The itel A80 and Tecno Pop 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the itel A80 is the better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, despite being in the same price bracket, offers a more modern architecture and octa-core processing compared to the Tecno Pop 5 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22, resulting in a smoother user experience.
| 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 | 2024, September | 2022, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2022, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.5 mm thickness | 164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | 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, itel OS 14 | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandstone Black, Glacier White, Wave Blue | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky Cyan |
| Models | A671L, A671LC | BD4j, BD4h |
| Price | ₹ 6,499 | About 100 EUR |
itel A80
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Newer chipset architecture
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Limited brand recognition
- Basic camera system
Tecno Pop 5 Pro
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication
- Outdated quad-core processor
- Slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Both likely utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1440 pixels, typical for this price point. Detailed display specs like brightness and color gamut are unavailable, but we can assume both will prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Both are likely to feature a primary camera around 5-8MP, and a secondary depth sensor. The Tecno Pop 5 Pro may include a macro lens, but its 2MP resolution renders it largely unusable for detailed photography. Image processing will be minimal on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light. Focusing on the primary sensor’s quality is more important than the presence of secondary, low-resolution lenses.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A80’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, meaning it has eight processing cores, while the Tecno Pop 5 Pro utilizes the MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor. The Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, is older technology. While the A22’s 2.0 GHz clock speed appears higher, the T603’s architecture and core count will likely translate to better overall performance, especially in multi-tasking scenarios. The T603’s newer design should also offer improved power efficiency. RAM configurations are likely similar, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor in perceived speed.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries around 3000-4000 mAh. The itel A80’s 10W charging is standard for this segment. The Tecno Pop 5 Pro’s charging speed is also likely around 10W. While battery capacity is important, the Unisoc T603’s potentially better power efficiency in the itel A80 could translate to slightly longer real-world battery life, despite similar battery sizes. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A80 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks like calls and messaging. Its octa-core processor will provide a noticeable improvement in app loading times and multitasking. Buy the Tecno Pop 5 Pro if your primary need is a simple, extremely affordable device for essential communication and you prioritize minimal cost above all else. It’s a functional phone for those with very limited smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the itel A80 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not a powerhouse, the Unisoc T603 is sufficiently capable of running essential apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The octa-core architecture provides enough headroom for these applications, unlike the quad-core Helio A22 which may exhibit noticeable lag during multitasking.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 Pro a good option for someone completely new to smartphones?
Yes, the Tecno Pop 5 Pro is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user. Its simplicity and low cost make it a risk-free entry point into the world of smartphones. However, be aware that its performance will be limited, and it may struggle with more demanding tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 5 Pro will struggle even more with gaming due to its limited processing power. The itel A80 offers a slightly better chance of running simpler games at playable frame rates.
