The Tecno Pova 5 Pro arrives as a strong contender in the budget-to-midrange gaming space, boasting a capable Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset and incredibly fast 68W charging. The Cubot X3, however, presents a challenge due to a complete lack of publicly available specifications, forcing us to analyze it based on brand positioning and market trends. This comparison aims to determine if the Pova 5 Pro’s known strengths are enough to secure a win, even against an unknown opponent.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6080 chipset and 68W charging significantly outperform what we can reasonably expect from a Cubot X3, given the brand's typical focus on affordability. However, the X3 *could* offer a compelling value proposition if priced significantly lower.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March | Available. Released 2023, August 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame and rear | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 53.8 x 53.8 x 13.5 mm (2.12 x 2.12 x 0.53 in) | 168.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.63 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 94.6 g (3.35 oz) | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~381 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.73 inches | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HIOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual LED flash |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 68W wired, 50% in 15 min |
| Type | 900 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark Illusion, Silver Fantasy, Free Fire Edition |
| Models | - | LH8n |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
Cubot X3
- Unknown price point could be very attractive
- Potential for a minimalist software experience
- May offer unique design elements
- Completely unknown specifications
- Likely lower performance than Tecno Pova 5 Pro
- Potential for poor software support
Tecno Pova 5 Pro
- Fast 68W charging
- Capable Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset
- Good display brightness (509 nits)
- Camera details are lacking
- IPS LCD panel isn't the most advanced display tech
- May not be the most compact device
Display Comparison
The Tecno Pova 5 Pro features a display capable of 509 nits of peak brightness and a 1354:1 contrast ratio. This suggests a reasonably vibrant and visible screen, though not exceptional in direct sunlight. Without display specifications for the Cubot X3, we can only assume it will feature a lower brightness panel, typical of its price bracket. The Pova 5 Pro’s contrast ratio indicates an IPS LCD panel, which is standard for this price point, but the X3 could potentially utilize a lower-quality panel to further reduce costs.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Pova 5 Pro lists 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lacks specific sensor details. We can assume a primary camera is present, but image quality will depend heavily on sensor size and image processing. The lack of detail suggests a focus on quantity over quality. The Cubot X3’s camera specifications are also unknown. Given the price point, both devices likely rely on budget sensors and may struggle in low-light conditions. It's reasonable to expect both will include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Tecno Pova 5 Pro is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6080, a 6nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This processor offers a significant performance boost over older Mediatek chips, making it suitable for demanding games and multitasking. The Cubot X3’s chipset remains unknown, but given Cubot’s history, it’s likely to be a less powerful, older generation processor, potentially from the Helio series. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6080 also implies better power efficiency and thermal management compared to older, larger-node chipsets.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pova 5 Pro boasts a 68W wired charging capability, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 15 minutes. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the 90-hour endurance rating suggests a substantial battery size. This rapid charging is a major advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device. The Cubot X3’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. It’s likely to have a slower charging rate and potentially a smaller battery, requiring longer charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X3 if you need an extremely budget-friendly device and are willing to compromise on performance and features. It's likely suited for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Tecno Pova 5 Pro if you prioritize gaming, fast charging, and a more responsive user experience. It’s designed for users who demand more from their smartphone without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How well will the Tecno Pova 5 Pro handle graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Pova 5 Pro is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The chipset's GPU is designed for efficient gaming, but it's not a flagship-level performer.
❓ Is the 68W charging on the Tecno Pova 5 Pro compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the Tecno Pova 5 Pro supports 68W charging, it's likely to use its proprietary charging protocol. Using a standard Power Delivery (PD) charger will still charge the device, but at a significantly slower rate. It's best to use the included charger for optimal charging speeds.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Cubot X3, what should I expect in terms of software updates?
Cubot typically provides limited software update support. Expect potentially infrequent security patches and a single major Android version update, if any. This is a common trade-off for budget-friendly devices.
