The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Spark Slim and Infinix Smart 8 Plus are two contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to performance and features. The Spark Slim prioritizes processing power with a newer chipset and faster charging, while the Smart 8 Plus focuses on providing a balanced experience at an even more aggressive price point.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Slim emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G200 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Smart 8 Plus’s Helio G36, and the 45W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Smart 8 Plus remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 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, September 02 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 10 | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), fiber-reinforced plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 5.9 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.23 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 |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | - |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2720 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~440 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G200 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 (1.1GHz) | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 57 min
10W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5160 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slim White, Cool Black | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | KM7k | X6526 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark Slim
- Faster 45W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G200 chipset for smoother performance.
- 6nm process offers better power efficiency and thermal management.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Infinix Smart 8 Plus.
- Specific display specs are unknown.
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- More affordable price point.
- Reverse wired charging is included.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Less powerful Mediatek Helio G36 chipset.
- 12nm process is less efficient than the Spark Slim’s 6nm.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. While specific display specs are missing, the Spark Slim’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more responsive user experience when navigating the interface and scrolling through content. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing cost savings over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise, but the G200’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better processing capabilities. Expect acceptable results in well-lit environments, but don't anticipate flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark Slim’s Mediatek Helio G200 (6nm) features a core configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a more modern architecture than the Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s Helio G36 (12nm), which utilizes 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 6nm process of the G200 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, meaning sustained performance will be higher. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Spark Slim are also significantly more powerful than the A53 cores in the Smart 8 Plus, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G200’s superior processing power will be the bottleneck for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s 18W charging is significantly slower than the Tecno Spark Slim’s 45W charging. The Spark Slim claims a full charge in 57 minutes, a substantial advantage over the Smart 8 Plus. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio G200 in the Spark Slim will likely offset any potential capacity difference, providing comparable or even better real-world battery life. The Spark Slim also offers 10W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Smart 8 Plus.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Slim if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, light gaming, and benefits from significantly faster charging speeds. This phone is ideal for students or users who rely on their phone for productivity. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you prioritize maximizing value and are willing to trade some performance for a lower upfront cost. This is a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Slim handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G200 in the Tecno Spark Slim is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The 6nm process will help mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, but it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 8 Plus support fast internet speeds like 4G LTE?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast internet speeds where available. However, the Helio G36 chipset may limit the overall data throughput compared to more powerful processors. Expect standard 4G LTE performance, suitable for browsing, social media, and streaming.
❓ How reliable is the 45W charging on the Tecno Spark Slim in real-world use?
The 45W charging on the Tecno Spark Slim is generally reliable and delivers a full charge in approximately 57 minutes, as advertised. However, charging speed may vary slightly depending on factors such as ambient temperature and the charger used. It's recommended to use the included charger for optimal performance.
