The Tecno Spark 9 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent two of the most competitive segments in the smartphone market – the ultra-budget category. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point accessible to a wide range of consumers. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in both everyday tasks and sustained workloads, despite the Spark 9's slightly higher CPU clock speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 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, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | KG5p | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds (on paper)
- Likely similar battery capacity to Redmi 10C
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Older generation CPU cores
- Inferior GPU performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Better CPU architecture (Kryo cores)
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly larger battery capacity
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details regarding resolution, brightness, and color gamut are missing. The focus here shifts to internal differences. The Redmi 10C’s processor, being more modern, *could* benefit from more optimized display drivers, potentially leading to slightly smoother scrolling, but this is speculative without direct testing. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget LCDs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (often 2MP macro/depth sensors). The Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the Helio G37’s, meaning the Redmi 10C will likely produce better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Redmi 10C’s image processing algorithms will likely be more refined, leading to more pleasing results. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device means relying on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark 9’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While the Spark 9’s CPU boasts slightly higher clock speeds (2.3GHz vs 2.4GHz), the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo cores are architecturally more efficient. This means the Redmi 10C will likely handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. The G37’s Cortex-A53 cores, while capable, are older generation and less efficient. The Redmi 10C’s GPU will also outperform the G37’s, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are likely in the 5000mAh range, standard for this segment. The Redmi 10C’s advantage lies in its 18W wired charging, while the Spark 9’s charging speed is unknown. The Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency will also contribute to longer battery life in real-world usage. The 6nm process means less power wasted during operation, allowing the Redmi 10C to potentially last longer on a single charge, even with similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on very basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more efficient processor that will likely hold up better over time, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it will provide a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G37 in the Tecno Spark 9, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 680’s more efficient architecture results in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and quicker multitasking. While the Spark 9 will handle basic tasks, the Redmi 10C will feel more responsive and less prone to lag.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support fast charging protocols beyond 18W?
While the Redmi 10C supports 18W charging, it doesn't officially support proprietary fast charging standards like Qualcomm Quick Charge. Using a compatible 18W charger is recommended for optimal charging speeds. Using a lower wattage charger will still work, but will take longer to charge the device.
❓ How does the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 680 impact real-world battery life compared to the Helio G37?
The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the Helio G37’s 12nm process. This translates to less power consumption during everyday tasks and gaming, resulting in potentially several hours of additional battery life on a single charge for the Redmi 10C.
