The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go, powered by the newer Mediatek Dimensity 6400, enters the arena challenging Samsung’s established Galaxy A04e, which utilizes the older Helio P35. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Go emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones target the budget segment, the Spark Go provides better future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 14 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Ink Black, Turquoise Green | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | KM8 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6400)
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Software support may be less consistent
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially wider service network
- Samsung’s color science may offer better display accuracy
- Generally reliable software experience
- Outdated and slow Helio P35 processor
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The Galaxy A04e, typical of Samsung’s A-series, likely benefits from Samsung’s color science, potentially offering more accurate color reproduction. However, the lack of information on refresh rates or resolution suggests both are targeting the bare minimum for functionality. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price point.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the A04e’s inclusion of a 2MP macro lens is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit. The Dimensity 6400’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) likely provides superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio P35, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Spark Go’s photos. Sensor size is the key unknown, but the chipset advantage favors Tecno.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400, fabricated on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s 12nm Helio P35. The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.5 GHz) are significantly more powerful than the A04e’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.3 GHz), resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 6nm process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. The A04e’s older architecture will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Tecno Spark Go’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the A04e’s likely slower charging speed (typically 10W in this segment). The 6nm Dimensity 6400’s improved efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. Expect the Spark Go to reach 100% charge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go if you prioritize performance for social media, light gaming, and everyday tasks. The Dimensity 6400 provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if brand recognition and a potentially wider service network are paramount, and your usage is limited to basic communication and very light app usage. The A04e is a functional, but ultimately slower, device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Galaxy A04e struggle with modern social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
Yes, the Helio P35 is a relatively weak processor and will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running demanding apps like TikTok and Instagram, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Tecno Spark Go’s Dimensity 6400 is far better equipped to handle these workloads smoothly.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark Go’s 18W charging make a significant difference in real-world usage?
Absolutely. While not the fastest charging available, 18W is a substantial improvement over the typical 10W charging found in this price range. It will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, allowing you to spend less time tethered to a wall outlet.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Dimensity 6400 and Helio P35 noticeable for basic tasks like calling and texting?
For *extremely* basic tasks like making calls and sending texts, the difference might be minimal. However, even these tasks benefit from a more responsive system. The Dimensity 6400 will make the entire user experience feel snappier and more fluid, even when performing simple actions.
