The Realme C15 and Tecno Spark 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and acceptable performance without breaking the bank. However, key differences in their chipsets dictate their strengths, making one a better choice for users prioritizing responsiveness and gaming, while the other focuses on basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a smoother experience, especially with gaming or multitasking, the Realme C15 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, with higher CPU clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25. While both offer similar battery capabilities, the C15’s processing power makes it the more versatile option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 28 | 2020, July 13. Released 2020, July 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.7 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Seagull Silver | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Seabed Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | RMX2180 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Realme C15
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Slightly better gaming capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 5 Pro
- Likely similar display quality to the Tecno
Tecno Spark 5 pro
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- All-day battery life with light usage
- Slower processor leads to lag and stuttering
- Slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the processing power needed to drive the UI smoothly. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for this segment. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the processing capabilities of the Helio G35 in the Realme C15 will likely result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. The primary sensor quality will be the determining factor, but the C15’s chipset provides a slight edge in post-processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C15’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 5 Pro’s Helio A25 (12nm) also has an octa-core CPU, but with a lower peak clock speed of 1.8 GHz, and slightly slower Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to a tangible performance gap; the C15 will exhibit faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. While both use the same 12nm process, the G35’s architecture is geared towards slightly better sustained performance. The GPU in the G35 will also provide a better gaming experience, though still limited to low-medium settings in most titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Realme C15 features 18W wired charging, which is a significant advantage over the likely 10W charging on the Tecno Spark 5 Pro. This faster charging will reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, offering a more convenient user experience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the efficiency gains from the G35 chipset could offset any minor capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C15 if you need a phone capable of handling light gaming, smoother app switching, and a more responsive user interface. It’s ideal for students or users who frequently use social media and streaming services. Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Pro if you prioritize a simple, functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and are on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C15 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Realme C15 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept a lower frame rate. The Helio G35 is capable, but it’s not a dedicated gaming chipset. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 5 Pro suitable for video streaming services like YouTube and Netflix?
The Tecno Spark 5 Pro can handle YouTube and Netflix streaming, but the experience might be less smooth than on the Realme C15, especially when multitasking. The slower processor can lead to buffering or lag when switching between apps while streaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C15 with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Realme C15 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Tecno Spark 5 Pro, which likely takes 3+ hours with a standard 10W charger.
❓ Does either phone support USB-C charging?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, both phones in this price range typically utilize Micro-USB for charging and data transfer. USB-C is uncommon in this segment.
