The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding compromises. Both the Tecno Pop 6 Go and the Realme C30s aim to deliver a functional smartphone experience at an incredibly low price point. This comparison dissects their specifications and potential performance to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic smartphone for essential tasks, the Realme C30s emerges as the slightly better choice. Its octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over what is typically found in the Tecno Pop 6 Go's segment, making everyday use smoother, despite both devices sharing similar limitations.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 25 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 78.8 x 10.9 mm (6.31 x 3.10 x 0.43 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice-crystal Blue, Starfall Grey, Iris Purple, Gradation Sky Blue | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | BE6j | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 6 Go
- Likely the most affordable option available.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Realme C30s.
- Likely lower quality camera.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Realme C30s
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance.
- Larger display size for better media consumption.
- More refined software experience.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Camera quality is limited by the 8MP sensor.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 6 Go.
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Tecno Pop 6 Go, we can infer it likely features a basic LCD panel, common in this price bracket. The Realme C30s also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.5 inches) rather than advanced features like high refresh rates or resolution. Both displays will likely struggle with outdoor visibility. The absence of detailed specs for the Tecno Pop 6 Go makes a direct comparison impossible, but it's reasonable to assume the Realme C30s offers a slightly more modern display experience due to its larger size.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details for the Tecno Pop 6 Go, it's safe to assume a basic camera setup focused on affordability. The Realme C30s features a single 8MP main camera. While 8MP isn't high resolution, it's a reasonable starting point for basic photography in good lighting conditions. Both devices likely include digital zoom and basic shooting modes. The image processing on the Realme C30s will likely be more refined than what the Tecno Pop 6 Go can offer, resulting in slightly better image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor on some Realme C30s variants is largely marketing; its impact on portrait mode quality will be minimal.
Performance
The Realme C30s boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, a significant advantage over the likely quad-core or even lower-tier chipset found in the Tecno Pop 6 Go. The Cortex-A55 architecture, while entry-level, provides a more efficient and responsive experience for multitasking and app loading. While neither phone is designed for demanding games, the Realme C30s will handle basic gaming and social media scrolling with less lag. The Tecno Pop 6 Go will likely exhibit noticeable slowdowns even with minimal app usage. The Realme C30s' processor is built on a more modern fabrication process, contributing to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme C30s supports 10W wired charging. While slow by modern standards, it's adequate for overnight charging. The battery capacity of both devices is likely in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Realme C30s' more efficient processor may translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, despite similar capacity. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but heavy gaming or video streaming will drain the battery quickly. The 10W charging will take several hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Go if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant performance limitations for basic communication and light app usage. Buy the Realme C30s if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the benefit of an octa-core processor for slightly improved multitasking and app loading times. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C30s' octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (though the amount isn't specified, it's likely 2-3GB) should handle Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar social media apps without significant lag. However, running multiple apps simultaneously may cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C30s really that slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 10W charging is considered slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. It's best to charge the phone overnight to ensure it's fully powered for the next day.
❓ Can the Tecno Pop 6 Go handle video playback, or will it be choppy?
The Tecno Pop 6 Go can likely handle video playback, but the experience will be limited to lower resolutions (e.g., 480p or 720p) to avoid significant stuttering. The processor's limited power will struggle with higher-resolution videos.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the Realme C30s, and can it be expanded?
The Realme C30s typically comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is relatively limited. Fortunately, it supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
