerful chipset with a faster CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities compared to the Helio G37.
