The Tecno Spark 30 and Xiaomi Poco C65 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take slightly different approaches. The Spark 30 prioritizes processing power with the Helio G91, while the Poco C65 focuses on a more balanced experience with a brighter display and longer battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power for light gaming and multitasking, the Tecno Spark 30 offers a slight edge thanks to its Helio G91 chipset. However, the Xiaomi Poco C65 is the better all-rounder, offering a brighter, more visible display and significantly longer battery life in active use, making it the winner for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 21 | 2023, November 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, November 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 76.4 x 7.7 mm or 7.9 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, HIOS 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stellar Shadow, Astral Ice, Magic Skin 3.0, Bumblebee Edition | Black, Blue, Purple |
| Models | KL6 | 2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I |
| Price | - | € 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 30
- Slightly more powerful processor (Helio G91)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Competitive price point
- Display brightness and quality likely inferior to Poco C65
- Battery life likely shorter than Poco C65
Xiaomi Poco C65
- Significantly brighter and higher contrast display
- Excellent battery life (11:31h active use)
- Supports Power Delivery (PD) charging
- Slightly less powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Camera specs are minimal
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Poco C65 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to an unstated brightness for the Tecno Spark 30. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. The Poco C65 also features a 1555:1 contrast ratio, indicating deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Poco C65’s superior brightness and contrast make it the clear winner for visual clarity. The lack of detailed display specs for the Spark 30 suggests a more basic display experience.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are limited for both devices. Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' capability, but lack specifics on sensor size or image stabilization. The absence of details suggests both rely on basic camera setups. Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate for social media sharing but won't compete with higher-end smartphones. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Poco C65 is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience, as these sensors often lack the detail and dynamic range needed for compelling macro shots. Without further information, it's difficult to definitively declare a camera winner.
Performance
Both the Tecno Spark 30 and Poco C65 are powered by Mediatek Helio G series chipsets, utilizing the same core configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the Spark 30’s Helio G91 is a slightly more powerful iteration than the Poco C65’s Helio G85. While the core architecture is identical, the G91 typically offers marginally higher clock speeds and improved GPU performance. This difference, though not massive, could translate to smoother performance in demanding applications and games. Both devices will likely be paired with similar amounts of RAM, but the G91 gives the Spark 30 a slight edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Poco C65 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 11:31h of active use. While the Tecno Spark 30’s battery capacity is unstated, the Poco C65’s endurance is a significant advantage. Both devices support 18W wired charging, but the Poco C65 also supports Power Delivery (PD), offering potentially faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. The longer active use time of the Poco C65 means users can go a full day, or even longer, without needing to recharge, making it ideal for those on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30 if you frequently engage in tasks that benefit from a slightly faster processor, such as light gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. You'll appreciate the extra processing headroom. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C65 if you prioritize all-day battery life, a more comfortable viewing experience in bright conditions, and a generally smoother, more consistent user experience. It's the better choice for everyday use and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco C65's 18W PD charging work with any USB-C charger, or do I need a specific one?
The Poco C65's 18W PD charging is compatible with any USB-C Power Delivery charger. However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports the Power Delivery protocol. Standard USB-C chargers will still work, but at a slower charging rate.
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 30 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G91 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth and consistent frame rate. The phone may also experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to performance drops.
❓ How does the Poco C65's display perform in direct sunlight?
The Poco C65's 607 nits of peak brightness makes it perform exceptionally well in direct sunlight. The screen remains easily visible, even under bright outdoor conditions, unlike many other phones in this price range.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Poco C65 worth using?
The 2MP macro camera on the Poco C65 is a limited feature. While it allows for close-up shots, the low resolution and lack of detail often result in images that are soft and lack clarity. It's usable for casual snapshots, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography.
