Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Pop 6 Pro are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pop 6 Pro edges out the Pop 5 LTE thanks to its more efficient 12nm chipset and slightly improved camera capabilities. While both are budget phones, the Pop 6 Pro offers a smoother experience and better overall performance for a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2022, September 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 12 (Go edition), HiOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Peaceful Blue, Polar Black |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | BE8 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display for the price
- Sluggish performance
- Older chipset
- Basic camera
Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- More modern design
- Efficient chipset
- Still a budget phone
- LCD display
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (typically HD+). However, the Pop 6 Pro often boasts a slightly improved screen-to-body ratio and potentially better color accuracy, though both are LCD panels. Expect decent viewing angles but not exceptional color vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
The Pop 6 Pro generally features a slightly better camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While neither phone excels in low-light photography, the Pop 6 Pro tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant images. Both typically have a basic front-facing camera suitable for video calls and selfies.
Performance
This is where the Pop 6 Pro shines. The Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Pop 5 LTE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Pop 6 Pro. The Pop 5 LTE can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer large battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the Pop 6 Pro's more efficient chipset contributes to better battery life. Expect all-day battery life from both devices with moderate usage, but the Pop 6 Pro might squeeze out a few extra hours.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is a good option for users prioritizing basic functionality and extremely tight budgets. The Tecno Pop 6 Pro is ideal for those seeking a slightly better performance, improved camera, and a more modern design without spending a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the Mediatek Helio A22?
The Mediatek Helio A22 is a more modern and efficient chipset built on a 12nm process, offering better performance and battery life compared to the Unisoc SC9863A's 28nm process.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically have?
Both phones usually come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM options are typically 2GB or 3GB.