Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Xiaomi Redmi A1+ are two contenders vying for the title of best budget phone. But which one offers the most bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 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 investment despite similar price points.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2021, November 25 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Larger screen
- Dual camera setup
- Generally affordable
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More efficient chipset
- Smoother performance
- Decent battery life
- 10W Charging
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage options
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, but basic, displays. The Tecno Pop 5 LTE typically has a slightly larger screen (around 6.5 inches) compared to the Redmi A1+ (around 6.52 inches), but both offer HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is modest. The Tecno Pop 5 LTE often features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth), while the Redmi A1+ typically has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Video recording capabilities are basic on both.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A1+ shines. Its MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) chipset is significantly more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Pop 5 LTE. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi A1+. The Pop 5 LTE's octa-core processor, while having more cores, is hampered by the older, less efficient manufacturing process.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (typically 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi A1+'s more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery endurance. The Redmi A1+ also includes 10W wired charging, a small advantage over the Pop 5 LTE.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is better suited for those needing a slightly more responsive device for everyday tasks and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ generally offers better performance due to its more efficient chipset.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 LTE worth buying?
It's a decent option if you prioritize a larger screen and are on a very tight budget, but the Redmi A1+ provides a better overall experience.
