The Tecno Pop 7 and Realme C30s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both prioritize affordability, but diverge in their approach to core components. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C30s emerges as the slightly better choice. Its octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the likely single-core or less powerful processor in the Tecno Pop 7, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. However, the Tecno Pop 7 remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute lowest cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 | 2023, March 28 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% 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 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | BF6 | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 7
- Likely the most affordable option available.
- Functional for basic communication needs.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Realme C30s.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely a subpar camera experience.
Realme C30s
- Octa-core processor delivers smoother performance.
- More responsive user experience for everyday tasks.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Slightly higher price point.
- 10W charging is slow.
- Display quality likely similar to the Tecno Pop 7.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone excels in display quality. Expect basic viewing experiences suitable for essential tasks, but not ideal for media consumption. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices to minimize production costs.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups, likely with a single main sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the Realme C30s’ processor likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Realme C30s’ octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU is the key differentiator. Cortex-A55 cores, while entry-level, offer significantly better multi-tasking capabilities than the processors typically found in phones at this price point. The Tecno Pop 7’s processor is unspecified, but likely a quad-core or even single-core unit, resulting in slower app loading times and a less fluid user experience. The C30s will handle basic social media and web browsing with greater ease. RAM specifications are missing for both, but lower RAM will exacerbate performance issues on the Pop 7.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pop 7 and Realme C30s utilize 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery capacity is unspecified for both, but given the target market, expect capacities around 5000mAh. The Realme C30s’ more efficient processor may translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if you need a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and your budget is extremely limited. It's ideal as a first phone for a child or an emergency backup device. Buy the Realme C30s if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, browsing, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C30s’ octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (though the exact amount is unspecified) should provide a reasonably smooth experience with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Expect acceptable loading times and scrolling performance, unlike the likely sluggish experience on the Tecno Pop 7.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take upwards of 3-4 hours. Neither phone prioritizes fast charging, focusing instead on minimizing cost. It’s best to charge these devices overnight.
❓ Can the Realme C30s run basic Android games?
The Realme C30s can handle basic Android games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. Games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will run adequately, but more graphically intensive titles will likely struggle.
