The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Pop 6 and itel Vision 3 Turbo represent two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they approach this goal with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly smoother experience, the itel Vision 3 Turbo emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not powerful, provides a more capable CPU than what is typically found in the Tecno Pop 6's price bracket, offering a noticeable improvement in app loading and multitasking.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 05 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 05 | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 73.8 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.91 x 0.38 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Blue, Lime Green, Sky Blue | Blue |
| Models | BE7 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Tecno Pop 6
- Likely the most affordable option available.
- May offer slightly longer standby time due to potentially lower power consumption (speculation).
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks.
- Performance is likely significantly slower than the itel Vision 3 Turbo.
- Limited features and functionality.
- Unknown display and battery specifications.
itel Vision 3 Turbo
- Unisoc SC9863A chipset offers better performance.
- 18W fast charging support.
- More responsive user interface.
- Slightly higher price point.
- Camera performance is still limited.
- LCD display quality is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications for the Tecno Pop 6 are unavailable. Given its market positioning, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a resolution around 720x1600. The itel Vision 3 Turbo also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on maximizing screen real estate for the price. Without specific brightness or color gamut data for either device, it's difficult to assess image quality beyond resolution. Expect both displays to be adequate for indoor use but struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be limited. The itel Vision 3 Turbo likely features a primary camera sensor, potentially paired with a low-resolution depth or macro sensor. The Tecno Pop 6’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume a similar configuration. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing algorithms are far more important, and information on these is unavailable for either device.
Performance
The itel Vision 3 Turbo’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset is the key differentiator here. This octa-core processor, built on a 28nm process, features a cluster of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration allows for efficient multitasking and a smoother experience compared to the typically less powerful processors found in the Tecno Pop 6. While not a gaming powerhouse, the SC9863A can handle basic apps and light web browsing without significant lag. The Tecno Pop 6, lacking publicly available chipset information, likely relies on an even more basic processor, resulting in slower app loading times and a less responsive user experience. The 28nm node of the Unisoc chip, while older, is a reasonable compromise for this price point, balancing performance and power consumption.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Tecno Pop 6 is currently unknown. The itel Vision 3 Turbo supports 18W wired charging, a relatively fast charging speed for this price range. While the actual charging time will depend on the included charger (often a slower 5W unit), the capability for faster charging is a significant advantage. A larger battery capacity, combined with the more efficient Unisoc chipset, should translate to longer battery life on the itel Vision 3 Turbo, allowing users to go a full day on a single charge with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 6 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you only need a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls and texts. It's likely to be the cheapest option available. Buy the itel Vision 3 Turbo if you want a phone that can handle light social media browsing, occasional video playback, and a slightly more responsive user interface, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel Vision 3 Turbo be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the itel Vision 3 Turbo is capable of running Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar social media apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a usable and responsive experience for these essential applications.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel Vision 3 Turbo actually fast, or is it just a marketing number?
While 18W is a relatively fast charging speed for this price segment, the included charger in the box is often a 5W unit. To take full advantage of the 18W capability, you'll need to purchase a separate compatible charger. Even with a 5W charger, it will still charge faster than many other phones in this price range.
❓ Can I play games on the itel Vision 3 Turbo?
The itel Vision 3 Turbo can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, it's not designed for demanding 3D games. Expect low frame rates and potential lag in more graphically intensive games.