The Tecno Pop 5X and Oppo A15s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best balance of performance and features for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A15s is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, delivers significantly improved performance over the Tecno Pop 5X’s quad-core Unisoc SC9832E, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light multitasking. While charging is slow, the performance uplift justifies the slight price difference.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Dynamic Black, Fancy White |
| Models | - | CPH2179 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely poor camera quality
Oppo A15s
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking
- 10W wired charging
- Slower charging speed compared to modern standards
- Still limited camera capabilities
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both will feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of detailed sensor information suggests neither phone will excel in photography. Any marketing around 'macro' lenses on these devices should be viewed with skepticism, as 2MP macro sensors rarely deliver usable results. The Oppo A15s *might* have slightly better image processing capabilities due to the more powerful chipset, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A15s’ Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Pop 5X’s Unisoc SC9832E (28nm). The Helio P35’s octa-core CPU (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the Pop 5X’s quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio P35 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience on the Oppo A15s. The Unisoc chip will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Oppo A15s includes 10W wired charging, while the Tecno Pop 5X’s charging capabilities are unknown. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it’s a benefit over a potentially slower or non-standard charging solution on the Pop 5X. The more efficient Helio P35 in the A15s may also contribute to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery, due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if your primary need is an incredibly affordable device for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional phone for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the Oppo A15s if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate using more than just the most essential apps. The A15s offers a noticeable performance boost for a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A15s be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset in the Oppo A15s is capable of running social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for these common applications, unlike the Tecno Pop 5X which may struggle.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9832E in the Tecno Pop 5X sufficient for basic web browsing?
The Unisoc SC9832E can handle basic web browsing, but expect slow loading times and potential stuttering, especially on image-heavy websites. It's functional for simple tasks, but not ideal for a smooth browsing experience. The Oppo A15s will provide a noticeably faster and more fluid browsing experience.
❓ Can I play games on the Oppo A15s?
The Oppo A15s can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games will likely be unplayable or experience significant frame rate drops. The Helio P35 is not a gaming chipset, and the device lacks dedicated gaming features.
❓ What type of charging port does the Oppo A15s use?
The Oppo A15s uses a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is a standard, though older, connection type. While not as fast as USB-C, it's widely compatible with existing chargers and accessories.
