The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 2 F and the Realme C33 2023 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in chipset architecture and features mean one offers a substantially better user experience than the other.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C33 2023 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, despite the slower 10W charging. The Tecno Pop 2 F struggles with even basic operations due to its outdated processor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 149.8 x 72.8 x 9.4 mm (5.90 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580M | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, City Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | B1c | RMX3627 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Tecno Pop 2 F
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Compact size (6.0-inch display)
- Extremely slow processor
- Poor performance with apps
- Likely limited battery capacity
Realme C33 2023
- Significantly faster processor
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- More responsive user experience
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Still a budget device with compromises
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided. The Realme C33 2023’s larger screen size (6.5 inches vs. the Pop 2 F’s 6.0 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience, even if the panel quality is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, given the cost constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage – adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor, with the Realme C33 2023 potentially having a slightly higher resolution main sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be poor. The image processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipset may offer a slight edge in dynamic range and noise reduction, but don't expect flagship-level results from either device.
Performance
This is where the Realme C33 2023 truly shines. The Unisoc Tiger T612, built on a 12nm process, is a modern octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 2 F’s Mediatek MT6580M, a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor. The architectural difference is massive; the A75 cores in the Realme offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the additional cores improve multitasking. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. The Tecno Pop 2 F will struggle with even moderately demanding apps, exhibiting noticeable lag and slowdowns.
Battery Life
The Realme C33 2023’s 5000mAh battery is a significant advantage, offering all-day battery life for typical usage. However, it’s limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. The Tecno Pop 2 F’s battery capacity is not specified, but given its lower price point, it’s likely smaller. The slower processor in the Pop 2 F *may* offset the smaller battery, resulting in comparable battery life, but the Realme’s larger capacity provides a safety net. The slower charging speed on the Realme is a trade-off for the larger battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 F if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you only need a phone for extremely basic communication – calls and texts. It's a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you want a phone that can handle social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming without frustrating lag. The improved processor makes it a far more versatile and enjoyable daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 is capable of running TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and enjoyable experience for casual social media browsing. The Tecno Pop 2 F will struggle with these apps, exhibiting noticeable slowdowns and stutters.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 2023 a major drawback?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, the Realme C33 2023’s 5000mAh battery mitigates this issue. You can comfortably leave it charging overnight to ensure a full battery. The slower charging is a trade-off for the larger battery capacity, providing all-day usage for most users.
❓ Can the Tecno Pop 2 F handle video playback without buffering or lag?
The Tecno Pop 2 F will likely struggle with smooth video playback, especially at higher resolutions. The Mediatek MT6580M processor is underpowered for decoding modern video codecs, leading to buffering and lag. Lower resolution videos may play, but the experience won't be optimal.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Realme C33 2023?
The Realme C33 2023 can handle light gaming, such as casual puzzle games and older titles. Demanding games like PUBG Mobile will be playable at low settings and frame rates, but don't expect a smooth or graphically rich experience. The Tecno Pop 2 F is not suitable for gaming.
