The itel A05s and Tecno Pop 6 Pro represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic, reliable device. Both phones aim to deliver smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more modern chipset, the Tecno Pop 6 Pro emerges as the better choice. While the itel A05s benefits from an octa-core configuration, the Helio A22’s superior clock speed and 12nm process provide a smoother experience in everyday tasks.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, September 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.9 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition), HiOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meadow Green, Nebula Black | Peaceful Blue, Polar Black |
| Models | A663LC | BE8 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
itel A05s
- Octa-core processor offers potential for better multitasking (though limited by chipset)
- Potentially longer battery life due to 22nm process (depending on battery capacity)
- Lower price point (likely, based on brand positioning)
- 22nm process is less efficient than 12nm
- Unisoc chipset generally offers lower performance than MediaTek equivalents
- Likely slower app loading and overall responsiveness
Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- 12nm process offers better power efficiency
- Faster 2.0 GHz quad-core processor provides snappier performance
- MediaTek Helio A22 is a more established and optimized chipset
- Quad-core processor may struggle with heavier multitasking
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
- May be slightly more expensive than the itel A05s
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this segment) with TN or similar technology. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the lack of specific display specs makes a direct comparison impossible; we can assume both prioritize cost savings over quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors, likely with low megapixel counts. Any marketing around 'AI' camera features should be viewed skeptically. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image quality will suffer in low-light conditions. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities is difficult without further data, but the Helio A22 generally offers slightly better image processing than comparable Unisoc chips in this price bracket.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A05s utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A1, an octa-core processor split into 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the core count is higher, the Unisoc chip is fabricated on a 22nm process. The Tecno Pop 6 Pro, conversely, employs the MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, built on a more efficient 12nm process. This smaller node generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance. The higher clock speed of the Helio A22’s cores will likely result in snappier app launches and smoother scrolling, despite having fewer cores. The A53 cores in the Helio A22 are also architecturally more capable than the A55 cores in the itel.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 6 Pro offers a potential advantage in power efficiency, meaning it *could* achieve similar battery life to the itel A05s despite potentially higher power draw from the faster cores. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely ship with basic 5W chargers, resulting in slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A05s if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and prioritize a potentially longer lifespan due to its more power-efficient chipset. Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Pro if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience for light multitasking, social media browsing, and occasional casual gaming, accepting a potentially shorter battery life under heavy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 6 Pro struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio A22 is an entry-level chipset, it's generally capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or using resource-intensive features within those apps. It's designed for basic social media use, not heavy multitasking.
❓ Is the itel A05s a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly person?
The itel A05s could be suitable for a first-time smartphone user, particularly an elderly person, due to its simplicity and likely lower price. However, the slower processor might make it frustrating for those unfamiliar with smartphones. A simpler user interface and larger font sizes would be beneficial.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *install* PUBG Mobile on either device, the experience will be severely limited. The Helio A22 and Unisoc SC9863A1 lack the processing power and graphics capabilities to run the game at playable frame rates, even on the lowest settings. Expect significant lag and stuttering.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Both phones likely offer limited internal storage (typically 16GB or 32GB) and support for microSD card expansion. Given the target market, relying on a microSD card for storing photos, videos, and apps is almost essential.
