The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 3 Pro and the Realme C25Y aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C25Y boasting a more modern chipset and faster charging, while the Tecno Spark 3 Pro represents an older, more established platform. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25Y is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22. The 18W charging is a substantial advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller battery capacity. While neither phone excels in photography, the Realme offers a more future-proof platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.07 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | - | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
- Potentially lower initial cost
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication
- Outdated and slow processor
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C25Y
- Significantly faster processor
- 18W fast charging
- More responsive user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance is still basic
- No standout features beyond core functionality
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over display technology. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are not provided, but both are likely to be 720p. The Realme C25Y doesn't benefit from features like high refresh rates or HDR support, but the more powerful chipset could potentially handle smoother animations. Without detailed display specs, the Realme's advantage lies in the overall system responsiveness it can deliver.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and not particularly strong, on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both brands are known to include low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) for marketing purposes, but these contribute little to image quality. The Realme C25Y’s image processing might be slightly more refined due to the more powerful chipset, allowing for faster processing of photos and potentially better low-light performance, but this is speculative. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but don't anticipate flagship-level photography.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610, with its octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s MediaTek Helio A22 (Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the T610 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. While both are built on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the Unisoc chip translate to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The Helio A22 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme C25Y’s 18W wired charging is a major advantage. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed will significantly reduce downtime. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in a much longer charge time. This difference is particularly important for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The Realme C25Y’s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 3 Pro if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Realme C25Y if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The C25Y is the better option for anyone planning to use their phone beyond the most fundamental functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T610 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense scenes. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro’s Helio A22 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Realme C25Y a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube?
Yes, the Realme C25Y is an excellent choice for these use cases. The Unisoc T610 provides a smooth and responsive experience for social media and video streaming, unlike the Tecno Spark 3 Pro which may exhibit noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading content.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C25Y with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Realme C25Y should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Tecno Spark 3 Pro, with its slower charging, will likely take 4+ hours.
