The Tecno Pop 3 Plus and Oppo A1k represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but significant differences in their core processing power dictate which phone offers a smoother, more capable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A1k is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio P22 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s quad-core Helio A22. While both phones are limited in features, the A1k offers a more responsive user experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, April. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 154.5 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (6.08 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180.5 g (6.38 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Black, Red |
| Models | - | CPH1923 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 3 Plus
- Lower price point (typically)
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Oppo A1k
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better suited for light gaming
- Slightly higher price
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May not be as readily available in all markets
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p or lower, and brightness will be adequate for indoor use but struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the A1k likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P22, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution secondary cameras (often 2MP) on these devices suggests they are primarily for depth sensing or marketing purposes and shouldn't be relied upon for high-quality photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A1k’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s Helio A22 (MT6761). The P22’s octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides substantially more processing power than the A22’s quad-core 1.8 GHz configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A1k. While neither chipset is designed for demanding games, the P22 will handle less intensive titles with greater ease. The 12nm process node is shared between both, meaning thermal efficiency differences will be minimal.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The A1k’s more efficient chipset, despite the higher clock speed, might offer comparable battery life to the Pop 3 Plus, as it spends less time working at maximum capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely ship with basic 5W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 3 Plus if your primary need is an extremely affordable device for basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage – and battery life is paramount. Buy the Oppo A1k if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience for multitasking, social media, and occasional light gaming, even if it means slightly reduced battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A1k be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Oppo A1k’s Helio P22 chipset and octa-core CPU are sufficient to run Facebook, Instagram, and other popular social media apps without significant lag. The increased processing power compared to the Tecno Pop 3 Plus will provide a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling through feeds and loading content.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 3 Plus a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Tecno Pop 3 Plus excels as a basic communication device. Its lower power consumption can translate to longer battery life for essential functions like making calls and sending texts, making it ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability over advanced features.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 3 Plus will struggle significantly, even at the lowest settings. The Helio P22 in the Oppo A1k will offer a slightly better experience, but expect low frame rates and frequent stuttering, even on minimal graphics settings. These phones are not designed for gaming.
