The Tecno Pop 3 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches. The Pop 3 Plus focuses on affordability above all else, while the Redmi 8A Pro attempts to offer a more well-rounded experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 439 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s quad-core Helio A22. The 18W charging is a substantial benefit, offsetting the slightly lower potential battery capacity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180.5 g (6.38 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Pop 3 Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and easy to use
- Acceptable for basic communication
- Very slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Significantly faster processor
- 18W fast charging
- Better overall user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited camera capabilities
- May not be ideal for heavy gaming
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target a 720p+ resolution. The Redmi 8A Pro’s slightly larger screen size (typically around 6.22 inches vs the Pop 3 Plus’s 5.7 inches) may offer a more immersive viewing experience, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic. Color accuracy and viewing angles will be limited on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution primary sensors. The Redmi 8A Pro likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP), which generally provides better image quality than MediaTek’s equivalent. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi 8A Pro (a common feature in Xiaomi phones) suggests a greater emphasis on low-light photography. Any secondary cameras (depth or macro) on either device are unlikely to offer significant value.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53), offers a substantial advantage over the Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s MediaTek Helio A22 (Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The 8 cores allow for better multitasking and smoother operation of apps. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the Snapdragon 439’s architecture is more efficient. The Redmi 8A Pro will handle more demanding apps and games with greater ease, and will likely exhibit less lag during everyday use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. However, the Redmi 8A Pro’s 18W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Pop 3 Plus, which likely supports only 5W or 10W charging. The convenience of quickly topping up the battery is a major advantage for the Redmi 8A Pro, even if the actual battery capacity is similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 3 Plus if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a more capable processor for running apps and handling multitasking. It’s a better long-term investment, even at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 8A Pro handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8A Pro is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, even with multiple apps open. The Helio A22 in the Pop 3 Plus may struggle with multitasking and exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Does the Redmi 8A Pro support reverse wired charging, and what is its practical use?
Yes, the Redmi 8A Pro features 2.5W reverse wired charging. This allows you to use the phone as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another phone, albeit at a very slow rate. It's a useful feature in emergencies but not a replacement for a dedicated power bank.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for casual social media photos?
Both cameras are adequate for casual social media photos in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail and dynamic range. The Redmi 8A Pro will likely produce slightly better results due to Qualcomm’s image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level quality.
❓ What type of storage does the Redmi 8A Pro use, and is it expandable?
The Redmi 8A Pro typically uses eMMC storage, which is standard for this price range. It also includes a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 512GB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
