The Tecno Pop 5c and Pop 5 Pro represent Tecno’s commitment to the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, the Tecno Pop 5 Pro is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offers a substantial performance uplift over the Pop 5c’s Unisoc SC7731e, making it noticeably more responsive for everyday use.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 12 | 2022, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 12 | Available. Released 2022, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 145.2 x 74.1 x 9.9 mm (5.72 x 2.92 x 0.39 in) | 164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | - |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Dark Blue | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky Cyan |
| Models | - | BD4j, BD4h |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5c
- Potentially longer battery life (assuming similar capacity)
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Significantly slower performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Struggles with multitasking
Tecno Pop 5 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better suited for light gaming
- Slightly shorter battery life (potentially)
- Likely a slightly higher price
- Still limited by entry-level hardware
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno specifies display details beyond size and resolution. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the chipset difference doesn't directly impact display quality. The focus here is on the processing power needed to drive the UI and apps displayed on those panels. Expect similar viewing angles and color reproduction on both.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. It’s safe to assume both will have a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a role in image processing, and the Helio A22’s ISP is more capable than the SC7731e’s. This *could* result in slightly better image quality on the Pop 5 Pro, particularly in low-light conditions, but the difference will be marginal given the likely sensor quality. Don't expect advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 5 Pro’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Pop 5c’s Unisoc SC7731e. The A22’s 2.0 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs are more efficient and powerful than the SC7731e’s 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio A22 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Pop 5 Pro. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the A22 will handle less demanding games with greater stability.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the lower processing demands of the Unisoc SC7731e, the Pop 5c *might* achieve slightly longer battery life on a single charge, assuming similar battery capacities. The Helio A22’s increased performance comes at the cost of higher power consumption. However, the difference in real-world usage is likely to be minimal, and will depend heavily on user habits and network conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5c if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to essential communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or as a backup phone. Buy the Tecno Pop 5 Pro if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, even with basic tasks, and anticipate occasionally using slightly more demanding apps or light gaming. The performance boost justifies the likely small price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 5 Pro handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset in the Pop 5 Pro provides enough processing power to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, with minimal lag. The Pop 5c may experience noticeable slowdowns when switching between these apps.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Tecno Pop 5 Pro?
While you *can* technically install PUBG Mobile on the Pop 5 Pro, the experience will be limited. Expect very low graphics settings and potentially choppy frame rates. It's not designed for demanding gaming, but it can handle less intensive titles.
❓ Does the Unisoc SC7731e in the Pop 5c struggle with multiple apps open at once?
Yes, the Unisoc SC7731e has limited RAM management capabilities. Running multiple apps simultaneously on the Pop 5c will likely result in significant slowdowns and app crashes.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Helio A22 in the Pop 5 Pro provides a much more responsive and fluid user experience. Simple tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and scrolling through social media will feel noticeably faster.
