The Tecno Pop 5S and Nokia C20 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. While the Nokia C20 Plus boasts a known Unisoc chipset, the Tecno Pop 5S remains shrouded in spec ambiguity, making a direct comparison challenging but crucial for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known quantity and a slightly more capable processor, the Nokia C20 Plus is the safer bet. Its Unisoc SC9863A provides a baseline level of performance, while the Tecno Pop 5S's unknown internals leave too much to chance in this price bracket.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 29, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 07 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 07 | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 148 x 72.3 x 9.9 mm (5.83 x 2.85 x 0.39 in) | 165.4 x 75.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 204.7 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~75.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 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 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3020 mAh | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Purple, Deep Blue | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | - | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5S
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer unique features not found on the Nokia
- Unknown specs could surprise (though unlikely)
- Unknown performance and reliability
- Lack of information makes informed decision-making difficult
- Potential for lower build quality
Nokia C20 Plus
- Known Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides predictable performance
- Nokia brand recognition and potential for software updates (limited)
- 10W charging offers a baseline charging speed
- Unisoc SC9863A is a low-end processor
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging speed
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Tecno Pop 5S, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. The Nokia C20 Plus likely features a basic LCD panel, typical for this segment. Both devices will almost certainly prioritize size over resolution or color accuracy. Expect low peak brightness on both, making outdoor visibility a challenge. The absence of any mention of protective glass on either suggests basic scratch resistance at best.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Nokia C20 Plus likely features a basic camera setup, and the Tecno Pop 5S's camera specs are currently unavailable. Given the target market, image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Nokia is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The Nokia C20 Plus is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor with a split core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This chipset is designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Tecno Pop 5S's processor is unknown, but given the price point, it's unlikely to significantly outperform the Unisoc chip. The SC9863A's Cortex-A55 cores, while efficient, are not designed for demanding applications. Expect noticeable lag when multitasking or running heavier apps on the Nokia, and potentially worse performance on the Tecno if it utilizes an even less powerful chipset.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for users in this segment. While specific battery capacities are unknown for both devices, the Nokia C20 Plus supports 10W wired charging. The Tecno Pop 5S's charging capabilities are also unknown. Given the low-power chipset in the Nokia, the battery should provide at least a full day of moderate use. The slower 10W charging will mean a relatively long time to fully recharge, likely several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5S if you need a potentially cheaper option and are willing to gamble on its performance, hoping for aggressive cost-cutting that translates to value. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if you prefer a predictable experience with a known chipset, even if it's not a powerhouse, and value the Nokia brand's reputation for software support (albeit limited).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C20 Plus capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. It's designed for light usage, not intensive multitasking.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the Nokia C20 Plus, and can it be expanded with a microSD card?
The Nokia C20 Plus typically comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, it does support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is highly recommended given the limited internal space.
❓ Given the Tecno Pop 5S's lack of publicly available specs, what are the biggest risks of purchasing this device?
The primary risk with the Tecno Pop 5S is the unknown performance. Without knowing the processor, RAM, or storage specifications, you're essentially buying a 'mystery box.' It could be a surprisingly good value, but it's equally likely to be significantly slower and less reliable than the Nokia C20 Plus.
