The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking affordability. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Tecno Pop 6 Pro and the Realme C30. Both promise essential features without breaking the bank, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the Tecno Pop 6 Pro thanks to its superior processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the C30's octa-core CPU provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer decent battery life and basic camera capabilities.
| 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, September 17 | 2022, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), HiOS 8.6 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Peaceful Blue, Polar Black | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green |
| Models | BE8 | RMX3581, RMX3623 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient storage (likely 32GB)
- Basic functionality
- Underpowered processor
- Basic display
- Slow charging
- Limited camera capabilities
Realme C30
- Better performance (octa-core CPU)
- Slightly better display
- 10W charging
- Good battery life
- Slightly more expensive
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar, basic LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Realme C30 might have a slightly better panel, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is expected to be basic. The Tecno Pop 6 Pro likely has a 13MP main camera, while the Realme C30 probably features a 13MP main camera as well. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
This is where the Realme C30 shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 with an octa-core CPU (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 6 Pro's quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading and better multitasking on the C30.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a battery around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Realme C30's 10W charging is a slight advantage over the Pop 6 Pro's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 6 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The Realme C30 is a better choice for those needing a slightly more responsive device for multitasking and occasional gaming, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful octa-core processor. The Tecno Pop 6 Pro will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones likely support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones run on Android, likely with a customized user interface from Tecno and Realme respectively. Expect Android Go Edition on both for optimized performance on lower-end hardware.
