The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and Tecno Spark 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices leverage Unisoc chipsets to deliver affordable functionality, but key differences in CPU architecture and battery endurance create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G is the better choice. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge, and its impressive 45:26h battery endurance significantly outlasts the Tecno Spark 10C.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 21 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | 25028PC03G, 25028RN03A, 25028RN03I, 25028RN03Y | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | € 69.85 / $ 75.09 / £ 54.99 / ₹ 6,499 | ₹ 9,990 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
- Superior battery endurance (45:26h)
- More powerful CPU (Unisoc T7250)
- Longer battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Likely basic camera system
Tecno Spark 10C
- Faster charging speed (18W)
- Potentially lower price point
- Modern design (assumed based on Tecno's branding)
- Shorter battery life (inferred)
- Less powerful CPU (Unisoc T606)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so we must infer. Both devices likely feature LCD panels common in this price bracket. Expect 720p+ resolution. The focus here will be on the processing power needed to drive the display, which is covered in the performance section. Bezels are likely similar, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, so analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The absence of OIS suggests image stabilization will be limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera performance, but the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities will play a crucial role.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi A5 4G utilizes the Unisoc T7250, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The Tecno Spark 10C employs the Unisoc T606, also with a 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. While the core count is identical, the T7250’s higher clock speed on the A75 cores translates to a tangible performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. This benefits users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light gaming. The 12nm process node is shared, suggesting similar thermal characteristics, but the T7250 will likely generate slightly more heat under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi A5 4G boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance with a tested 45:26 hours of usage. The Tecno Spark 10C’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 18W charging capability is faster than the Redmi A5’s 15W. However, faster charging is less impactful if the battery drains quickly. The Redmi A5’s superior endurance means users will likely need to charge less frequently, offsetting the slower charging speed. The Redmi A5 also claims 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of moderate use and offers slightly better performance for multitasking and app loading. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are willing to trade some battery life and processing power for the convenience of quicker top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7250 in the Redmi A5 4G handle popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7250, with its Cortex-A75 cores, is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube without significant lag. The higher clock speed provides a smoother multitasking experience compared to the T606.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi A5 4G with the 15W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charging time isn't available, expect it to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours with the included 15W charger. The Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging will be faster, but the Redmi A5’s longer battery life reduces the frequency of charging.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging a significant advantage for users who frequently run out of battery?
For users who consistently drain their battery throughout the day, the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 10C offers a convenience factor. However, the Redmi A5 4G’s substantially longer battery life mitigates the need for frequent top-ups, making it a better choice for those prioritizing overall endurance.
