The Tecno Pop 2 F and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both phones prioritize affordability above all else, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which offers a more usable experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose wisely.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a marginally smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, built on a 28nm process, offers a 1.5GHz clock speed and Cortex-A53 cores, providing a noticeable performance edge over the Tecno Pop 2 F’s slower 1.3GHz MT6580M and Cortex-A7 architecture.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 149.8 x 72.8 x 9.4 mm (5.90 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580M | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, City Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | B1c | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 2 F
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly better battery life (due to less powerful chipset)
- Compact size may appeal to some users
- Significantly slower processor
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A7)
- Less responsive user interface
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Faster processor (MT6739)
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Larger display for better viewing
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- May be marginally more expensive
- Still a very basic smartphone experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature low-resolution panels, likely around 480x854 pixels, given their market segment. However, the A01 Core’s slightly larger screen size (6.5 inches vs. the Pop 2 F’s 5.5 inches) offers a more comfortable viewing experience. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs. TFT) and brightness are unavailable, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Both are likely to feature a primary camera around 8MP, accompanied by a low-resolution depth sensor. The Tecno Pop 2 F may include a secondary camera, but its utility will be minimal. Image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions. The MT6739 in the A01 Core may offer slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, resulting in marginally improved dynamic range and noise reduction, but expectations should remain low. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is key, as any additional sensors are likely to be of negligible quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. This represents a significant architectural improvement over the Tecno Pop 2 F’s Mediatek MT6580M, which utilizes older Cortex-A7 cores at 1.3 GHz. The Cortex-A53 offers better instructions per clock (IPC) and overall efficiency. While neither chipset is a performance powerhouse, the MT6739 will deliver a smoother experience with app launches and multitasking. RAM configurations are likely similar (1GB-2GB), further emphasizing the CPU’s importance in this comparison. The 28nm process of the MT6739 also suggests slightly better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of sustained throttling under load.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries around 3000mAh. The Tecno Pop 2 F may have a slight advantage in battery life due to its less powerful chipset and smaller screen. However, the difference will be minimal. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB with 5W or 10W charging. A full charge will likely take several hours. The efficiency gains of the MT6739 may offset the larger screen size of the A01 Core, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 F if your primary need is a functional smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and WhatsApp, and you prioritize the absolute lowest price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you anticipate slightly more demanding usage – even just occasional web browsing or light social media – and value a more responsive user interface, despite the minimal price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not ideal for heavy usage, the MT6739 chipset in the A01 Core is capable of running WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some lag when loading images or videos, and avoid running many apps simultaneously. The Tecno Pop 2 F will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns with these apps.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 capable of playing basic games like Candy Crush?
Yes, the MT6739 can handle simple games like Candy Crush without significant issues. However, don't expect to play graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. Frame rates will be low, and the experience will likely be choppy. The MT6580M in the Tecno Pop 2 F will struggle even more with these games.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core *does* support 4G LTE, allowing for faster data speeds where available. The Tecno Pop 2 F may be limited to 3G connectivity, resulting in significantly slower internet browsing and app downloads. This is a key differentiator for users who rely on mobile data.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both phones likely ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. This helps to improve performance and reduce data usage. However, Android Go Edition also has limitations in terms of features and customization options.
