The Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Tecno Spark 8C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance for everyday tasks, the Tecno Spark 8C edges out the Redmi 9C. The Unisoc T606’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable advantage in responsiveness compared to the Redmi 9C’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration, despite both being fabricated on a 12nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED lash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray |
| Models | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Potentially longer battery life due to the power-efficient Helio G35.
- Established brand reputation with Xiaomi.
- Likely more refined software experience (MIUI).
- Less responsive performance due to the all-Cortex-A53 CPU.
- 10W charging is slow compared to modern standards.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Tecno Spark 8C
- More responsive performance thanks to the Cortex-A75 cores in the Unisoc T606.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially smoother app launches.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Redmi 9C.
- Tecno’s software experience may be less polished than MIUI.
- 10W charging is slow.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of multiple sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s highly probable both devices feature a primary sensor around 13MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of lower resolution. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Xiaomi’s software potentially offering more refined results. However, the limited processing power of both chipsets will constrain the effectiveness of any advanced algorithms. The 2MP macro sensors on both are likely to deliver limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9C’s MediaTek Helio G35 features an octa-core configuration comprised entirely of Cortex-A53 cores, split between 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz. This is a power-efficient design, but lacks the performance punch of the Tecno Spark 8C’s Unisoc T606. The T606 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores for demanding tasks and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural leap over the A53, offering substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage favors the Tecno.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Redmi 9C’s Helio G35, being more power-efficient, coupled with its 10W charging, suggests a longer overall battery life. The Tecno Spark 8C, with its more powerful but potentially less efficient Unisoc T606, will likely offer shorter battery life but may charge slightly faster, though both are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning full charges will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C if you need a reliable device for basic communication, light social media use, and extended battery life with minimal performance demands. Buy the Tecno Spark 8C if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking, smoother app launches, and a chipset capable of handling moderately demanding applications without significant slowdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 8C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T606 in the Spark 8C can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. The Helio G35 in the Redmi 9C will struggle even more, requiring the lowest possible settings for a playable experience. Neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
❓ How much faster is the Tecno Spark 8C in everyday tasks compared to the Redmi 9C?
The difference is noticeable in app launch times and multitasking. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T606 provide a significant boost in single-core performance, making the Spark 8C feel more responsive when switching between apps or opening new ones. The Redmi 9C will feel slightly sluggish in comparison.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. It's best to charge these phones overnight to ensure they're ready for the next day. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
Both phones will provide an adequate video-watching experience, but neither excels in this area. The display quality is likely similar, so the choice comes down to personal preference and the slightly better responsiveness of the Tecno Spark 8C for navigating video apps.
