Tecno dominates the ultra-budget smartphone space, and the Pop 5c and Spark Go 2021 represent two key offerings. While both aim for affordability, they differ in processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset impacts real-world usage for users prioritizing basic functionality versus slightly more demanding tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a phone primarily for calls, messaging, and light app usage, the Tecno Pop 5c offers sufficient performance at an even lower price point. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s faster 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU provides a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and smoother app transitions, making it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 12 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 12 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 145.2 x 74.1 x 9.9 mm (5.72 x 2.92 x 0.39 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | - |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Dark Blue | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5c
- Lowest possible price point
- Sufficient for basic communication
- Likely excellent battery life due to low-power chipset
- Very slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor camera quality
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Noticeably faster performance than Pop 5c
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited by low RAM (spec not provided)
- Camera quality likely similar to Pop 5c
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno specifies display details beyond size, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels. Without information on resolution, brightness, or color gamut, it’s safe to assume both offer a standard viewing experience for the price. The lack of details suggests neither phone is targeting media consumption as a primary use case.
Camera Comparison
Given the target market, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, as the image quality will be limited. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Tecno Pop 5c utilizes the Unisoc SC7731e chipset with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This is an entry-level processor designed for basic tasks. The Spark Go 2021 steps up with a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz. While the architecture isn’t specified, the 500 MHz clock speed increase translates to a tangible performance advantage in app loading times and multitasking. The SC7731e will likely struggle with more than a few apps open concurrently, while the Spark Go 2021 will handle a moderate workload more gracefully. The absence of RAM specifications further emphasizes the performance limitations of both devices, but the faster CPU in the Spark Go 2021 will be more effective at managing limited memory.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting both utilize standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC7731e in the Pop 5c might slightly offset the CPU difference in the Spark Go 2021, but the impact will be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5c if you need a truly minimal smartphone for essential communication and have a very limited budget. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, plan to use multiple apps simultaneously, or occasionally engage in light gaming. The extra processing power justifies the small price increase for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2021 handle popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the 1.8 GHz quad-core processor in the Spark Go 2021 should provide a reasonably smooth experience with social media apps. While it won't offer flagship-level performance, it will handle basic scrolling, messaging, and photo viewing without significant lag, unlike the Pop 5c which may struggle.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5c suitable for a senior citizen who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Pop 5c is an excellent choice for users with very basic needs. Its simplicity and low price make it ideal for those who only require calling and texting functionality. The slower processor won't be a hindrance for these tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps at the same time without slowing down?
Multitasking is limited on both devices due to the lack of RAM information. However, the Spark Go 2021’s faster processor will handle a few apps open simultaneously better than the Pop 5c. Expect slowdowns with more than 2-3 apps running concurrently on either phone.
