The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 7A and the Tecno Spark Go (2019) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, their internal components differ significantly, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is the better choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 439 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more responsive for multitasking and app usage. While both offer similar battery life, the Redmi 7A’s 10W charging is a small but appreciated benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| 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) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| 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 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Royal Purple | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | KC1 | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go (2019)
- More powerful octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Faster 10W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark Go
- Still an entry-level device with limited features
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Compact and lightweight design
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary sensor and potentially a depth sensor. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. The Redmi 7A’s processor may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but don’t expect flagship-level results from either. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both devices means low-light photography will be challenging.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53), significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark Go’s MediaTek Helio A22 (quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the Redmi 7A’s eight cores allow for better multitasking and handling of more demanding applications. The Helio A22, while efficient, will struggle with heavier workloads. The 12nm process node is shared, meaning thermal efficiency is comparable, but the Snapdragon’s architecture provides a clear performance lead.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (around 3000-4000 mAh, based on market segment). However, the Redmi 7A benefits from 10W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Spark Go, which likely supports standard 5W charging. While both should provide all-day battery life with moderate use, the Redmi 7A’s charging advantage is a practical benefit for users who don’t want to wait hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go (2019) if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 7A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 439 can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops. It's not designed for intensive gaming, but it's capable of casual play. The Tecno Spark Go's Helio A22 would struggle significantly more.
❓ Is the Android Go edition on the Tecno Spark Go a significant limitation?
Android Go is designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. While it offers a smoother experience on low-end hardware, it also means you get stripped-down versions of Google apps. This can be acceptable for basic use, but may be limiting for users accustomed to full-featured apps.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 439 handle multitasking compared to the Helio A22?
The Snapdragon 439’s octa-core architecture allows it to handle multiple apps running simultaneously much more efficiently than the Helio A22’s quad-core setup. You’ll experience less lag and app reloading when switching between tasks on the Redmi 7A.
