The Realme C53 and Tecno Spark 10 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme C53 prioritizes a newer chipset, while the Tecno Spark 10 Pro focuses on display quality and endurance. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10 Pro emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612 is a newer chip, the Tecno’s Helio G88, coupled with its brighter 521 nit display, provides a more polished and enjoyable user experience. The identical battery endurance ratings further solidify the Tecno’s advantage.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 31 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 31 | Available. Released 2023, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.59 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) | 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.3 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI T | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champion Gold, Mighty Black | Starry Black, Pearl White |
| Models | RMX3760 | KI7 |
| Price | € 134.99 / $ 99.15 / £ 126.54 | £ 245.74 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1991:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 249938 (v9)
GeekBench: 1358 (v5.1), 1376 (v6)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme C53
- Faster 33W charging
- Newer Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Potential for future software optimization
- Display brightness likely lower than Tecno
- CPU clock speed slightly lower than Tecno
Tecno Spark 10 Pro
- Brighter 521 nit display
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Proven MediaTek Helio G88 performance
- Slower 18W charging
- Older chipset architecture
Display Comparison
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 521 nits compared to the Realme C53’s unspecified brightness. Both share a 1991:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. This brightness difference is crucial for usability in direct sunlight, giving the Tecno a clear advantage for outdoor users. While both displays likely utilize IPS LCD technology, the Tecno’s higher peak brightness translates to a more vibrant and readable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or megapixel count. Given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Without further specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner; image quality will likely depend more on software processing than hardware.
Performance
Both the Realme C53 and Tecno Spark 10 Pro utilize 12nm process technology, but the CPUs differ slightly. The Tecno Spark 10 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G88 features a slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 core (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz on the Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612). While both have the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the higher clock speed on the Tecno suggests a marginal performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the Unisoc T612 is a newer architecture, potentially offering better efficiency and future software optimization. Neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, but the Helio G88 is generally considered more capable for light to medium gaming.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Realme C53 and Tecno Spark 10 Pro share an identical endurance rating of 131 hours. However, they differ significantly in charging speed. The Realme C53 supports 33W wired charging, claiming a 50% charge in 31 minutes, while the Tecno Spark 10 Pro is limited to 18W. This means the Realme C53 will replenish its battery much faster, offsetting any potential differences in overall battery life. The faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C53 if you prioritize having the latest chipset architecture and anticipate future software updates benefiting from Unisoc’s ongoing development. This phone is ideal for users who frequently flash custom ROMs or enjoy tinkering with their devices. Buy the Tecno Spark 10 Pro if you value a brighter, more visible display for outdoor use and a slightly more refined overall experience. This is the better option for media consumption and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C53 receive long-term software support?
Unisoc is actively developing its chipset ecosystem, and the T612 is a relatively recent offering. While not as established as MediaTek or Qualcomm, Unisoc is committed to providing updates, but the longevity of support remains uncertain compared to more established brands. Expect at least one major Android update, but long-term security patches are less guaranteed.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10 Pro noticeably slow in 2024?
While 18W charging isn't the fastest available, it's still adequate for overnight charging or topping up during downtime. The Tecno Spark 10 Pro’s endurance rating of 131 hours means you won’t need to charge it as frequently. However, users accustomed to 33W or faster charging will find the Tecno’s charging speed comparatively slower.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 10 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G88 in the Tecno Spark 10 Pro can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. Don’t expect a high-end gaming experience, but it’s capable of casual gaming sessions.
