The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go and Realme C33 2023 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Spark Go prioritizes processing power with a newer, more efficient chipset, while the C33 2023 opts for a more established, albeit less powerful, platform.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark Go is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612, and the faster 18W charging is a welcome addition. While the C33 isn't *bad*, it feels noticeably slower in comparison.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 14 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Ink Black, Turquoise Green | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | KM8 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Tecno Spark Go
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- May have a slightly lower resolution display
- Potentially less refined software experience (depending on Tecno's UI)
Realme C33 2023
- Potentially lower initial purchase price
- Familiar Unisoc chipset with established drivers
- May include additional (though likely low-quality) camera sensors
- Noticeably slower processor for sluggish performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Slower 10W charging for extended charging times
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels. However, the Realme C33 2023, based on market positioning, likely features a higher resolution display (HD+ vs. potentially just HD on the Spark Go). This would translate to slightly sharper visuals, but the difference will be minimal. Bezels are expected to be comparable on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 13-50MP. The Realme C33 2023 is known to include multiple secondary sensors (depth, macro) which are often of limited utility. The Tecno Spark Go, by focusing on a single, potentially larger, primary sensor, may deliver better image quality in good lighting conditions. Image processing will likely be similar – prioritizing vibrant colors over natural accuracy. Expect both to struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Go’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm). The 6nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the Spark Go will likely run cooler and deliver longer battery life under load. Architecturally, the Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.5 GHz) are more powerful than the C33’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x1.8 GHz), resulting in faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. The Dimensity 6400 also benefits from a more modern GPU, providing a better gaming experience. The Realme C33 2023 will handle basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the charging speeds provide a clear advantage to the Tecno Spark Go. Its 18W wired charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Realme C33 2023’s 10W charging. This means less time tethered to a wall and more time using the device. Even if the C33 has a slightly larger battery, the slower charging speed will negate much of that benefit. The Dimensity 6400’s superior power efficiency will also contribute to longer real-world battery life on the Spark Go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, moderate gaming, and feels responsive in everyday use. It’s ideal for students, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a smooth experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost over performance and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6400 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a stable frame rate. The Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C33 2023 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 18W really that noticeable?
Yes, the difference is significant. 18W charging will allow you to go from 0% to 50% in roughly 30-45 minutes, while 10W charging will take over an hour and a half. This makes a big difference for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
❓ Does the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 get hot during extended use?
The Unisoc Tiger T612, being a 12nm chip, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it won't get dangerously hot, you may experience performance slowdowns during prolonged gaming sessions or video recording. The Tecno Spark Go's Dimensity 6400 (6nm) will manage heat more effectively.
