The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pop 9 and Realme C30s both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Pop 9 boasts a significantly more modern chipset, while the C30s focuses on a simpler, more streamlined experience. This comparison will dissect the core differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Pop 9 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Realme C30s’ older Cortex-A55 CPU, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. While the C30s is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 24 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 08 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 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 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | KL4 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 9
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- More future-proof chipset for longer software support
- Potentially higher price point
- May have a less refined software experience (depending on Tecno's UI)
Realme C30s
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Simpler software experience may appeal to some users
- Potentially better battery life if it has a larger capacity battery
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Slow 10W charging is inconvenient
- Limited long-term software support
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the target market, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Realme C30s, historically, has featured lower resolution displays in this price bracket. The Tecno Pop 9, benefiting from a more modern chipset, *may* support a higher resolution or refresh rate, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will be basic, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C30s often includes a single main camera, potentially paired with a low-resolution depth sensor. The Tecno Pop 9 *may* offer a slightly more sophisticated camera system, but image quality will largely depend on software processing. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features on both devices. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which will be less effective.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Tecno Pop 9’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a modern octa-core processor featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, paired with six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial leap in processing power compared to the Realme C30s’ octa-core CPU clocked at a slower 1.6 GHz, comprised entirely of Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6300 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. This translates to a noticeably smoother user experience on the Tecno Pop 9, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The C30s will struggle with anything beyond basic operations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds offer a clear advantage to the Tecno Pop 9 with its 18W wired charging. The Realme C30s’ 10W charging will result in significantly longer charge times. While a larger battery capacity on the C30s could partially offset this, the faster charging of the Pop 9 provides more flexibility and convenience. A full charge on the C30s could easily take over 3 hours, while the Pop 9 should achieve a full charge in under 2 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as social media, streaming, and light gaming. The Dimensity 6300 offers a smoother experience and better longevity. Buy the Realme C30s if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset, don't expect high frame rates or ultra settings in demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. You'll likely need to play on low to medium settings to achieve a playable experience. The Realme C30s’ processor will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Tecno Pop 9 compared to the Realme C30s?
The Tecno Pop 9’s 18W charging is substantially faster than the Realme C30s’ 10W charging. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2 hours or less on the Pop 9, while the C30s could take over 3 hours, potentially even longer depending on battery capacity.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Tecno Pop 9’s Dimensity 6300 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and switching between apps. The Realme C30s may exhibit lag or stuttering during these tasks.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Tecno has been improving its software update commitment, but Realme generally has a better track record for providing timely updates and security patches. However, both phones are entry-level devices, so don't expect extensive software support.
