The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 5 Air and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C11 leveraging an octa-core processor while the Tecno Spark 5 Air relies on a quad-core design. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C11 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core Mediatek chipset, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer basic functionality, the C11’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 | 2020, May 05. Released 2020, July | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 x 0.36 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.0 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | KD6a | RMX3231 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Spark 5 Air
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Likely lightweight design
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- No reverse charging capability
- Likely slower app loading times
Realme C11 (2021)
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- 10W charging with reverse wired charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- 28nm process is less power efficient
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the limited context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic. The Realme C11’s display is likely similar in quality to the Tecno Spark 5 Air, making this a non-differentiating factor.
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 casual photography. The market segment suggests primary sensors around 8-13MP are likely. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Realme C11 (2021) features the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip built on a 28nm process. This configuration, with its four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz, offers significantly more processing power than the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s unspecified quad-core Mediatek chipset. The octa-core design allows for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother app switching and improved performance in multi-tasking scenarios. While the 28nm process isn’t the most efficient, the core count advantage is substantial. The Tecno Spark 5 Air will likely struggle with more than a few apps running simultaneously.
Battery Life
The Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the Tecno Spark 5 Air. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it’s typical for this price range. The reverse wired charging allows the C11 to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature for users on the go. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The C11’s charging capabilities offer a slight advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you anticipate multitasking, running more demanding apps, or simply want a more fluid and responsive smartphone experience, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a gaming powerhouse, the octa-core configuration should allow for playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it will be a more enjoyable experience than on the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core processor.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C11 (2021) useful for everyday use?
The 10W reverse charging is relatively slow, but it can be a lifesaver in emergencies. It's ideal for topping up a wireless earbud case or a friend's phone when a power outlet isn't available. Don't expect to fully charge another phone quickly, but it provides a convenient backup power source.
❓ How much of a difference will the octa-core processor make in daily tasks?
The difference will be most noticeable when multitasking. Switching between apps, browsing the web with multiple tabs open, and running background apps will be significantly smoother on the Realme C11 (2021) compared to the Tecno Spark 5 Air. The quad-core processor in the Spark 5 Air will likely show its limitations with even moderate usage.
