Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Tecno Pop 5 and Pop 5 LTE are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity provide a significant performance boost over the Pop 5's quad-core CPU and limited connectivity. While both are budget phones, the LTE version offers a noticeably better user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2021, November 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, November 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | BD4, BD4i, BD4a |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Limited connectivity (likely 3G only)
- Basic camera
- Outdated processor
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Improved performance
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Better multitasking
- More responsive user experience
- Still affordable
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar, basic LCD display, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Pop 5 LTE *might* have slightly improved color reproduction due to its more powerful chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a basic dual-camera setup on the rear, probably with a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Pop 5 LTE's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the Pop 5 LTE shines. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset with its octa-core processor offers significantly better performance than the Pop 5's quad-core Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the LTE model. The Pop 5 will likely struggle with demanding apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization might be slightly better on the Pop 5 LTE due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 is best suited for users who primarily need a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and don't require internet access. The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for anyone wanting a more responsive phone with 4G connectivity for browsing, social media, and basic online tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does 'LTE' mean in the Tecno Pop 5 LTE?
LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution, a standard for 4G mobile communication. It means the Pop 5 LTE supports faster internet speeds compared to the standard Pop 5, which likely only supports 3G.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5 LTE worth the extra cost?
Yes, the improved performance and 4G connectivity of the Pop 5 LTE make it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows. The difference in user experience is significant.
