The itel A95 and Tecno Pop 5 LTE represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers and those needing a reliable secondary device. While both offer 4G connectivity, a significant disparity exists under the hood, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best value for its price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel A95 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage and improved power efficiency compared to the Tecno Pop 5 LTE’s older, 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While both phones cater to basic needs, the A95 offers a smoother, more responsive 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 17 | 2021, November 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | Available. Released 2021, November 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 106.9 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Calx Titanium, Black, Green | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan |
| Models | - | BD4, BD4i, BD4a |
| Price | ₹ 10,265 | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 1.12 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) | - |
itel A95
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- Potential for better software support
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Likely similar camera performance to the competition
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic calling and texting
- Acceptable battery life for minimal usage
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Inefficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Likely slow charging speeds
- Limited software support and updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The A95's more powerful GPU will likely result in fewer stutters during scrolling and animations, even if the display specs are identical. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the expected sensor quality in this price bracket. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The A95’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 6300 may offer slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, but the difference will be marginal. Focusing on the chipset's ability to handle image processing is more relevant than speculating on sensor specs.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A95’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) features a modern CPU configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 5 LTE’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) which utilizes 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6300 is a significant advantage, offering better thermal efficiency and power savings. The A76 cores in the A95 provide a substantial performance uplift over the A55 cores in the Pop 5 LTE, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The older 28nm process of the Unisoc chip will likely lead to more heat generation and throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this segment. The itel A95’s 18W wired charging is a notable advantage over the likely slower charging capabilities of the Tecno Pop 5 LTE. More importantly, the Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency will translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. While the Pop 5 LTE might have a slightly larger battery, the A95 will likely achieve comparable or better endurance due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A95 if you prioritize a responsive user experience, smoother multitasking, and the potential for future software updates. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, stream videos, and play light games. Buy the Tecno Pop 5 LTE if your primary need is an extremely affordable phone for basic calling and texting, and you’re willing to accept significantly slower performance and limited capabilities. It’s best suited for users with minimal smartphone requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Tecno Pop 5 LTE struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a very basic chipset. While it can run these apps, expect noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially with multiple apps open. The itel A95’s Dimensity 6300 will provide a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel A95 a significant improvement over the Tecno Pop 5 LTE’s charging speed?
Yes, 18W charging is considerably faster than the likely 5W or 10W charging on the Tecno Pop 5 LTE. This translates to a much quicker top-up, reducing downtime and ensuring you can use the phone for longer periods between charges. Expect a 0-100% charge on the A95 to take around 2-3 hours, while the Pop 5 LTE could take 4+ hours.
❓ Can the itel A95 handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The itel A95, with its Dimensity 6300, should be able to handle light games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, don't expect high frame rates or the ability to play graphically demanding games. The Tecno Pop 5 LTE will struggle even with these simpler titles.
