Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 Pro and Pop 6 Pro are both contenders in the budget segment. But are they truly comparable? This review dives deep into their features to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pop 6 Pro offers a slightly refined experience with minor design tweaks and potentially software updates. However, the core hardware remains identical. If you already own the Pop 5 Pro, the upgrade isn't compelling. For new buyers, the Pop 6 Pro is marginally better due to potential software support.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 19 | 2022, September 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 19 | Available. Released 2022, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 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 | 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, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 | Android 12 (Go edition), HiOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky Cyan | Peaceful Blue, Polar Black |
| Models | BD4j, BD4h | BE8 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5 Pro
- Very Affordable
- Large Battery
- Decent Main Camera
- Low Performance
- Basic Display
- Slow Charging
Tecno Pop 6 Pro
- Slightly Modern Design
- Potentially Longer Software Support
- Large Battery
- Low Performance
- Basic Display
- Slow Charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. Expect adequate viewing for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high resolution. The Pop 6 Pro might have a slightly improved screen coating for reduced fingerprints.
Camera Comparison
The Pop 5 Pro typically has a 13MP main camera with an AI lens, while the Pop 6 Pro might feature a slightly improved 13MP main camera with enhanced AI scene detection. Image quality will be similar in most conditions, with decent results in good lighting. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. The Mediatek Helio A22 chipset is entry-level, so expect basic multitasking and smooth operation for simple apps. Demanding games and heavy multitasking will struggle on both devices. Software optimization will play a crucial role in perceived speed.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely to be standard (5-7W), so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing basic smartphone functionality. The Tecno Pop 6 Pro is a better choice for those seeking a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software support, even with identical core specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 6 Pro worth upgrading from the Pop 5 Pro?
Not really. The core hardware is the same, so the upgrade is minimal. Consider it only if you prefer the slightly updated design.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
You can play light, less demanding games. Don't expect to run high-graphic games smoothly. Casual games and older titles will work best.
