The Realme Note 50 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices target first-time smartphone users and those seeking a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core specifications, focusing on the subtle differences in chipset performance and overall user experience to determine which offers the most compelling package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Realme Note 50 edges out the Tecno Spark Go 2024. The slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores in the Unisoc Tiger T612 provide a marginal, but noticeable, advantage in app loading and multitasking, making it the better choice for a smoother experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 23 | 2023, November 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 23 | Available. Released 2023, December 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI T | Android 13 (Go edition), HIOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Midnight Black | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | RMX3834 | BG6 |
| Price | € 95.83 | About 90 EUR |
Realme Note 50
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed for improved responsiveness.
- Reputable brand with wider service network.
- Potentially better software optimization.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited camera capabilities.
Tecno Spark Go 2024
- Potentially lower price point.
- Similar battery life to the Realme Note 50.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Slightly slower CPU performance.
- Less established brand reputation.
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize 6.5-6.6 inch LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences with limited brightness and color accuracy. The absence of higher refresh rates or protective glass is standard at this price point, meaning durability will be a concern for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses of questionable utility (likely 2MP depth or macro sensors). Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and will struggle in low-light conditions. The aperture size is likely similar on both, meaning similar light-gathering capabilities. Don't expect flagship-level photography; these cameras are adequate for basic snapshots and social media sharing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme Note 50 features the Unisoc Tiger T612, while the Tecno Spark Go 2024 uses the Unisoc T606. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55). However, the T612 boasts a slightly higher clock speed of 1.8 GHz for its Cortex-A75 cores compared to the T606’s 1.6 GHz. This 200MHz difference, while seemingly small, can result in a marginally faster experience when launching apps or switching between them. Both chips are paired with likely 3-4GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities. Thermal throttling isn't a major concern with these low-power chipsets, but sustained heavy usage will still lead to some performance degradation.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Note 50 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 are equipped with 10W wired charging. This translates to a slow charging experience, requiring several hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%. Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely house a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The slow charging speed is a significant drawback for users accustomed to faster charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Note 50 if you need a phone that feels a bit more responsive during daily use, even if only marginally. Its slightly faster CPU cores will translate to quicker app launches and smoother scrolling. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2024 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are willing to accept a very slight performance trade-off; it remains a capable device for basic communication and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T612 in the Realme Note 50 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T612 is more than capable of running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram without significant lag. The slightly faster CPU cores compared to the T606 in the Tecno Spark Go 2024 contribute to a smoother experience, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme Note 50 or Tecno Spark Go 2024 with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, so it's best to charge overnight.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic mobile gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings. Games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers will run fine, but more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile will require significant compromises in graphics settings and may still experience lag.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Given the price point, both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. This ensures a smoother experience on these entry-level smartphones.
