The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 4 Lite 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 4 Lite focuses on simplicity. 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 eight cores compared to the Tecno’s quad-core Helio A22, delivers significantly better performance for multitasking and app responsiveness. The 18W charging is a substantial advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller battery capacity.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% 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 1.8 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), HIOS 5.5 | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 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 | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | KC8S | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Tecno Spark 4 Lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Likely longer battery life due to less demanding chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow charging speeds
- Struggles with multitasking
Realme C25Y
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better suited for multitasking and casual gaming
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Unisoc chipset may have less software support
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, given their price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but the focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The Realme C25Y likely benefits from the increased processing power of the T610, enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect similar results in good lighting conditions, but the Realme C25Y will likely have an edge in challenging scenarios.
Performance
The Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610 is the clear winner in this category. Its octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 4 Lite’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T610 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, the architectural advantages of the T610 translate to a noticeably smoother user experience. The Tecno Spark 4 Lite will struggle with multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified for the Tecno Spark 4 Lite, it's likely comparable to or slightly larger than the Realme C25Y's. However, the Realme C25Y’s 18W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and increasing usability. The Tecno Spark 4 Lite likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in a much slower charge cycle. The faster charging of the C25Y effectively mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 4 Lite if your primary need is a basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and you prioritize absolute affordability. Buy the Realme C25Y if you want a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more. The C25Y is better suited for users who occasionally browse social media, watch videos, or play casual games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T610 chipset in the Realme C25Y is more than capable of handling popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. The eight cores and improved architecture provide a smoother experience compared to the Tecno Spark 4 Lite, reducing lag and ensuring faster loading times.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 4 Lite a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 4 Lite is a suitable option for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for calls and texts, and its simplicity makes it easy to use. However, if you anticipate using any apps beyond basic communication, the Realme C25Y offers a significantly better experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C25Y with the 18W charger?
While a precise charging time depends on the battery level, the Realme C25Y’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Tecno Spark 4 Lite. Expect a full charge from 0% in approximately 2-3 hours, a substantial improvement over the potentially 5+ hours required for the Tecno.
