The Realme C21 and Tecno Spark 6 Go represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, key differences in their chipsets and configurations mean one offers a noticeably smoother experience for demanding users, while the other prioritizes affordability above all else.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C21 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, with its faster Cortex-A53 cores, provides a more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming compared to the Tecno Spark 6 Go’s Helio A20. While both offer similar battery life, the C21’s slightly improved 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2020, November 22. Released 2020, November 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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)Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) - 2GB, 3GB modelMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 4GB model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Ice Jadelite, Mystery White, Aqua Blue |
| Models | RMX3201 | KE5j, KE5k |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Realme C21
- More powerful Helio G35 chipset for smoother performance
- Faster CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness
- Potential for better image processing due to chipset capabilities
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Display specs are likely basic
Tecno Spark 6 Go
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Available in multiple RAM configurations (2GB, 3GB, 4GB)
- Helio A20 chipset struggles with multitasking
- Slower CPU clock speeds result in noticeable lag
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with basic auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). The Realme C21’s image processing is likely to be slightly more refined due to the more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, don’t expect flagship-level image quality from either device. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C21’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing a combination of faster and slower Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Spark 6 Go’s Mediatek Helio A20 (12nm), which has a slower octa-core configuration peaking at 1.8 GHz. The 4GB variant of the Spark 6 Go uses the Helio A25, which offers a slight performance bump over the A20, but still falls short of the G35. The G35’s architecture allows for better sustained performance, crucial for even light gaming. The Spark 6 Go’s quad-core configuration in some models is a further disadvantage.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C21 and Tecno Spark 6 Go likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Realme C21’s 10W charging is standard for this segment. The Tecno Spark 6 Go’s charging speed is also likely 10W. The difference in chipset efficiency might translate to slightly longer screen-on time for the C21, but the real-world impact will be minimal. Both will take several hours to fully charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for students or users who rely on their phone for more than just basic communication. Buy the Tecno Spark 6 Go if your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and light web browsing, and you’re prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 6 Go struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Tecno Spark 6 Go, with its Helio A20 chipset, can run WhatsApp and Facebook, but you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. It's best suited for light usage of these platforms, and heavy users may find the experience frustrating.
❓ Can the Realme C21 handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire?
The Realme C21’s Helio G35 chipset allows for playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, but you’ll likely need to use the lowest graphics settings to maintain a smooth experience. Don’t expect high frame rates or detailed visuals.
❓ Does the Realme C21 support reverse wired charging?
Yes, the Realme C21 does support reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices via a USB cable. This is a useful feature for emergencies or when traveling.
❓ What RAM configuration should I choose for the Tecno Spark 6 Go?
If you plan to use more than a few apps simultaneously, or want a slightly smoother experience, opt for the 3GB or 4GB RAM variant of the Tecno Spark 6 Go. The 2GB version is very limited and may struggle with even basic multitasking.
