Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Alcatel Pop 2 (4.5) and the Tecno Spark 10C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 10C emerges as the clear winner. While the Alcatel Pop 2 is incredibly budget-friendly, the Spark 10C's superior chipset, faster processor, and faster charging provide a significantly better overall user experience, justifying its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - 5042D, 5042E (SIM 1, SIM 2) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5042D, 5042E | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 5042D | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2014, December | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 132.5 x 65.4 x 9.9 mm (5.22 x 2.57 x 0.39 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 147 g (5.19 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~64.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB (5GB user available), 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lemon Yellow, Lavender, Jade Green, Cozy Red, Aqua Blue, White, Platinum Silver, Ash Gray, Volcano Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 180 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
alcatel Pop 2 (4.5) Dual SIM
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size, easy to handle
- Dual SIM support
- Outdated chipset
- Low performance
- Limited storage
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster processor and better performance
- Larger and better display
- Improved camera
- Faster charging (18W)
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than the Pop 2
- May still have limited storage options depending on the variant
Display Comparison
The Alcatel Pop 2 (4.5) features a small 4.5-inch display, suitable for one-handed use but limiting multimedia consumption. The Tecno Spark 10C likely boasts a larger, more modern display (likely around 6.5 inches) with a higher resolution, offering a more immersive viewing experience. Expect better color accuracy and brightness on the Tecno.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are limited for the Pop 2, the Tecno Spark 10C is expected to have a more capable camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses for wider angles or macro shots. Image processing should also be superior on the Tecno.
Performance
Here's where the Tecno Spark 10C shines. Its Unisoc T606 chipset with an octa-core processor (including Cortex-A75 cores) significantly outperforms the Alcatel Pop 2's Snapdragon 410 quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Tecno.
Battery Life
Both phones likely offer decent battery life for their respective price points. However, the Tecno Spark 10C's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the Pop 2's likely slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel Pop 2 (4.5) is ideal for users who prioritize extreme affordability and basic functionality – think first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device for calls and texts. The Tecno Spark 10C is a better choice for those wanting a smoother performance, a better camera, and faster charging without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Alcatel Pop 2 good for basic use like calls and texts?
Yes, the Alcatel Pop 2 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks. However, don't expect it to handle demanding apps or multitasking well.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 10C handle light gaming?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 10C's more powerful processor should allow for light gaming, although you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance.
