The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 8 and Realme C51s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: the Tecno Pop 8 prioritizes affordability, while the Realme C51s introduces a faster charging experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 8’s T606, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer in this price segment, reducing charging times significantly. While the Pop 8 is cheaper, the C51s provides a more compelling overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 30 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | BG6h, BG6i | RMX3765 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 8
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for light usage
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially limited multitasking
Realme C51s
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price than the Tecno Pop 8
- Camera performance likely similar to Pop 8
- May still struggle with demanding games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The Realme C51s’ slightly higher processing power *could* translate to smoother scrolling and animations, but this is dependent on software optimization. Without knowing the panel technology used in either device, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C51s’ slightly higher processing power could enable more effective image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The Realme C51s holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 features a 1.8 GHz clock speed for both Cortex-A75 cores and Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Tecno Pop 8’s Unisoc T606 with 1.6 GHz on both core types. This 10% clock speed increase, while seemingly small, will result in faster app loading times and a more fluid multitasking experience. The T612’s slightly more efficient architecture, also built on a 12nm process, may also contribute to better sustained performance under load. Gamers will find the C51s more capable of handling less demanding titles.
Battery Life
The Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is the standout feature here. The Tecno Pop 8’s 10W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably more time to reach a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the C51s effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The C51s can achieve a 0-50% charge in just 28 minutes, a substantial time saving compared to the Pop 8, making it ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 8 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you primarily need a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Realme C51s if you value faster performance for social media, streaming, and occasional gaming, and if you want to minimize downtime waiting for your phone to charge. The C51s is the better option for users who want a more responsive and convenient experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the Realme C51s’ charging compared to the Tecno Pop 8?
The Realme C51s’ 33W charging can reach 50% battery in 28 minutes, while the Tecno Pop 8’s 10W charging will take significantly longer – likely over 2 hours for a full charge. This difference is crucial for users who need a quick power boost throughout the day.
❓ Will the Realme C51s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain stable performance. Expect to play on balanced or low settings for a smoother experience. The Tecno Pop 8 will struggle more with demanding games.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Unisoc T606 and T612 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 10% clock speed increase in the T612, combined with potential architectural improvements, translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. This is particularly noticeable when multitasking or switching between apps.
