The Tecno Pop 4 and Nokia C1 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone users or those needing a very basic device. Both run Android Go edition to ensure smooth operation on limited hardware, but subtle differences in processing power and brand philosophy separate them. This comparison dives deep to determine which offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Nokia C1 Plus edges out the Tecno Pop 4. Its marginally faster 1.4 GHz CPU provides a small but noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks, making it the better choice for basic navigation and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International, APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 24 | 2020, December 15. Released 2021, January 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 149.1 x 71.2 x 8.8 mm (5.87 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@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 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Dawn Blue | Blue, Red |
| Models | BC2c, BC1s | TA-1312 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Pop 4
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Android Go edition for optimized performance
- Slightly slower CPU compared to Nokia C1 Plus
- Likely less durable build quality
- Limited software update support
Nokia C1 Plus
- Faster 1.4 GHz CPU for smoother performance
- Nokia’s reputation for build quality (within this segment)
- Android Go edition for optimized performance
- May be slightly more expensive than Tecno Pop 4
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither the Tecno Pop 4 nor the Nokia C1 Plus boast impressive displays. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are typically omitted in this price bracket, suggesting basic LCD panels. The absence of specifications like peak brightness or color gamut indicates a focus on cost reduction, meaning both will struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Specifications typically reveal low-resolution sensors (often 5MP or 8MP main sensors) and basic image processing capabilities. Details regarding aperture or sensor size are usually unavailable. Expect images to be acceptable in well-lit conditions but struggle in low light. The inclusion of a secondary camera (often a VGA sensor) is primarily for depth sensing or marketing purposes and offers minimal practical benefit. Focusing on camera quality is not a strength of either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU: the Nokia C1 Plus features a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, while the Tecno Pop 4 operates at 1.3 GHz. While both are quad-core, the 100 MHz clock speed difference, though seemingly small, translates to a slightly faster processing speed for the Nokia C1 Plus. This is particularly noticeable when launching apps or switching between them. Both devices likely utilize a similar amount of RAM (typically 1-2GB in this segment), further emphasizing the CPU as the primary performance differentiator. The impact of the CPU speed is amplified by the Android Go edition software, designed to minimize resource consumption.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor for budget smartphones. While specific mAh ratings are not provided, both the Tecno Pop 4 and Nokia C1 Plus likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also likely to be low (5W or less), resulting in relatively slow charging times – expect several hours to reach a full charge. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use (calls, texts, and light app usage).
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 4 if you need a phone primarily for calls and texts, and are looking for the absolute lowest possible price point. Its focus is on affordability above all else. Buy the Nokia C1 Plus if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and value Nokia’s reputation for software updates (though limited on this model) and build quality within this segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C1 Plus handle WhatsApp video calls reliably?
The Nokia C1 Plus's 1.4 GHz processor should be capable of handling basic WhatsApp video calls, but performance may be choppy during peak usage or with a weak internet connection. Closing other apps beforehand will improve stability.
❓ Is the Android Go edition on the Tecno Pop 4 significantly different from standard Android?
Android Go edition is a streamlined version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. It features optimized apps that use less storage space and data, resulting in a smoother experience on the Tecno Pop 4's lower-powered hardware. It lacks some of the advanced features found in standard Android.
❓ Can either of these phones play popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *install* PUBG Mobile on either device, the experience will be severely limited. The processors are simply not powerful enough to run the game at playable frame rates, even on the lowest settings. These phones are best suited for basic tasks, not demanding gaming.
