The Tecno Pop 5X and itel A27 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone price spectrum. These devices aren't about flagship features; they're about providing basic connectivity and functionality to users on the tightest of budgets. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to help you choose the best option for essential smartphone needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sheer affordability, the itel A27 and Tecno Pop 5X are functionally equivalent. However, the itel A27 often appears at a slightly lower price point, making it the marginally better choice for those strictly focused on minimizing cost. Both will handle basic calling, texting, and light app usage.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 2 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | Unspecified |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Blue |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Potentially better brand recognition in some markets.
- May receive slightly more frequent software updates.
- Similar performance to itel A27
- Often priced slightly higher than the itel A27.
- Performance limited by the Unisoc SC9832E chipset.
itel A27
- Typically the more affordable option.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Similar performance to Tecno Pop 5X
- Software support may be less consistent.
- Performance limited by the Unisoc SC9832E chipset.
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Pop 5X and itel A27 utilize unspecified LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Given the shared chipset and target market, display quality is likely very similar – expect low brightness levels (under 400 nits) and limited viewing angles. Color accuracy will be basic, and neither device is expected to feature any advanced display technologies like higher refresh rates or PWM dimming beyond the standard 60Hz. The resolution is likely 720x1600, sufficient for the screen size but not particularly sharp.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both the Tecno Pop 5X and itel A27 will be rudimentary. Both are likely to feature a single rear camera, potentially 5MP or 8MP, and a basic front-facing camera for video calls. Image quality will be acceptable only in well-lit conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will be minimal, resulting in flat, uninspiring photos.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9832E chipset, a 28nm quad-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz. This means performance will be nearly identical in day-to-day tasks. The SC9832E is designed for basic Android Go Edition operation, handling calls, messaging, and lightweight apps like WhatsApp. Expect significant slowdowns with more demanding applications. RAM capacity is a critical factor, but not specified in the provided data; however, both will likely feature 1GB or 2GB, limiting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management isn't a concern with this low-power chipset.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house a 3000mAh to 4000mAh battery. Given the low-power chipset and basic display, battery life should be sufficient for a full day of light use – primarily calls, texts, and occasional app browsing. Charging wattage is also unspecified, but expect slow charging speeds (5W or less) via Micro-USB, taking several hours to fully charge from 0-100%. The efficiency of the 28nm chipset will be a key factor in maximizing battery runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if you anticipate needing slightly more software support or prefer Tecno's brand reputation within certain regions. Buy the itel A27 if your primary concern is securing the absolute lowest possible price for a functional smartphone, and you're comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience. Both are ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
No. The Unisoc SC9832E chipset and limited RAM (likely 1GB or 2GB) are insufficient to run graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. Even if you could launch them, the experience would be severely laggy and unplayable.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp and Facebook on these phones?
Yes, both the Tecno Pop 5X and itel A27 can run WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially if you have multiple apps open simultaneously. These phones are best suited for light social media use.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited resources. This helps to optimize performance and reduce data usage.
❓ Do these phones support 4G LTE?
Yes, both the Tecno Pop 5X and itel A27 support 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast internet speeds where available. However, speeds will be limited by the phone's hardware and network conditions.
