Tecno Pop 6 Go vs Oppo A17k: A Deep Dive into the Sub-$150 Smartphone Segment

The ultra-budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 6 Go and the Oppo A17k aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a significant disparity in available specifications necessitates a careful examination of where each device excels, and for whom.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Oppo A17k emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset provides a tangible performance advantage over the unknown configuration of the Tecno Pop 6 Go, making everyday tasks more responsive. However, the Tecno may offer a lower entry price.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pop 6 Go Oppo A17k
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, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, May 252022, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 25Available. Released 2022, October 18
Body
Dimensions160.3 x 78.8 x 10.9 mm (6.31 x 3.10 x 0.43 in)164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IPX4 water resistance
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition), HiOSAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC
Internal16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual5 MP, f/2.2, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, panorama
Single5 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Video-1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsIce-crystal Blue, Starfall Grey, Iris Purple, Gradation Sky BlueNavy Blue, Gold
ModelsBE6jCPH2471
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 130 EUR

Tecno Pop 6 Go

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May offer longer standby time (speculation)
  • Basic smartphone functionality

  • Unknown chipset performance
  • Likely slower app loading times
  • Limited multitasking capabilities

Oppo A17k

  • Mediatek Helio G35 provides better performance
  • More responsive user experience
  • Likely better for basic gaming

  • Potentially higher price
  • Battery life may be slightly shorter than Tecno (depending on capacity)
  • Basic camera performance

Display Comparison

Without specific display details for the Tecno Pop 6 Go, a direct comparison is challenging. The Oppo A17k likely features a standard LCD panel, common in this price bracket. Display quality will likely be similar between the two, focusing on basic readability rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The absence of detailed specs for the Tecno suggests a similar, basic display experience.

Camera Comparison

Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Oppo A17k’s camera specifications are unavailable, but it's reasonable to assume a primary sensor around 8-13MP. The Tecno Pop 6 Go’s camera details are also missing. It’s highly probable that both phones include low-resolution auxiliary cameras (e.g., 2MP depth sensors) that offer limited practical benefit. Focusing on the primary sensor’s megapixel count is the most relevant metric here, but without data for the Tecno, the Oppo A17k is presumed to have a slight edge.

Performance

The Oppo A17k’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) is the defining performance factor in this comparison. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, provides a noticeable advantage over the unknown processor in the Tecno Pop 6 Go. The 12nm process node, while not cutting-edge, offers a reasonable balance between power efficiency and performance. This translates to smoother app launching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface on the Oppo A17k. The Tecno Pop 6 Go, lacking any published chipset information, is likely to struggle with even moderate multitasking.

Battery Life

Battery capacity and charging speed are critical for budget smartphones. Without specific battery details for the Tecno Pop 6 Go, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The Oppo A17k’s battery size is also unknown. However, given the Helio G35’s power efficiency, the Oppo A17k is likely to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB connectivity. The absence of fast charging support is standard in this segment. The Tecno Pop 6 Go’s battery performance is entirely speculative without further information.

Buying Guide

Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Go if your absolute priority is minimizing upfront cost and basic functionality is sufficient. It's suited for users who primarily need a device for calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Oppo A17k if you value a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and are willing to spend a little more for the benefit of the Helio G35 chipset. This is the better option for those who occasionally browse social media or play simple games.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G35 is generally sufficient for running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it should provide a reasonably smooth and responsive experience for browsing feeds, watching videos, and posting content. The 8-core architecture helps with multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without significant lag.
❓ What type of storage does the Oppo A17k use, and is it expandable via microSD card?
While the exact storage type isn't specified, the Oppo A17k likely utilizes eMMC storage, which is standard for this price range. Crucially, most Oppo A-series phones include a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity to accommodate more photos, videos, and apps. This is a significant advantage for users who plan to store a lot of content on their device.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Tecno Pop 6 Go, is it a risk to purchase this device?
Purchasing the Tecno Pop 6 Go does carry a higher risk due to the limited availability of specifications. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, or storage details, it's difficult to predict its performance and longevity. If you prioritize certainty and a known experience, the Oppo A17k is the safer choice. However, if you're willing to gamble on a potentially lower price, the Tecno Pop 6 Go might be worth considering.