Tecno Pop 5S vs Oppo A15s: A Deep Dive into the Ultra-Budget Smartphone Arena

The Tecno Pop 5S and Oppo A15s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point accessible to the widest possible audience. This comparison dissects their capabilities, focusing on where the Oppo A15s’ Mediatek Helio P35 chipset differentiates it from the largely unknown specifications of the Tecno Pop 5S, and ultimately, which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and a known chipset, the Oppo A15s emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 provides a demonstrable performance advantage over the likely very basic hardware within the Tecno Pop 5S, despite both being firmly in the entry-level category.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pop 5S Oppo A15s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 eMMC 5.1-
Launch
Announced2022, February 072020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 07Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions148 x 72.3 x 9.9 mm (5.83 x 2.85 x 0.39 in)164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight160 g (5.64 oz)177 g (6.24 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~75.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 480 nits (typ)
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition), HiOSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7.2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal32GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual5 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single2 MP-
Triple-13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video-1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR
Single2 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3020 mAhLi-Po 4230 mAh
Misc
ColorsLight Purple, Deep BlueDynamic Black, Fancy White
Models-CPH2179
PriceAbout 60 EURAbout 130 EUR

Tecno Pop 5S

  • Likely the most affordable option available.
  • May offer slightly longer battery life under minimal use.
  • Functional smartphone experience for basic tasks.

  • Unknown specifications create uncertainty.
  • Likely significantly slower performance than the Oppo A15s.
  • Camera quality is expected to be basic.

Oppo A15s

  • Mediatek Helio P35 provides a known performance level.
  • Larger 6.52-inch display for better media consumption.
  • 13MP main camera offers a slight advantage in image quality.

  • 10W charging is relatively slow.
  • Still an entry-level device with limited capabilities.
  • LCD display lacks vibrancy and brightness.

Display Comparison

Without specific display details for the Tecno Pop 5S, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given its price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a modest resolution. The Oppo A15s, while also utilizing an LCD, benefits from a larger 6.52-inch display. While neither device is expected to offer high color accuracy or brightness, the larger screen real estate of the A15s is advantageous for media consumption and general usability. Expect both to have significant bezels, typical of this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices – basic. The Oppo A15s features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is a standard offering in this segment. The Tecno Pop 5S’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume a lower resolution sensor. Both devices likely include auxiliary cameras (depth, macro) of limited utility. Image processing will be minimal on both, resulting in photos that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. Focusing on the main sensor resolution, the Oppo A15s has a clear advantage.

Performance

The Oppo A15s’ Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) is the defining performance factor in this comparison. Its octa-core configuration, with four cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, provides a noticeable advantage over the likely very basic processor in the Tecno Pop 5S. The 12nm process node, while not cutting-edge, offers reasonable power efficiency. This translates to a smoother experience when multitasking, browsing the web, and running basic applications on the Oppo A15s. The Tecno Pop 5S, lacking published specs, likely relies on a significantly less powerful chipset, resulting in slower app loading times and potential lag during everyday use. The A15s’ GPU will also handle basic gaming better.

Battery Life

The Oppo A15s includes 10W wired charging. While slow by modern standards, it’s adequate for an entry-level device. Battery capacity is not specified for the Tecno Pop 5S, but it likely falls in the 4000-5000 mAh range, similar to the A15s. Given the less powerful chipset in the Tecno Pop 5S, it *may* achieve slightly longer battery life under light usage, but the A15s’ more efficient processor will likely offset this in real-world scenarios. The 10W charging on the A15s will take several hours for a full charge, but is typical for this price point.

Buying Guide

Buy the Tecno Pop 5S if your primary need is a functional smartphone for the absolute lowest possible price, and you’re willing to accept significant compromises in performance and features. Buy the Oppo A15s if you prefer a device with a known chipset, a slightly more responsive user experience, and a degree of confidence in its ability to handle basic tasks without significant lag. The A15s is for those who want a little more 'oomph' for a still-very-affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Oppo A15s capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P35 is sufficient for running most popular social media applications like TikTok and Instagram. While it won't offer a high-end experience, you can expect acceptable performance for browsing feeds, recording short videos, and basic interactions. Expect some occasional lag with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ How much storage does the Oppo A15s offer, and is it expandable?
The Oppo A15s typically comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps, as 32GB fills up quickly. The microSD card slot allows you to add up to 256GB of additional storage, providing ample space for most users.
❓ Given the Tecno Pop 5S's lack of published specs, is it a risky purchase?
Yes, purchasing the Tecno Pop 5S is inherently riskier due to the complete lack of detailed specifications. You're relying on the absolute minimum functionality for the lowest possible price, and performance is likely to be significantly limited. The Oppo A15s, with its known chipset, offers a more predictable and reliable experience.