The itel A50C and Tecno Pop 6 Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers and those seeking ultra-affordable connectivity. While both devices aim for accessibility, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the itel A50C is the better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 6 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and running modern apps.
| 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 | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 12 | 2022, September 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 12 | Available. Released 2022, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 9.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 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 | 192.6 g (6.81 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 1208 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (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, AF | 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); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue, Sapphire Black, Misty Aqua | Peaceful Blue, Polar Black |
| Models | - | BE8 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
itel A50C
- More powerful octa-core Unisoc T603 processor
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Likely better long-term software support
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- Limited detailed specifications available
Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Quad-core Helio A22 processor is significantly slower
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- May receive limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on viewing angles and color reproduction. Expect both to be adequate for basic use but lacking in brightness for outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, with the Tecno Pop 6 Pro often marketed with a dual-camera system, but the details are sparse. Expect a primary sensor around 8MP on both devices, accompanied by a low-resolution depth or macro sensor on the Tecno. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus should be on capturing usable photos in good lighting, rather than expecting high-quality images. The 2MP macro sensors found on many phones in this segment are generally of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A50C’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, meaning it has eight processing cores, compared to the Tecno Pop 6 Pro’s MediaTek Helio A22, which has four. While clock speed isn’t everything, the Helio A22’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores are older architecture and less efficient than the cores found in the T603. This translates to noticeably slower app loading times, less fluid multitasking, and potential stuttering when running demanding applications on the Tecno. The Unisoc T603 will provide a more responsive user experience, particularly for users who frequently switch between apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor in this segment. While specific mAh ratings aren't provided, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The more efficient Unisoc T603 in the itel A50C may translate to slightly longer battery life despite a potentially similar capacity. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB, and a full charge will likely take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A50C if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks like calls and messaging, and if you anticipate using multiple apps simultaneously. Its octa-core processor offers a smoother experience. Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Pro if your primary needs are limited to essential communication and you prioritize a potentially lower price point, accepting a trade-off in performance and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50C handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T603 is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. Its octa-core architecture provides enough processing power for these everyday tasks, offering a smoother experience than the quad-core Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 6 Pro.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 6 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The Tecno Pop 6 Pro is not ideal for gaming. The Helio A22 chipset struggles with graphically demanding games, and you'll likely experience low frame rates and stuttering, even on low settings. The itel A50C, while still not a gaming powerhouse, will offer a slightly better experience due to its more capable processor.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with limited internal storage (likely 32GB or 64GB). Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is crucial given the limited internal space.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, both the itel A50C and Tecno Pop 6 Pro support 4G LTE connectivity, enabling you to access mobile data networks for browsing, streaming, and using apps. However, speeds will vary depending on your carrier and location.
