Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi-2212) precursor powders were prepared by spray pyrolysis (SP) and co-precipitation (CP) processes separately. The intermediate phase evolution of Bi-2212 grains was investigated. Compared with that prepared by CP process, the phase formation rate of Bi-2212 grains prepared by SP process is obviously improved. Furthermore, the residual carbonates in CP powders hinder the formation of Bi-2212 grains, while the nitrates in SP powders only have a weak influence on the growth of Bi-2212 grains. The properties of Bi-2212 wires from SP precursor powder are close to those of the ones from CP precursor powder. Considering the much higher fabrication efficiency, SP process is useful for mass production of Bi-2212 wires.