The Realme C30 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time buyers and those seeking a secondary device for basic tasks. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in processing power, impacting everyday usability and long-term performance. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Realme C30 is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s older Helio A22 quad-core processor, despite both phones sharing a 10W charging rate.
| 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 | 2022, June 20 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 28 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | RMX3581, RMX3623 | BF7n |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C30
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better long-term software support
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely limited
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication
- Outdated MediaTek Helio A22 chipset
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Limited performance for modern apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1600, typical for this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Both are likely to feature a primary camera around 8-13MP, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 may include a macro lens, but its utility is questionable given the low resolution. Image processing will be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant degradation in low light. Without specific aperture data, it’s difficult to assess low-light performance definitively, but the C30’s slightly more powerful processor *may* allow for marginally better image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C30’s Unisoc Tiger T612 is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22. The T612’s octa-core configuration, utilizing two Cortex-A75 performance cores alongside six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, provides a substantial boost in multi-core performance. The Helio A22’s quad-core Cortex-A53 setup is older and less efficient. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience on the C30. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the C30 will handle less demanding titles with greater ease. The T612’s 12nm process node is comparable to the A22’s, so thermal differences are likely minimal.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, common for budget smartphones. The Unisoc T612’s slightly improved efficiency *could* translate to marginally better battery life on the Realme C30, but real-world usage will depend heavily on individual usage patterns. The similar charging wattage means neither phone offers a fast charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C30 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light multitasking, social media browsing, and occasional gaming will be smoother. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable device for calls, messages, and minimal app usage, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C30 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc Tiger T612 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Its octa-core architecture and Cortex-A75 performance cores provide sufficient processing power for smooth operation, unlike the older Helio A22 which may exhibit lag with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is slow by modern standards, and on both the Realme C30 and Tecno Spark Go 2023, it will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. This is acceptable for overnight charging, but inconvenient if you need a quick top-up during the day. Neither phone supports fast charging.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark Go 2023 handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Tecno Spark Go 2023 can handle very light games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but performance will be limited. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering, especially with multiple background apps running. The Realme C30 will offer a noticeably smoother gaming experience, even for these casual titles.
