Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful processor, better battery efficiency, and slightly improved camera capabilities. While the Tecno Pop 5 is a decent option, the Redmi 9A provides a more compelling overall experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Discontinued |
| 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 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196 g (6.91 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5
- Affordable price
- Decent display size
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Better performance
- Longer battery life
- Improved camera
- 10W Charging
- Basic design
- HD+ display resolution
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for basic tasks. However, the Redmi 9A's display might appear slightly more vibrant due to potentially better color calibration, though both are adequate for the price point. Resolution is similar, around 720 x 1600 pixels.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A typically features a 13MP main camera, often accompanied by a depth sensor, while the Pop 5 usually has a similar resolution main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Redmi 9A's more powerful processor aids in image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Both offer basic camera functionality.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A shines. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the Tecno Pop 5's quad-core Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Redmi 9A. The Pop 5 will feel noticeably slower.
Battery Life
The Redmi 9A generally boasts a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Pop 5 (around 4000mAh). Coupled with its more efficient processor, this translates to significantly longer battery life on the Redmi 9A. Expect a full day of moderate use, while the Pop 5 might require charging before the end of the day.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Tecno Pop 5? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A? Those seeking a more responsive experience, better battery life, and a slightly improved camera for everyday photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Tecno Pop 5 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Both typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary by region.
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones run Android, likely with a custom UI from Tecno and Xiaomi respectively. Expect Android Go Edition on the Pop 5 for optimized performance on lower-end hardware.
