The Tecno Pop 2 F and Nokia 2.2 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to hardware. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Nokia 2.2 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 2 F’s older MT6580M. However, both phones represent compromises at this price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - APAC, EMEA, India |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - APAC, EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2019, June 06. Released 2019, June 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 149.8 x 72.8 x 9.4 mm (5.90 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) | 146 x 70.6 x 9.3 mm (5.75 x 2.78 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 153 g (5.40 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580M | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, City Blue | Steel, Tungsten Black |
| Models | B1c | TA-1183, TA-1179, TA-1191, TA-1188 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.61 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 2 F
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Very slow performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely slow charging speeds
Nokia 2.2
- Noticeably faster performance
- More efficient chipset
- 10W wired charging
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera quality likely remains basic
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 2 F
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Nokia 2.2’s chipset suggests a potentially more capable display driver, allowing for smoother animations. However, without knowing the panel technology or brightness levels, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Expect both displays to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Nokia 2.2’s more powerful chipset could enable slightly better image processing. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but image quality will degrade rapidly in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick at this price point and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The Nokia 2.2’s Mediatek Helio A22 chipset is the clear performance leader. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz represent a significant upgrade over the Tecno Pop 2 F’s 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio A22 also contributes to improved efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained use. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Nokia 2.2. The MT6580M in the Pop 2 F will struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia 2.2’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. While not fast by modern standards, it’s considerably faster than the likely 5W charging offered by the Tecno Pop 2 F. This means the Nokia 2.2 can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime. The more efficient Helio A22 chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 F if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significantly slower performance for basic tasks like messaging and calls. Buy the Nokia 2.2 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple operations, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset and 10W charging, even if it's not fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 2.2 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Nokia 2.2’s Helio A22 is more capable than the Tecno Pop 2 F’s chipset, it’s still an entry-level processor. Expect some lag and slowdown when using these apps, especially with multiple chats or features open simultaneously. Optimizing app usage and clearing cache regularly will help mitigate these issues.
❓ Is the Android Go edition on either phone a limitation?
Both phones likely ship with Android Go edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. While it helps improve performance on low-end hardware, it also means some features found in the standard Android version are missing. This is a trade-off to ensure a smoother experience on these budget devices.
❓ Can either phone handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games will be playable on both devices, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding titles. The Nokia 2.2 will offer a slightly better chance of running these games at playable frame rates, but significant compromises in graphics settings will likely be necessary.
