The Tecno Pop 5 and Oppo A15s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Oppo A15s is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core Cortex-A7, justifying the potential slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Dynamic Black, Fancy White |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | CPH2179 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5
- Likely the most affordable option available.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- Simple and easy to use interface.
- Extremely limited performance.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Potentially lower quality display.
Oppo A15s
- Significantly faster processor for smoother multitasking.
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- More modern chipset with better efficiency.
- Still a budget device with limitations.
- Camera performance will be basic.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 5.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context of these phones, display specs are likely similar – both are expected to feature low-resolution LCD panels. However, the lack of detailed display information for the Tecno Pop 5 suggests a potentially lower quality panel than the Oppo A15s, which, while still basic, benefits from being a more recent release and likely incorporating slightly improved manufacturing processes. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The Oppo A15s likely has a slight advantage due to its more recent release and potentially better image processing algorithms. The presence of a 10W charging capability on the A15s suggests a more complete package, hinting at a slightly more refined overall experience, including potentially better camera software. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU is an older architecture, designed for extreme power efficiency rather than speed. In contrast, the Oppo A15s utilizes the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This means the A15s can handle multiple tasks concurrently with far less lag, offering a smoother experience when switching between apps or browsing the web. The 12nm process node of the Helio P35 also contributes to better efficiency compared to the likely larger node size of the Pop 5’s processor.
Battery Life
Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but the Oppo A15s’ 10W wired charging is a notable advantage. While neither phone is expected to have a massive battery, the ability to recharge faster is crucial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The Tecno Pop 5’s charging specifications are unknown, suggesting a potentially slower charging rate, making the A15s more convenient for frequent top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage, and are willing to tolerate significant performance limitations. Buy the Oppo A15s if you want a more fluid user experience, even for light multitasking and occasional social media browsing, and appreciate the benefit of faster processing speeds for a minimal cost increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A15s struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Oppo A15s won't offer a flagship-level experience, its Helio P35 chipset is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly for most users. Expect some loading times and occasional lag with multiple apps open, but it's a significant improvement over the Tecno Pop 5's processor.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 suitable for a first-time smartphone user?
The Tecno Pop 5 could be suitable for a first-time smartphone user with extremely basic needs – primarily calls and texts. However, its limited performance may lead to frustration if the user attempts more demanding tasks. The Oppo A15s offers a more forgiving experience for newcomers.
❓ Can the Oppo A15s handle light gaming?
The Oppo A15s can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games will likely experience significant lag and may be unplayable. The Helio P35 is not a gaming-focused processor.
