The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark 30C offers a dependable 4G experience, while the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark 30C’s Helio G81, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device. While both offer similar charging speeds, the Redmi 13C 5G’s more efficient processor provides a better overall user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0 | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | kl5, kl5n | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | $ 131.27 / € 149.99 | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 30C
- Reliable 4G connectivity
- Potentially lower price point
- Proven Mediatek Helio G81 platform
- Older chipset architecture
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- No 5G support
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- More efficient power consumption
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not be available in all regions
- Software updates may be less frequent than some competitors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Redmi 13C 5G’s processor may allow for slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 13C 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 6100+ chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect similar video capabilities – likely 1080p at 30fps on both devices. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this segment are unlikely to deliver significant detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Spark 30C’s Mediatek Helio G81. The Dimensity 6100+ features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G81’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, meaning less heat and potentially longer sustained performance. The Redmi 13C 5G will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the segment, both are likely in the 5000mAh range. The Dimensity 6100+’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 13C 5G could translate to slightly longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks. The inclusion of Power Delivery (PD) support on the Redmi 13C 5G allows for compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30C if you prioritize a proven, reliable 4G experience and are on a very tight budget, and 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you want a faster processor, 5G capabilities for future network upgrades, and a more modern chipset for smoother multitasking and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process and efficient thermal design should prevent significant overheating during typical gaming. While it won’t match the cooling capabilities of flagship phones, it’s unlikely to throttle performance severely during moderate gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates in popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi 13C 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier. If 5G is available in your area, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. Even if 5G isn’t widely available now, the Redmi 13C 5G future-proofs your investment for when 5G networks become more prevalent.
❓ How does the Helio G81 in the Tecno Spark 30C handle multitasking compared to the Redmi 13C 5G?
The Helio G81 is capable of handling basic multitasking, but the Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ offers a smoother experience with more apps open simultaneously. The Dimensity 6100+’s faster CPU cores and improved memory management will result in less lag and stuttering when switching between applications.
