The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark Go 2 and the Realme C51s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, key differences in their chipsets and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s is the superior choice. Its 33W fast charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 28 minutes, significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark Go 2’s 15W charging. While both share a similar CPU core configuration, the slightly faster Cortex-A55 cores in the Realme C51s contribute to a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 24 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 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 (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Turquoise Green | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | KM4 | RMX3765 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go 2
- Potentially lower price point.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Functional for essential smartphone use.
- Slow 15W charging.
- Slightly slower CPU cores.
- Likely less refined software experience.
Realme C51s
- 33W fast charging (0-50% in 28 min).
- Slightly faster CPU cores for improved responsiveness.
- Potentially better image processing.
- More convenient daily use.
- Likely a slightly higher price.
- Battery capacity not specified (could be smaller).
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on color calibration and viewing angles, which are not specified in the provided data. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc Tiger T612 may offer slightly improved image processing capabilities compared to the T7250, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras in this segment suggests focusing on the primary sensor's quality is crucial, but data is unavailable to assess this.
Performance
Both the Tecno Spark Go 2 and Realme C51s are powered by Unisoc chipsets fabricated on a 12nm process. The Realme C51s utilizes the Tiger T612, featuring a CPU with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Tecno Spark Go 2 employs the Unisoc T7250, with the same 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores but slower 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This subtle difference in Cortex-A55 clock speed gives the Realme C51s a slight edge in multi-tasking and general responsiveness. The GPU performance is also likely to be marginally better on the C51s due to the chipset difference. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is a likely candidate for both, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme C51s’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. Achieving a 0-50% charge in just 28 minutes drastically reduces downtime compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2’s 15W charging. While a larger battery capacity on the Tecno Spark Go 2 could partially offset this, the convenience of faster charging is a major benefit for users on the go. The faster charging also suggests a more efficient power delivery system within the Realme C51s.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2 if your priority is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. You’ll need to be patient with charging times. Buy the Realme C51s if you value faster charging, a slightly more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a little extra for a more convenient daily driver. It’s ideal for users who need their phone ready to go quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C51s’s 33W charging degrade the battery faster than the Tecno Spark Go 2’s 15W charging?
While faster charging generates more heat, modern smartphones have battery management systems to mitigate degradation. The Realme C51s’s charging circuitry is designed to protect the battery, and the convenience of faster charging outweighs the minimal potential for accelerated degradation over the phone’s lifespan.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark Go 2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc T7250 can run these games, but expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. The chipset isn’t designed for demanding gaming, and prolonged sessions may result in noticeable thermal throttling. The Realme C51s, with its slightly more powerful chipset, will offer a marginally better gaming experience, but still requires compromises in graphical settings.
❓ Is the difference in Cortex-A55 clock speed (1.6GHz vs 1.8GHz) noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is subtle but contributes to a smoother overall experience on the Realme C51s. It’s most noticeable when multitasking or quickly switching between apps. While not a dramatic leap in performance, the faster cores help reduce minor stutters and delays.
