The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi F3S and Tecno Spark 9 Pro both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The F3S focuses on a streamlined experience with a Unisoc chipset, while the Spark 9 Pro leverages MediaTek’s Helio G85, promising a boost in gaming performance. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and media consumption, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Umidigi F3S’s Unisoc T610, and the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (KH7n only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Hawaii Blue, Matte Silver, Starry Black, Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | - | KH7, KH7n |
Umidigi F3S
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and streamlined user experience.
- Reliable for basic tasks.
- Slower charging speed (10W).
- Less powerful chipset for gaming.
- May struggle with demanding applications.
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- Faster charging (18W).
- More powerful chipset (Helio G85) for gaming.
- Smoother multitasking experience.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Software experience can be bloated.
- Potential for more aggressive background app management.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device indicates a cost-saving approach. Bezels are likely comparable, typical for this price bracket. Color accuracy will likely be standard, leaning towards warmer tones to appeal to a broader audience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (likely depth and macro). The quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor’s resolution and aperture. Given the price point, image processing will likely prioritize sharpening and contrast over natural color reproduction. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may struggle in low-light conditions. The 2MP macro cameras commonly found on these devices offer limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G85 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) has a slight clock speed advantage over the Umidigi F3S’s Unisoc T610 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This 200MHz boost in the prime cores translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both use the same Cortex-A75/A55 architecture, the Helio G85 benefits from MediaTek’s optimizations for gaming. The F3S will handle basic tasks adequately, but the Spark 9 Pro will provide a more responsive experience, particularly in graphically demanding games. RAM configurations are likely similar, but the GPU within the Helio G85 is a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Umidigi F3S’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed makes the Spark 9 Pro more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The power efficiency of the Helio G85, while more powerful, is comparable to the Unisoc T610 due to both being manufactured on a 12nm process, meaning the faster charging is the key differentiator here.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi F3S if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you prefer a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and value faster charging to minimize interruptions. The Spark 9 Pro is the better option for users who want a more versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Helio G85 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is known for its decent thermal management, but sustained gaming on the Tecno Spark 9 Pro will likely lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The 12nm process isn't the most efficient, but the phone's design and software optimizations will play a role in mitigating heat buildup. Expect playable frame rates, but not consistently peak performance during long sessions.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Umidigi F3S realistically slow in daily use?
Yes, 10W charging is noticeably slower than 18W. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours, potentially longer depending on battery capacity. This is best suited for overnight charging or topping up when the phone isn't actively being used. Users who frequently need to quickly recharge will find the F3S’s charging speed frustrating.
❓ Can the Umidigi F3S handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without lag?
The Umidigi F3S should be able to handle basic social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. However, multitasking between several apps or using the apps for extended periods may result in some slowdowns due to the Unisoc T610’s limited processing power.
