The Tecno Spark 9 and vivo iQOO Z6x represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Spark 9 aims for affordability, while the iQOO Z6x prioritizes performance with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the vivo iQOO Z6x is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 810 chipset offers a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37. However, the Tecno Spark 9 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, August 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.3 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | - |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 44W wired, 50% in 33 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Black, Blue, Orange |
| Models | KG5p | V2164KA |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life with conservative usage (depending on capacity)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Less capable camera system
vivo iQOO Z6x
- Superior performance with Dimensity 810
- 44W fast charging
- More efficient chipset for better battery life during demanding tasks
- Higher price tag
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
- Potentially less battery life with heavy gaming
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified refresh rates suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz. The real difference lies under the hood; the iQOO Z6x benefits from the more efficient Dimensity 810, potentially allowing for slightly better sustained brightness. However, without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to quantify.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The iQOO Z6x, benefiting from the more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 810, likely offers superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Spark 9’s Helio G37 ISP is less sophisticated, potentially leading to softer images and less detail in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The iQOO Z6x’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a substantial leap forward from the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, offering significantly better single-core performance than the Spark 9’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Spark 9 will handle basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z6x’s 44W wired charging is a game-changer. The advertised 50% charge in 33 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Spark 9, which likely supports standard charging speeds. While the battery capacity of the Spark 9 isn't specified, the Z6x's faster charging effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Dimensity 810’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the vivo iQOO Z6x if you prefer a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demand significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iQOO Z6x run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 810 chipset in the iQOO Z6x is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The improved GPU performance and efficient thermal design contribute to a smoother gaming experience compared to the Tecno Spark 9.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 9 a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark 9 is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. Its Helio G37 chipset is sufficient for these applications, and the lower price point makes it an attractive option for users with limited needs.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the iQOO Z6x from 0%?
While the iQOO Z6x charges to 50% in 33 minutes, a full charge from 0% is estimated to take around 60-70 minutes with the included 44W charger. This is significantly faster than the charging speeds offered by the Tecno Spark 9.
