The Tecno Spark Go (2019) and Lava Z61 Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Tecno leverages Mediatek's efficient Helio A22, while the Lava opts for an octa-core processor. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a smoother multitasking experience, the Lava Z61 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s quad-core Helio A22, despite the slower charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.15 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) | 147 x 71.8 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz processor |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µ |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 5W, 100% in 3h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Royal Purple | Midnight Blue, Amber Red |
| Models | KC1 | - |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go (2019)
- Potentially lower price point
- Android Go edition for optimized performance on limited hardware
- Mediatek Helio A22 is power efficient
- Quad-core processor may struggle with multitasking
- Older processor architecture
- Charging speed and battery capacity unknown
Lava Z61 Pro
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Known charging time (3h 30m)
- Slower charging speed (5W)
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications, but given their price points, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of detailed display information makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the Tecno Spark Go (2019), being an older device, may exhibit wider bezels. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be similar, leaning towards the basic side, sufficient for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are unavailable. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. It's reasonable to assume both phones include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess image quality, but the Lava Z61 Pro's processor may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially leading to marginally improved photos. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Tecno Spark Go (2019) features the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a power-efficient chip designed for Android Go edition, prioritizing smooth operation of lightweight apps. The Lava Z61 Pro, however, boasts an octa-core processor running at 1.6 GHz. While the individual core clock speed is lower, the increased core count allows for better parallel processing, resulting in a more responsive experience when multitasking or running slightly more demanding applications. The Helio A22's Cortex-A53 cores are older architecture, meaning the Lava's processor, even at a lower clock, will likely outperform it in most scenarios.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Z61 Pro's charging specifications reveal a 5W charger with a full charge time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. This indicates a relatively small battery capacity, likely around 3000-4000 mAh. The Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s charging speed is unknown, but it likely falls within a similar range. The longer charging time of the Lava Z61 Pro suggests a smaller battery, but the more efficient processor could offset this to some extent, providing comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go (2019) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are primarily focused on essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Lava Z61 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for moderately demanding apps, and are willing to accept a longer charging time. The Z61 Pro is better suited for users who occasionally browse the web or use multiple apps simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lava Z61 Pro's 3.5-hour charging time excessively long?
While 3.5 hours is longer than modern fast-charging standards, it's typical for phones in this price range with 5W charging. The Lava Z61 Pro prioritizes affordability over rapid charging, and the octa-core processor's efficiency may help mitigate the impact of a smaller battery.
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go (2019) struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s Helio A22 processor is designed for lightweight tasks. While it can run WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The Lava Z61 Pro's octa-core processor will handle these apps more smoothly.
❓ Does either phone support 4G LTE connectivity?
Given the specifications and target market, both the Tecno Spark Go (2019) and Lava Z61 Pro are expected to support 4G LTE connectivity, enabling access to mobile data networks. However, the specific LTE bands supported may vary depending on the region.
