The Tecno Pop 4 and Realme C11 (2021) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C11 (2021) is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Tecno Pop 4’s quad-core processor. While both phones are limited, the Realme offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks, justifying its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 24 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Dawn Blue | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | BC2c, BC1s | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pop 4
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Likely long battery life due to low power consumption
- Extremely limited performance
- Poor camera quality
- Lack of modern features
Realme C11 (2021)
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Reverse wired charging capability
- More versatile for light multitasking
- Still limited overall performance
- Basic camera system
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Tecno Pop 4’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely features a low-resolution panel. The Realme C11 (2021) also doesn’t specify resolution, but its focus is on durability rather than visual fidelity. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness, making outdoor visibility a challenge. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on camera sensors are sparse, but both are likely to feature basic sensors. The Realme C11 (2021) may have a slight edge due to its potential for more sophisticated image processing, but don’t expect high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
This is where the Realme C11 (2021) pulls ahead decisively. The Tecno Pop 4’s quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU is a basic configuration, suitable only for the most rudimentary tasks. In contrast, the Realme C11 (2021) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with a combination of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage, enabling smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Realme will handle less demanding games with greater ease. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip is less efficient than modern nodes, but the performance gain is more important at this price point.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a strong point for both phones, given their low-power processors and likely large battery capacities (though specific mAh figures are not provided). The Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and, crucially, reverse wired charging. This allows it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Tecno Pop 4. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s a welcome addition for topping up the battery overnight.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 4 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you only need a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls and messaging. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone experience. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you want a smoother, more capable experience, even within the budget segment. The octa-core processor and potential for reverse wired charging make it a more versatile option for light social media use and occasional entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Realme C11 (2021) sufficient for running WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is capable of running WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. Its octa-core architecture provides enough processing power for these commonly used social media applications, offering a smoother experience than the Tecno Pop 4’s quad-core processor.
❓ Can the Realme C11 (2021) charge other devices using its reverse wired charging feature?
Yes, the Realme C11 (2021) supports 10W reverse wired charging. This allows you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices like earbuds or another phone, although the charging speed will be relatively slow. The Tecno Pop 4 does not offer this functionality.
❓ Will either phone struggle with software updates?
Both phones are likely to receive limited software updates. Given their price point and target market, manufacturers often prioritize new models over providing long-term support for ultra-budget devices. Expect security patches to be infrequent, if at all.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 4 a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly person?
The Tecno Pop 4 could be suitable for a first smartphone for an elderly person *if* their needs are extremely basic – primarily making and receiving calls. However, the limited performance may make it frustrating for even simple tasks. The larger screen and easier interface of a slightly more expensive phone might be a better long-term investment.
