The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Slim and Nokia G42 both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches – the Spark Slim prioritizes charging speed and a newer CPU architecture, while the G42 leverages Qualcomm’s 5G expertise and a focus on repairability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G42 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Tecno Spark Slim boasts faster 45W charging, the Nokia G42’s Snapdragon 480+ chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a more refined 5G experience and potentially better long-term performance. The Nokia's repairability is also a significant advantage.
| 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, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 02 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 10 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| 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) | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2720 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~440 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G200 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 (1.1GHz) | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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/6, 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 | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 5160 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slim White, Cool Black | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Models | KM7k | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Tecno Spark Slim
- Extremely fast 45W charging
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- 10W reverse wired charging
- Potentially lower price
- MediaTek chipset may have less optimized 5G
- 6nm process may run hotter under load
Nokia G42
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G for reliable connectivity
- 8nm process for better power efficiency
- Repairability focus (easy to replace parts)
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 20W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to declare a winner, but the Nokia G42's potential for better color calibration, typical of Qualcomm-tuned devices, is a slight possibility.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. However, the Nokia G42’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Snapdragon 480+, is known for its robust image processing capabilities. This suggests potentially better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the Tecno Spark Slim. We can assume both will include a standard macro lens, but their utility is limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Slim’s MediaTek Helio G200 (6nm) features a Cortex-A76 based CPU, offering a performance uplift over older Cortex-A55 designs. However, the Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized CPU architecture (Kryo 460) and integrated 5G modem. The 8nm process node generally translates to better power efficiency than 6nm in this class, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during sustained tasks. While both CPUs have peak clock speeds of 2.2 GHz, the Snapdragon’s architecture is likely to provide a smoother experience in demanding applications and 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Slim’s 45W charging is a significant advantage, promising a full charge in just 57 minutes. The Nokia G42’s 20W charging, while supporting PD3.0 and QC3, is considerably slower. However, the Snapdragon 480+’s 8nm process may contribute to better battery life overall. The Tecno also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories, which the Nokia lacks. The faster charging of the Tecno is a compelling feature for users who prioritize convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Slim if you prioritize extremely fast charging and frequently top up your phone throughout the day. Its 45W charging is a clear advantage. Buy the Nokia G42 if you value a more established 5G platform, potentially better thermal management, and the peace of mind that comes with a phone designed for easy self-repair. The G42 is ideal for users who want a reliable 5G experience without compromising on longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 480+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 8nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance. However, don't expect to max out the graphics settings.
❓ Is the 10W reverse charging on the Tecno Spark Slim powerful enough to charge a smartwatch or wireless earbuds?
Yes, the 10W reverse charging is sufficient for topping up smaller devices like smartwatches, wireless earbuds, or even a friend's phone in a pinch. It's not a fast charging solution, but it provides a convenient way to share power.
❓ How does the Nokia G42's repairability compare to other smartphones in this price range?
The Nokia G42 is designed with repairability in mind, utilizing readily available replacement parts and a simplified construction. This is a significant advantage over most smartphones in this price range, where repairs are often difficult and expensive.
❓ Will the Helio G200 in the Tecno Spark Slim overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The 6nm process of the Helio G200 is relatively efficient, but it may still experience some thermal throttling during extended, demanding tasks. The Nokia G42's 8nm Snapdragon 480+ is likely to manage heat more effectively in these scenarios.
