The Tecno Spark Go 2 and Infinix Smart 8 Plus represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark Go 2 leverages a Unisoc chipset, while the Smart 8 Plus opts for MediaTek's Helio G36. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly faster application loading and a more modern charging standard, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G36 chipset, despite using older Cortex-A53 cores, boasts a higher clock speed, and the inclusion of 18W charging with reverse wired capability provides added convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 24 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Turquoise Green | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | KM4 | X6526 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go 2
- Potentially more efficient chipset architecture (Unisoc T7250)
- May offer slightly better multi-tasking due to core configuration
- Reputable brand with established presence
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely less responsive app loading times compared to the Smart 8 Plus
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Faster 18W charging with reverse wired capability
- Higher CPU clock speed for quicker app launches
- More modern charging standard
- Older Cortex-A53 cores may be less efficient
- Potentially less smooth multi-tasking compared to the Spark Go 2
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be largely similar, and likely underwhelming. Both phones will likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of minimal utility (e.g., a 2MP depth sensor). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Image processing will be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go 2’s Unisoc T7250 utilizes a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, offering a more modern architecture designed for efficiency. However, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s MediaTek Helio G36 counters with a higher clock speed – 2.2 GHz versus 1.8 GHz on the A75 cores. While the A53 cores in the Helio G36 are older, the higher frequency can translate to snappier performance in everyday tasks. The Unisoc T7250’s architecture *should* offer better multi-tasking, but the real-world difference will be subtle. Both devices will likely struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices will likely house a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2’s 15W charging, translating to faster top-ups. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on the Smart 8 Plus is a unique feature, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices, a practical benefit for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2 if you prioritize a potentially more efficient chipset architecture (Unisoc T7250) and are comfortable with a slower 15W charging speed. This phone is ideal for users who primarily need a device for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you prefer quicker app launch times, benefit from faster charging, and appreciate the added functionality of reverse wired charging – useful for topping up accessories or a friend’s phone in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G36 in the Infinix Smart 8 Plus overheat during prolonged use, like video recording?
The Helio G36 is a low-power chipset designed for efficiency. While it can handle video recording, extended sessions may lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. However, it's unlikely to overheat to the point of being uncomfortable to hold, especially given the phone's plastic construction.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus useful for charging a power bank?
While the 18W output isn't incredibly fast, the reverse wired charging can provide a slow trickle charge to a power bank in an emergency. It's more practical for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a friend's phone with a depleted battery.
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
Both phones will be able to run TikTok and Instagram, but expect some lag and stuttering, especially when scrolling through feeds or recording videos. The Helio G36 in the Infinix Smart 8 Plus may offer a slightly smoother experience due to its higher clock speed, but neither phone is optimized for demanding social media usage.
