The Tecno Spark Go (2019) represented a compelling entry point into smartphone ownership when released, but the market has moved on. The Realme C25Y aims to offer a more modern experience at a similar price point. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on where the newer Realme C25Y justifies its potential price premium.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25Y is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, delivers significantly improved performance over the Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s quad-core Helio A22. The 18W charging is a welcome addition, addressing a common pain point in the ultra-budget segment.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.15 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Royal Purple | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | KC1 | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go (2019)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C25Y
- Significantly faster processor
- 18W fast charging
- More responsive user experience
- Higher price point
- May include bloatware
- Camera quality likely only marginally better
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and peak brightness are unavailable. However, the Realme C25Y benefits from a more recent release, potentially offering slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s display, being older, may exhibit more noticeable color shifting at off-axis viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are limited, but it's safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C25Y likely benefits from more refined image processing algorithms due to its newer chipset. The Tecno Spark Go (2019) likely relies on simpler image processing, potentially resulting in less dynamic range and more noise in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme C25Y is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience, as the small sensor size limits image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610 is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Spark Go (2019)’s MediaTek Helio A22. The T610’s octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks and gaming compared to the Helio A22’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T610 offer a noticeable performance boost over the A53 cores, resulting in faster app loading times and a more responsive user experience. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Realme C25Y will handle demanding apps and light gaming with considerably more ease.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Realme C25Y’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a major advantage. The Tecno Spark Go (2019) likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. This means the Realme C25Y can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime and improving usability. Even if the Realme C25Y has a slightly smaller battery capacity, the faster charging speed will likely offset this difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go (2019) if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you're operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Realme C25Y if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Unisoc T610 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Tecno Spark Go (2019)'s Helio A22 will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely requiring the lowest settings and still experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C25Y with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Realme C25Y should charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Tecno Spark Go (2019), with its slower charging, could take upwards of 4-5 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the Realme C25Y have a fingerprint sensor?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Realme C-series phones typically include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Tecno Spark Go (2019) likely relies solely on software-based security measures.
