Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 and Pop 5 Pro are both contenders in the budget phone arena. 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 5 Pro takes the win thanks to its significantly faster processor. While both offer basic functionality, the Pro's Helio A22 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost for smoother multitasking and app usage, making it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 19 | 2021, July 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 19 | Available. Released 2021, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP
VGA |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 6000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky Cyan | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue |
| Models | BD4j, BD4h | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5 Pro
- Faster Processor (Helio A22)
- Improved Performance
- Slightly Better Image Processing (potentially)
- All-day Battery Life
- Basic Display
- Limited Camera Capabilities
- Plastic Build Quality
Tecno Pop 5
- Very Affordable
- All-day Battery Life
- Decent for Basic Tasks
- Slow Processor (Cortex-A7)
- Laggy Performance
- Basic Display
- Limited Camera Capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (720 x 1600). Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Pro might have a slightly improved panel, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Pro *might* have slightly improved image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the Pop 5 Pro shines. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset with a 2.0 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU is a substantial upgrade over the Pop 5's 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness on the Pro. The Pop 5 will feel noticeably slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization might differ slightly, but both should comfortably last a full day.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly smoother experience and occasional light gaming. The Tecno Pop 5 is a good option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic apps, and are less concerned with performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance. The faster processor makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. If you're on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the Pop 5 is still a viable option.
❓ What kind of storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for budget phones.
