The Tecno Pop 5X and Nokia C20 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a basic, reliable device. Both rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in CPU core count and charging capabilities set them apart. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C20 Plus is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, built on the same 28nm process as the Pop 5X, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading. While both phones are limited, the C20 Plus offers a more future-proofed platform for basic smartphone tasks.
| 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 | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| 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) | 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 204.7 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | - | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Lightweight and compact
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- No specified charging standard
- Likely lower build quality
Nokia C20 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking
- 10W wired charging for reliable power-up
- More responsive user experience
- Still limited by the Unisoc chipset
- Camera quality will be basic
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality. Expect narrow viewing angles and limited brightness on both devices. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Expect basic 5MP or 8MP main sensors on both, likely paired with a low-resolution secondary camera (often 2MP) for depth sensing or macro photography. The image quality will be limited by the sensor size, lens quality, and image processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipsets. The 2MP macro cameras on both are largely marketing fluff and will produce images of very low quality. Don't expect impressive low-light performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Tecno Pop 5X uses the Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. The Nokia C20 Plus, however, features the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip with a heterogeneous core configuration – four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This octa-core setup provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. While both are 28nm chips, the C20 Plus will handle app switching and basic multitasking far more gracefully. The Pop 5X will likely struggle with even a few apps open simultaneously. Neither chipset is suited for demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Tecno Pop 5X, but given its market segment, it's likely around 3000-4000 mAh. The Nokia C20 Plus benefits from 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the Pop 5X’s specifications. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it’s a welcome addition for a phone in this price range, allowing for a more predictable charging schedule. The Pop 5X will likely rely on slower, less efficient charging methods.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if your primary need is a phone for extremely basic communication – calls and texts – and you prioritize minimal cost above all else. It's a functional device for those with the most limited budgets. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if you anticipate using more than a handful of apps, even simple ones, or if you value a slightly more responsive user experience. The C20 Plus’s octa-core processor offers a tangible improvement in everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C20 Plus handle WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger without lagging?
The octa-core processor in the Nokia C20 Plus should handle WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger reasonably well, even with a few other apps open in the background. While not a performance powerhouse, it's a significant step up from the quad-core chip in the Tecno Pop 5X, which will likely struggle with these apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the Nokia C20 Plus a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly person?
The Nokia C20 Plus is a suitable option for a first smartphone for an elderly person. Its simpler interface, combined with the more responsive processor, makes it easier to navigate and use basic features like making calls, sending texts, and taking photos. The 10W charging is also beneficial for a less tech-savvy user.
❓ Can either of these phones run popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither the Tecno Pop 5X nor the Nokia C20 Plus are capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at playable frame rates. The Unisoc chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities required for these titles. They are best suited for very simple, 2D games.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. This ensures a smoother experience on these entry-level smartphones, but it also means some features found in the full Android version may be missing.
