The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 9T and Oppo A57s aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point. However, a key differentiator emerges immediately: charging speed. This comparison dissects the nuances of each device, focusing on performance, battery, and overall value to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and minimal downtime, the Oppo A57s is the clear winner. Its 33W fast charging, capable of a full charge in just 69 minutes, significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark 9T’s sluggish 10W charging. While performance is comparable, the charging advantage tips the scales in Oppo’s favor.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, September 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | - | IP5X (dust), 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 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% 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 MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| 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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 69 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Particle Silver, Vitality Green | Starry Black, Sky Blue |
| Models | KH6 | CPH2385 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
Tecno Spark 9T
- Potentially slightly better GPU performance with Helio G37
- May be available at a marginally lower price point
- Standard 5000mAh battery capacity (estimated)
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Likely inferior camera performance
- No standout features
Oppo A57s
- Significantly faster 33W charging (100% in 69 mins)
- Comparable CPU performance to Tecno Spark 9T
- Standard 5000mAh battery capacity (estimated)
- Helio G35 chipset may be slightly less powerful in GPU tasks
- Camera performance likely similar to Tecno Spark 9T
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume similar viewing experiences. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rates. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, budget phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor quality. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise.
Performance
Both the Tecno Spark 9T and Oppo A57s are powered by Mediatek Helio G series chipsets, the Spark 9T featuring the Helio G37 and the A57s the Helio G35. Both CPUs share the same core configuration: an octa-core setup with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This suggests broadly similar performance in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, the Helio G37 *may* offer a slight edge in GPU performance, potentially translating to marginally better frame rates in demanding games. Thermal management will likely be similar, relying on passive cooling due to the budget nature of both devices.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, both phones likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The critical difference lies in charging speed. The Oppo A57s’ 33W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a 100% charge in a claimed 69 minutes. The Tecno Spark 9T’s 10W charging is significantly slower, requiring several hours for a full charge. This disparity impacts usability; the A57s allows for quick top-ups throughout the day, while the Spark 9T necessitates longer, less frequent charging sessions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9T if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are willing to tolerate significantly slower charging speeds. It’s a viable option for users who don’t mind overnight charging or infrequent top-ups. Buy the Oppo A57s if you value convenience and want a phone that can quickly replenish its battery, making it ideal for users with active lifestyles or those who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the Oppo A57s' charging compared to the Tecno Spark 9T in real-world use?
The Oppo A57s' 33W charging can add a significant percentage of battery life in just 15-20 minutes, enough for several hours of use. The Tecno Spark 9T's 10W charging will barely make a dent in the same timeframe, requiring several hours for a full charge. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Will I notice a performance difference between the Helio G37 in the Tecno Spark 9T and the Helio G35 in the Oppo A57s during gaming?
The performance difference will likely be minimal. Both chipsets are designed for entry-level gaming. While the Helio G37 *may* offer a slight advantage in GPU performance, it won't translate to a dramatic improvement in frame rates. Expect to play most games at medium settings with acceptable performance on both devices.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. The 2MP macro cameras on both the Tecno Spark 9T and Oppo A57s suffer from low resolution and fixed focus, resulting in blurry and often unusable images. They are primarily included for marketing purposes and offer limited practical benefit.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
Without detailed display specifications, it's difficult to say definitively. However, both phones likely utilize similar LCD panels. The viewing experience will be adequate for casual video consumption, but don't expect vibrant colors or high contrast ratios.
