The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Spark 20 and Realme 11x represent compelling options. The Spark 20 focuses on providing essential features at an extremely accessible price point, while the Realme 11x aims to deliver a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 11x is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark 20’s Helio G85, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Spark 20 remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious buyers, the 11x provides better long-term value.
| 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, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 01 | 2023, August 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2023, August 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Black, Cyber White, Neon Gold, Magic Skin 2.0 (Blue) | Midnight Black, Purple Dawn |
| Models | KJ5, KJ5n | RMX3785 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Tecno Spark 20
- Most affordable option
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life for light users
- Outdated Helio G85 chipset
- Slow 18W charging
- Limited performance for gaming
Realme 11x
- Powerful Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- Fast 33W charging
- Improved gaming and multitasking performance
- Slightly higher price point
- May still lack advanced features like NFC
- Camera performance dependent on software optimization
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the Realme 11x benefits from the more efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset, potentially allowing for a slightly brighter and more color-accurate display without significant power drain. Both likely utilize LCD panels given the price bracket, and the focus will be on usability rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 11x likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6100+ chipset, leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The Tecno Spark 20 will likely rely on software algorithms to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor and ISP. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility for serious photography; focus should be on the quality of the primary sensor and its associated software processing.
Performance
The Realme 11x’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is the clear winner here. Its Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, represent a significant architectural upgrade over the Tecno Spark 20’s Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz) found in the Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6100+ also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the 11x will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The 11x will also benefit from potentially faster RAM speeds (likely LPDDR4X vs LPDDR4 in the Spark 20).
Battery Life
The Realme 11x’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer in this price segment, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 29 minutes. The Tecno Spark 20’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 6100+'s superior power efficiency means the 11x can likely deliver comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Spark 20. The faster charging speed significantly reduces the inconvenience of topping up the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 20 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 11x if you value smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, faster charging speeds, and a more modern chipset that will likely receive longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the Realme 11x capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6100+ isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios, but it's a playable experience. The Tecno Spark 20’s Helio G85 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 20 with the 18W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Tecno Spark 20 to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with the included 18W charger. This is considerably slower than the Realme 11x’s 33W charging.
❓ Does the Realme 11x support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check compatibility with your specific mobile network provider before purchasing the Realme 11x. The Tecno Spark 20's support is similarly carrier-dependent.
❓ Are there any significant differences in software updates and support between the two devices?
Realme generally provides more consistent software updates and a longer support lifecycle compared to Tecno. While both brands utilize Android, the Realme 11x is likely to receive more frequent security patches and potentially even a major Android version upgrade.
