The Realme C2s and Tecno Spark Go 2 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Tecno Spark Go 2 leveraging a newer Unisoc chipset while the Realme C2s relies on the established MediaTek Helio P22. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Go 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Realme C2s’ Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. The 15W charging is also a significant advantage, despite the lack of detailed battery capacity information.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2025, June 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 165.6 x 77 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 15, HIOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Turquoise Green |
| Models | - | KM4 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Realme C2s
- Proven MediaTek Helio P22 platform
- Likely lower initial price (depending on retailer)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially lower performance in demanding apps
Tecno Spark Go 2
- More powerful Unisoc T7250 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Brand recognition is lower than Realme
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific resolution or brightness data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Realme C2s, given its slightly older release, may have narrower viewing angles or lower color accuracy. The absence of any mention of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies on either device confirms their focus on cost optimization.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on lower-resolution sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over detail. The Tecno Spark Go 2 *might* benefit from newer image signal processing capabilities within the Unisoc chipset, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2s’ MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. While efficient, the Cortex-A53 architecture is aging. The Tecno Spark Go 2’s Unisoc T7250, however, employs a more modern big.LITTLE configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The A75 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. This architectural advantage gives the Tecno Spark Go 2 a clear edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. The Realme C2s will likely struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Go 2’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. While the Realme C2s’ charging speed is not specified, it’s likely to be slower. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s hard to definitively say which offers better endurance. However, faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, mitigating the impact of a potentially smaller battery on the Tecno Spark Go 2. The 15W charging on the Tecno Spark Go 2 will reduce downtime for users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2s if you prioritize a proven, if somewhat dated, platform and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and are willing to try a less-established chipset manufacturer. The Spark Go 2 is better suited for users who occasionally play casual games or use more demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T7250 chipset reliable? I've never heard of Unisoc before.
Unisoc is a growing chipset manufacturer, and the T7250 has shown promising performance in this price segment. While it may not have the same brand recognition as MediaTek or Qualcomm, it offers a significant performance improvement over the Helio P22 in the Realme C2s, thanks to its Cortex-A75 cores. Early reports suggest good stability and efficiency.
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Tecno Spark Go 2 can *run* these games, don't expect a high-framerate experience. The Unisoc T7250 will allow for playable framerates at low to medium settings. However, you may encounter occasional stuttering or lag, especially during intense firefights. The Realme C2s will likely struggle even more with these titles.
❓ How much storage does each phone have, and can it be expanded?
While not specified in the provided data, both phones likely come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for devices in this price range. Check retailer listings for specific storage configurations.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark Go 2 support fast charging protocols beyond 15W?
The Tecno Spark Go 2 supports 15W wired charging, and it's unlikely to support faster proprietary charging protocols. Using a higher wattage charger won't necessarily charge the phone faster, as the phone's internal charging circuitry limits the input power to 15W.