The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C17 and Tecno Spark 7 Pro both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches: Realme opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 460, while Tecno leverages MediaTek’s Helio G80. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more efficient chipset, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460, particularly in gaming and multitasking. While the C17 isn't a bad phone, the G80 offers a better future-proofed experience.
| 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, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.2 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | - |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, PDAF
Secondary unknown camera
Third unknown camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Lake Green | Alps Blue, Spruce Green, Neon Dream, Magnet Black |
| Models | RMX2101 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
Realme C17
- Qualcomm chipset generally offers good software support.
- 18W charging is a standard, reliable speed.
- Realme has a well-established brand reputation.
- Snapdragon 460 is less powerful than the Helio G80.
- May struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
Tecno Spark 7 Pro
- Helio G80 provides a noticeable performance boost.
- Better suited for gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Potentially better image processing due to the G80's ISP.
- Tecno's software support may be less consistent than Realme's.
- 12nm process is slightly less efficient than 11nm.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates a focus on the chipsets. The chipset impacts the ability to smoothly render UI elements and handle graphically intensive apps, indirectly affecting the perceived display quality. Without knowing the panel technology, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms. The Helio G80’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the Snapdragon 460’s, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. However, without knowing the megapixel counts and sensor sizes, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Realme C17’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with its 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240 setup. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G80 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the Snapdragon 460’s 11nm process is theoretically more efficient, the architectural advantages of the G80’s CPU outweigh this benefit in real-world usage. The G80 also has a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for mobile gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't provided, so we must rely on chipset efficiency and charging wattage. The Realme C17’s 18W charging is a standard offering in this segment. The Helio G80, while more powerful, is also relatively efficient. The 12nm process, combined with MediaTek’s power management features, should provide competitive battery life. The Snapdragon 460’s 11nm process *could* offer slightly better standby efficiency, but the G80’s performance advantage likely means it will be actively used more, potentially negating that benefit. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C17 if you prioritize a brand with a wider global support network and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Tecno Spark 7 Pro if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate a more powerful processor for the price. The Spark 7 Pro is the better choice for users who anticipate needing more from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 7 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G80 is a capable processor, prolonged gaming can generate heat. However, MediaTek’s thermal management features and the phone’s design should prevent excessive overheating. Expect some performance throttling after extended use, but it shouldn’t be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C17 sufficient for playing PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect occasional stuttering and lag, especially in intense firefights. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro with the Helio G80 will provide a significantly smoother PUBG experience.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging protocols beyond 18W?
Neither phone is officially advertised with support for faster charging protocols than 18W. While they *might* be compatible with some generic fast chargers, it's unlikely to result in significantly faster charging speeds. Stick to the included charger for optimal results.
