The Tecno Spark 9 and Realme Narzo 50i Prime represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 9 leans on MediaTek’s Helio G37, while the Narzo 50i Prime utilizes Unisoc’s Tiger T612. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones target the entry-level segment, the Narzo 50i Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light multitasking compared to the Spark 9’s Helio G37.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | KG5p | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9
- Potentially wider availability through Tecno’s distribution network.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Likely similar battery life to the Narzo 50i Prime.
- Inferior CPU architecture compared to the Narzo 50i Prime.
- Lacks reverse wired charging.
- Performance may struggle with multitasking.
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores.
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience.
- Snappier performance in everyday tasks.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Unisoc chipsets may have less software optimization compared to MediaTek.
- Availability may be limited in some regions.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but we can infer that they will be adequate for indoor use but struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors optimized for cost rather than image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, but don’t expect flagship-level results.
Performance
This is where the key difference lies. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a significant architectural advantage over the Tecno Spark 9’s MediaTek Helio G37, which utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. While the G37 has a higher clock speed, the A75 cores in the T612 offer superior single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Narzo 50i Prime will likely handle everyday tasks and light gaming more effectively. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the target market, we can assume they are similarly sized, likely around 5000mAh. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime has a clear advantage with its 10W wired charging and, crucially, reverse wired charging. This allows the Narzo 50i Prime to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature for users on the go. The Tecno Spark 9 lacks this functionality, relying solely on standard wired charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you prioritize a potentially wider availability through Tecno’s distribution network and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Realme Narzo 50i Prime if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better multitasking capabilities, and the convenience of reverse wired charging, even if it’s limited to 10W.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 50i Prime handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc Tiger T612 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s capable of casual gaming sessions. The Tecno Spark 9 will likely struggle even more with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the Realme Narzo 50i Prime in real-world use compared to the Tecno Spark 9?
The difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps, opening new applications, and browsing the web. The Narzo 50i Prime’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a more responsive experience, reducing lag and stuttering. The Spark 9 will feel slower and less fluid in these scenarios.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Narzo 50i Prime useful?
Yes, the reverse charging feature can be a lifesaver in emergencies. While 10W charging is slow, it can provide a crucial boost to a completely drained wireless earbud case or another phone in a pinch. It adds a layer of convenience the Spark 9 lacks.
