Tecno Pop 5 LTE vs Xiaomi Redmi A1: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Xiaomi Redmi A1 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi A1 edges out the Tecno Pop 5 LTE thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1's 12nm processor provides a smoother experience, making it a more worthwhile purchase despite similar price points.

PHONES
Phone Names	Tecno Pop 5 LTE	Xiaomi Redmi A1

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	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India

Launch
Announced	2021, November 25	2022, September 06
Status	Available. Released 2021, November 25	Available. Released 2022, September 09

Body
Dimensions	164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)	164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	-	192 g (6.77 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)

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), MIUI 12

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	8 MP Secondary unknown camera	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)
Features	Dual-LED flash	Dual-LED flash, HDR
Single	5 MP	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	LED flash	-
Single	5 MP	5 MP, f/2.2
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	Yes	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0, OTG	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Yes	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer	Accelerometer

Battery
Charging	-	10W wired
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan	Light Green, Light Blue, Black
Models	BD4, BD4i, BD4a	220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH
Price	About 80 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	-	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)

Tecno Pop 5 LTE

Larger Display
Basic Functionality
Affordable Price

Less Efficient Chipset
Slower Performance
Basic Camera

Xiaomi Redmi A1

More Efficient Chipset
Slightly Better Performance
Modern Design
10W Charging

Smaller Display
Basic Camera
Limited Storage Options

Display Comparison

The Tecno Pop 5 LTE typically features a larger display (around 6.5 inches) compared to the Redmi A1's (around 6.52 inches). Both utilize HD+ resolution, so image quality will be similar, but the Tecno's larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience. However, the Redmi A1 might have slightly better color accuracy.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both phones is basic. Both likely feature a primary rear camera around 13MP and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi A1 might have slightly better image processing.

Performance

Here's where the Redmi A1 takes a lead. The MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) is more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Tecno Pop 5 LTE. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi A1. The Tecno's octa-core setup might seem appealing, but the older, less efficient architecture holds it back.

Battery Life

Both phones likely offer a battery capacity around 5000mAh, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi A1's more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery endurance. The Redmi A1 also includes 10W wired charging, a small advantage.

Buying Guide

The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is better suited for those needing a slightly more responsive experience and a more modern design, even with a smaller display.