The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding compromises. Both the Tecno Pop 5S and Xiaomi Redmi 10A aim to deliver a functional Android experience at an incredibly low price point. However, with limited publicly available specifications for the Tecno Pop 5S, this comparison focuses on the Redmi 10A’s known hardware and extrapolates based on Tecno’s typical market positioning.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known quantity and basic performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage over what is typically found in Tecno’s Pop series, offering a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 07 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 07 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| 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) | 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 | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~75.8% 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 | - | 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 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3020 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Purple, Deep Blue | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 60 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5S
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- Likely lightweight and compact design.
- May include features like FM radio (common in Tecno's Pop series).
- Significantly lower performance than the Redmi 10A.
- Limited software support and updates.
- Unknown display and camera quality.
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Mediatek Helio G25 provides a noticeable performance boost.
- Larger 5000mAh battery for all-day usage.
- Known specifications and reliable software ecosystem.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Basic camera performance.
- LCD panel lacks vibrancy compared to AMOLED alternatives.
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the Tecno Pop 5S are unavailable. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A features a 6.53-inch LCD panel. While resolution is likely 720p+ on both devices, the Redmi 10A’s larger screen size offers a more immersive viewing experience. Given Tecno’s positioning, the Pop 5S likely utilizes a lower-quality panel with narrower viewing angles and potentially lower brightness, impacting outdoor visibility. Both are expected to lack features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass protection.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for the Tecno Pop 5S are unknown. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is a reasonable performer in good lighting conditions. Both devices likely include auxiliary cameras (depth or macro) of limited utility. Image processing will be basic on both, but the Redmi 10A’s larger sensor and potentially better software algorithms will likely yield more detailed and vibrant photos. Expect significant compromises in low-light performance on both devices.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration, with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz, provides a noticeable boost over the processors typically found in Tecno’s Pop series. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Helio G25 can handle basic multitasking and light app usage without significant lag. The Tecno Pop 5S likely relies on a less powerful chipset, resulting in slower app loading times and a less fluid user experience. The 12nm process node of the Helio G25 also suggests better power efficiency compared to older, larger-node processors potentially used in the Pop 5S.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A features a 5000mAh battery and 10W wired charging. While 10W charging is slow, the large battery capacity should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Tecno Pop 5S’s battery capacity is unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s in the same 4000-5000mAh range. However, a less efficient processor in the Pop 5S could negate any battery capacity advantage. The Redmi 10A’s more efficient chipset will likely translate to longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5S if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant compromises in performance and software support. It likely targets users with extremely limited budgets and basic needs like calls and messaging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prefer a slightly more refined experience, a known chipset with established performance characteristics, and a more reliable software ecosystem, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 chipset capable of playing popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at low to medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some stuttering and reduced graphical fidelity. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than demanding titles.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Pop 5S and the Xiaomi Redmi 10A?
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A typically runs MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin, which offers a range of features and customization options. Tecno’s Pop series often utilizes a lighter version of Android, potentially Android Go Edition, designed for devices with limited resources. This means fewer pre-installed apps and a simpler interface, but also potentially less frequent software updates.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the Xiaomi Redmi 10A, and can it be expanded?
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A typically comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and thankfully includes a dedicated microSD card slot for expansion up to 512GB. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps, given the limited base storage.
