The sub-$150 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Tecno Spark Go 2 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark Go 2 relies on a Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi 13C 5G leverages MediaTek's Dimensity series. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2’s Unisoc T7250, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Spark Go 2 is more affordable, the Redmi 13C 5G’s extra power justifies the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 24 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Turquoise Green | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | KM4 | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | About 80 EUR | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Go 2
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Inferior camera image processing
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset with better thermals
- Faster charging with Power Delivery
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly better in display quality
- Camera performance still limited by sensor quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the Redmi 13C 5G’s chipset allows for potentially better image processing, which could result in slightly more vibrant colors. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power to drive the display; the Dimensity 6100+ has a more capable ISP. We expect both to have similar resolutions (likely 720p+), but the Redmi 13C 5G’s superior processing could offer a smoother scrolling experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Given the price point, expect a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ chipset includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP), which will likely result in better image processing, improved dynamic range, and more accurate colors. The Tecno Spark Go 2 will likely struggle with low-light photography due to its less capable ISP.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Spark Go 2’s Unisoc T7250 (12nm). The Dimensity 6100+ utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Spark Go 2’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to roughly 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world usage. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi 13C 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This benefits gamers and users who frequently run demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) support offers a clear advantage over the Spark Go 2’s 15W charging. PD allows for more efficient charging and compatibility with a wider range of chargers. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset in the Redmi 13C 5G will likely result in comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Spark Go 2. Expect the Redmi 13C 5G to reach a full charge approximately 20-30 minutes faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2 if your primary need is absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and a more future-proof 5G experience. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming video, or frequently switch between apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6100+ is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm Unisoc T7250 in the Spark Go 2. This means it generates less heat under load and is less prone to thermal throttling, allowing for longer and more consistent gaming performance. While it won't match flagship-level cooling, it's a significant improvement over the Spark Go 2.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Both phones support 5G, but compatibility depends on the specific 5G bands supported by your carrier and the phone. Check the detailed specifications on the manufacturer's website or your carrier's compatibility list to ensure the phone supports the 5G bands used in your region. The Redmi 13C 5G generally supports a wider range of bands.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, both phones likely offer base storage options of 64GB or 128GB. Crucially, both are expected to include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential for budget phones.
