The Tecno Pop 2 Plus 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 make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core emerges as the slightly better option. While both phones are severely limited, the MT6739 chipset’s Cortex-A53 cores and higher clock speed provide a noticeable performance advantage over the Pop 2 Plus’s MT6580P, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
| 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 | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 78.9 x 9.6 mm (6.37 x 3.11 x 0.38 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.8% 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 MT6580P | 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, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | BA2, RB8S | 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 Plus
- Larger display size for media consumption
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A7)
- Likely slower app loading times
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- More powerful processor (MT6739)
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Slightly smoother user interface
- Smaller display size
- Potentially higher price
- Camera quality remains limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are unavailable, but both are likely low-resolution TFT panels. The key difference lies in size; the Tecno Pop 2 Plus features a larger display, which benefits media viewing. However, the A01 Core’s smaller size may result in a slightly sharper image due to the same or similar pixel density. Brightness levels are expected to be low on both, making outdoor visibility a challenge.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Both likely feature a primary camera around 8MP, accompanied by a low-resolution depth sensor or macro lens on the A01 Core. Image quality will be poor in anything less than ideal lighting conditions. The A01 Core’s slightly more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the MT6739 may offer marginally better image processing, but don’t expect significant improvements. The 2MP macro lens on the A01 Core is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, features quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.5 GHz. This represents a significant architectural and clock speed advantage over the Tecno Pop 2 Plus’s Mediatek MT6580P, which utilizes older Cortex-A7 cores at 1.3 GHz. The A53 architecture is demonstrably more efficient and capable, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While neither phone is suited for demanding games, the A01 Core will handle basic tasks with less lag. RAM configurations are likely similar (1-2GB), further emphasizing the chipset’s importance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial consideration in this segment. While specific capacities are not provided, both phones likely house batteries around 3000-3500 mAh. The MT6739’s improved efficiency in the A01 Core may translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB and a 5W charger. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 Plus if you absolutely need the largest possible display for media consumption on a minimal budget and are willing to tolerate significant performance compromises. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user interface, even if it means a smaller screen and a similar level of overall limitations. Both are best suited for very light tasks like calls, texts, and basic app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
While it won't offer a blazing-fast experience, the A01 Core's MT6739 chipset is more capable of handling social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook than the Tecno Pop 2 Plus. Expect some lag when opening the apps or scrolling through media-heavy feeds, but it should be usable for basic communication.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 2 Plus suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
No. The Tecno Pop 2 Plus's MT6580P chipset is far too weak to run PUBG Mobile, even at the lowest settings. You may be able to play very simple 2D games, but anything more demanding will result in an unplayable experience. The A01 Core is also not suitable for PUBG, but will perform marginally better.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core supports 4G LTE, providing access to faster mobile data speeds where available. The Tecno Pop 2 Plus may be limited to 3G connectivity, resulting in significantly slower data speeds. This is a key advantage for the A01 Core if mobile data is essential.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both phones likely run 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, but also means some features are stripped down or replaced with simpler alternatives.
