Tecno Pop 6 vs Realme C30s: A Deep Dive into the Ultra-Budget Smartphone Arena

The Tecno Pop 6 and Realme C30s represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison focuses on how each phone delivers a functional experience within a severely constrained budget, acknowledging the compromises inherent in this segment.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly smoother experience, the Realme C30s emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core processor, while not powerful, offers a noticeable advantage over the likely quad-core configuration of the Tecno Pop 6, making everyday tasks more responsive. However, the Pop 6 may offer a larger display, a key consideration for media consumption.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pop 6 Realme C30s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, June 052022, September 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, June 05Available. Released 2022, September 23
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions157.8 x 73.8 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.91 x 0.38 in)164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPU-Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55
GPU-IMG8322
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition), HiOSAndroid 12, Realme UI Go
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual5 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual LED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video-1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR
Single5 MP5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video-720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP4.2, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSea Blue, Lime Green, Sky BlueStripe Blue, Stripe Black
ModelsBE7RMX3690
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 100 EUR

Tecno Pop 6

  • Potentially larger display size for better media consumption.
  • May offer a lower price point, making it the most affordable option.
  • Likely supports basic smartphone functionality.

  • Expected significantly slower performance due to a likely quad-core processor.
  • Limited camera capabilities.
  • Lack of detailed specifications makes a precise assessment difficult.

Realme C30s

  • Octa-core processor provides a smoother user experience.
  • 10W charging offers a usable charging speed.
  • More readily available specifications for informed decision-making.

  • Camera quality will still be limited.
  • Display quality may be basic.
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 6.

Display Comparison

Specific display details for the Tecno Pop 6 are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it likely features a lower resolution panel compared to the Realme C30s. The Realme C30s’ display size is not specified, but the focus here is likely on maximizing screen real estate within the budget. Color accuracy is expected to be basic on both devices, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity. Bezels will be substantial on both, as minimizing them adds cost.

Camera Comparison

Camera capabilities on both devices will be extremely limited. Without specific sensor details for the Tecno Pop 6, it's safe to assume a basic camera setup. The Realme C30s likely features a single main camera, potentially paired with a low-resolution depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions. Expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing are far more important, and both phones will likely prioritize cost savings in these areas.

Performance

The Realme C30s’ octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor is the clear performance advantage here. While Cortex-A55 cores aren't powerhouses, having eight of them allows for better multitasking and smoother app switching compared to the likely quad-core processor found in the Tecno Pop 6. The Tecno Pop 6 will likely rely heavily on Android Go Edition to maintain usability. RAM specifications are unknown for both, but lower RAM capacities will exacerbate performance differences. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either device given the low-power processors.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is unknown for both devices. However, the Realme C30s’ 10W wired charging suggests a focus on providing a usable charging experience, even if it's not particularly fast. The Tecno Pop 6 may or may not include fast charging. Given the low-power processors and likely lower resolution displays, both phones should achieve all-day battery life with moderate usage. The actual 0-100% charge time will depend on the battery capacity, but expect several hours for both.

Buying Guide

Buy the Tecno Pop 6 if you absolutely need the largest possible screen size within the budget and are willing to accept slower performance. It's ideal for users primarily focused on calls, texts, and very light browsing. Buy the Realme C30s if you value a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the efficiency of an octa-core processor, making it better suited for running multiple apps or slightly more demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme C30s sufficient for running WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger?
Yes, the Realme C30s’ octa-core processor is more than capable of handling the demands of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. While multitasking with many other apps open simultaneously might cause slowdowns, these core communication apps should run smoothly.
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 6 struggle with basic web browsing?
The Tecno Pop 6 will likely exhibit noticeable lag during web browsing, especially on data-heavy websites. The likely quad-core processor and limited RAM will struggle to render complex web pages quickly. Using a lightweight browser and minimizing open tabs is recommended.
❓ Can either phone play popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither phone is suitable for playing graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at playable frame rates. The processors lack the power, and the limited RAM will cause significant stuttering and lag. These phones are best suited for very simple, 2D games.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Tecno Pop 6 likely runs Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware. The Realme C30s likely runs a customized version of Android based on a newer version, but details are scarce. Both will receive limited software updates.