Both the Tecno Pop 3 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, targeting first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite similar price points, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Pop 3 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739, translating to smoother multitasking and potentially better battery life.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180.5 g (6.38 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | 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 3 Plus
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22)
- Higher CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz)
- Potentially better battery life
- Newer chipset architecture
- Brand recognition may be lower than Samsung
- Camera performance is unknown
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Samsung brand familiarity
- Potentially better software optimization
- May be available at a lower price
- Wider service network
- Less efficient chipset (MT6739)
- Lower CPU clock speed (1.5 GHz)
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Older chipset architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, display details are missing. The focus here is on the chipset, which will impact the smoothness of UI animations and scrolling, regardless of the panel quality. We can assume both will prioritize power saving over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided, but in this price segment, expectations should be tempered. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups focused on capturing usable images in good lighting conditions. Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Samsung generally has a slight edge in software optimization. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role, and the Helio A22’s newer architecture may offer improvements in image quality and processing speed compared to the MT6739. The absence of details prevents a definitive assessment.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 3 Plus features the Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core uses the older Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio A22 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the MT6739. This means the A22 consumes less power for the same level of performance, or delivers more performance for the same power consumption. Both CPUs utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture, but the A22’s higher clock speed of 1.8 GHz versus the MT6739’s 1.5 GHz provides a tangible performance boost in CPU-bound tasks. The larger process node of the MT6739 also suggests it will generate more heat under load, potentially leading to thermal throttling and sustained performance drops.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio A22’s superior power efficiency gives the Tecno Pop 3 Plus a distinct advantage in battery life. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A22 will likely deliver longer screen-on time. The MT6739’s less efficient design will require more frequent charging, especially with moderate to heavy usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but faster charging is less critical than overall efficiency in this segment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 3 Plus if you need a phone that feels more responsive for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage, and if you value a slightly more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you are deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem and prioritize brand familiarity, or if you find it at a significantly lower price point than the Tecno Pop 3 Plus, making the performance difference less critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Given the MT6739’s limitations and the likely amount of RAM in the A01 Core, multitasking will likely be sluggish. Switching between apps may result in noticeable delays or apps needing to reload. The Tecno Pop 3 Plus, with its more efficient Helio A22, will handle multitasking more smoothly.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s Helio A22 will provide a more responsive experience. Scrolling through webpages and social media feeds will feel smoother, and app launch times will be quicker. The MT6739 in the A01 Core may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering.
❓ Does the older chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core mean it will become obsolete faster?
Potentially. The Mediatek MT6739 is an older chipset, and software updates may cease sooner compared to devices with newer processors like the Helio A22. This could impact security and compatibility with future app versions.
