The Realme C71 and Tecno Spark 7P represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential features at a price point that won't break the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The C71 emphasizes fast charging and long-term battery health, while the Spark 7P leans on a slightly more powerful CPU for a potentially smoother experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and rapid replenishment, the Realme C71 emerges as the winner. Its 45W charging and impressive 65:46h endurance rating significantly outweigh the Tecno Spark 7P’s marginal CPU performance advantage. However, gamers might find the Spark 7P’s CPU slightly more appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Asia | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Asia | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 02 | 2021, April 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 02 | Available. Released 2021, May 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.9 x 7.8 mm (6.53 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 171.9 x 77.9 x 9.2 mm (6.77 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 725 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 15, Realme UI 6.0 | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.88", PDAF | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, AF
Secondary unknown camera
Third unknown camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0" | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 36 min (C71 model)
15W wired (P3 Lite model)
6W reverse wired | - |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· 6000 mAh - Europe· 6300 mAh - Asia | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Lily (Forest Owl), Lily White (White Swan), Green, White | Alps Blue, Spruce Green, Magnet Black, Summer Mojito |
| Models | RMX5303 | KF7j |
| Price | € 84.69 / $ 113.38 / £ 118.99 / ₹ 6,874 | About 130 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 65:46h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Realme C71
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- Impressive battery endurance (65:46h)
- Long-term battery health (1000 charge cycles)
- Potentially slightly lower CPU performance
- Camera performance likely similar to the competition
Tecno Spark 7P
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Competitive price point
- Slower charging speed
- Lower battery endurance compared to C71
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to differentiate, but the Realme C71's potential for a higher peak brightness (based on its overall feature set) could offer better outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both will likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors (often 2MP macro/depth units of limited utility). Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and softness in low light. The aperture size and sensor size of the main camera will be the key determinants of image quality, but this information is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C71’s Unisoc T7250 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, clocked at 1.8GHz and 1.6GHz respectively. The Tecno Spark 7P utilizes the MediaTek Helio G70 (12nm) with a similar core configuration – dual Cortex-A75 at 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 at 1.7GHz. While the Helio G70’s higher clock speed on the A75 cores suggests a slight edge in raw CPU power, the Unisoc T7250’s architecture is newer and potentially more efficient. Real-world performance differences will likely be subtle, noticeable primarily in demanding applications or multitasking. Neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, but the G70 might handle moderately demanding titles slightly better.
Battery Life
The Realme C71 shines in the battery department. Its 65:46h endurance rating is a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Tecno Spark 7P. The 45W wired charging (on the C71 model) is a game-changer, allowing a 50% charge in just 36 minutes. The Spark 7P’s charging is considerably slower. Furthermore, the C71’s 1000 charge cycle rating suggests superior long-term battery health, meaning it will retain its capacity for longer. This makes the C71 the clear winner for users who heavily rely on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C71 if you need a phone that can last through a full day of moderate use and recharge quickly, especially if you value long-term battery health thanks to the 1000 charge cycle rating. Buy the Tecno Spark 7P if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user interface and occasional gaming, and are willing to trade off some battery endurance and charging speed for that extra CPU headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T7250 in the Realme C71 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T7250 isn't a high-end gaming chip, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, expect some frame drops during intense action. The Tecno Spark 7P’s Helio G70 might offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is designed for hardcore gaming.
❓ The Realme C71 has a 1000 charge cycle rating – what does that actually mean for me?
A 1000 charge cycle rating means the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This translates to longer-term battery health, meaning the battery won't degrade as quickly as it would on a phone without this feature. You'll likely experience usable battery life for a longer period before needing a replacement.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the P3 Lite version of the Realme C71 a dealbreaker?
If you frequently need to top up your phone quickly, the 15W charging on the P3 Lite model is a significant drawback compared to the 45W charging on the standard C71. The slower charging speed will noticeably increase the time it takes to fully recharge the battery, making the standard C71 a much more appealing option if fast charging is a priority.
