The Gionee Max Pro and Tecno Pop 2 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Gionee Max Pro leverages an octa-core processor, while the Tecno Pop 2 Plus opts for a simpler quad-core design. This comparison will dissect the implications of these choices, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the Gionee Max Pro is the clear winner. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 2 Plus’s Mediatek MT6580P. However, the Pop 2 Plus may appeal to those seeking ultimate simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to its less demanding chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2021, March 01. Released 2021, March 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 78.9 x 9.6 mm (6.37 x 3.11 x 0.38 in) | 165 x 75 x 10 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580P | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Black, Red, Blue |
| Models | BA2, RB8S | - |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 2 Plus
- Simpler user experience
- Potentially longer battery life
- Lower price point (likely)
- Significantly slower performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Gionee Max Pro
- Faster octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking
- More responsive user interface
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- More complex software (potentially)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is likely for both) and resolution are not publicly available. However, the focus should be on usability, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be basic, sufficient for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are scarce. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count (if available) would be more indicative of potential image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Gionee Max Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip built on a 28nm process, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and handling of demanding applications compared to the Tecno Pop 2 Plus’s Mediatek MT6580P, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A7 cores clocked at 1.3 GHz. The A55 cores in the Gionee are significantly more efficient than the older A7 cores, translating to better performance per watt. While neither chip is a powerhouse, the Gionee Max Pro will demonstrably offer a smoother experience when switching between apps or browsing the web.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are not provided. However, the Mediatek MT6580P in the Tecno Pop 2 Plus is a less power-hungry chip than the Unisoc SC9863A. This suggests the Pop 2 Plus *could* offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices; expect slow charging speeds, likely via micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 Plus if you need a phone for absolutely essential tasks – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and prioritize simplicity above all else. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Gionee Max Pro if you prefer a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, streaming videos, and offering a more responsive user experience, even if it means slightly reduced battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Gionee Max Pro struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level processor, it should be capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. The experience won't be as fluid as on a more powerful device.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 2 Plus suitable for video calls?
The Tecno Pop 2 Plus can handle basic video calls, but the experience may be choppy, especially with a weak internet connection. The quad-core processor and limited RAM may struggle to encode and decode video in real-time, leading to dropped frames and audio delays.
❓ Can either phone play basic Android games?
Simple, 2D Android games should be playable on both devices, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding titles. The Gionee Max Pro will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its octa-core processor, but frame rates will still be low and graphics settings will need to be minimized.
