The Xiaomi Poco C50 and Tecno Spark 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Poco C50 relies on a tried-and-true, if aging, MediaTek chipset, while the Spark 10C opts for the newer Unisoc T606. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 10C is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Poco C50’s quad-core Helio A22. While both phones are entry-level, the Spark 10C’s faster processing and 18W charging offer a more responsive and convenient experience.
| 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, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 03 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| | Dust & splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Country Green, Royal Blue | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 80 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Reliable for basic communication tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Spark 10C.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the octa-core Unisoc T606.
- Faster 18W charging.
- Better suited for light gaming and social media.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco C50.
- Camera performance is likely similar to the Poco C50.
- Still an entry-level device with inherent limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The lack of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected. The focus here is clearly on cost reduction, meaning display quality will be a compromise on both sides.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the inclusion of a dedicated night mode or advanced image processing features is unlikely. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) that offer limited utility. Image quality will be acceptable for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but expect struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C50’s MediaTek Helio A22 is a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. This is a relatively old architecture, designed for basic tasks. In contrast, the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 is an octa-core chip (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55), also on a 12nm process. The octa-core configuration, and the inclusion of Cortex-A75 cores, provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and handling more demanding applications. The A75 cores offer a substantial performance boost over the A53 cores found in the Helio A22, translating to snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. While both are 12nm, the architectural improvements in the Unisoc chip are key.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Poco C50 is limited to 10W wired charging, which will result in a significantly longer charge time. The Tecno Spark 10C, with its 18W wired charging, offers a much faster top-up, reducing downtime and providing greater convenience. This difference in charging speed is a tangible benefit for users who rely on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C50 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you want a more fluid user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending slightly more upfront. The Spark 10C is better suited for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or play less demanding mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Spark 10C is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The octa-core configuration and Cortex-A75 cores provide sufficient processing power for these everyday applications, resulting in a more responsive user experience compared to the Poco C50.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the two phones really noticeable?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging is significantly faster than the Poco C50’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker top-up time, meaning you’ll spend less time tethered to a charger. Expect a substantial difference in 0-100% charge times, making the Spark 10C more convenient for users who need to quickly recharge their device.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
Both phones can handle casual gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. The Poco C50's Helio A22 will struggle with most modern games, while the Tecno Spark 10C can handle less intensive titles at lower settings. For serious mobile gaming, you'll need to look at a more powerful device.
