The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding compromises. Both the Tecno Pop 7 and the itel Vision 3 Turbo aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches: the itel prioritizes a more modern chipset, while the Tecno focuses on simplicity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and slightly faster charging, the itel Vision 3 Turbo is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Tecno Pop 7’s unspecified processor, making everyday tasks smoother. However, the Tecno remains a viable option for those needing a basic, no-frills device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% 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 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Blue |
| Models | BF6 | - |
Tecno Pop 7
- Potentially simpler user interface.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Focus on essential functionality.
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Lack of detailed specifications.
itel Vision 3 Turbo
- More powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Improved multitasking capabilities.
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support.
- Build quality may be basic due to price point.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor itel provide detailed display specifications. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. Expect basic viewing experiences suitable for indoor use, but potentially washed out in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be rudimentary on both devices. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic image sensors. The itel Vision 3 Turbo, while likely including low-resolution auxiliary cameras, benefits from the processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipset, potentially offering slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The Tecno Pop 7’s camera performance will likely be limited by its less powerful processor, resulting in softer images and slower processing times. Focusing on the main sensor is crucial, as auxiliary cameras in this price range rarely deliver usable results.
Performance
The itel Vision 3 Turbo’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset is the clear performance differentiator. 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 smoother app launches compared to a device with an unspecified, likely less powerful, processor like the Tecno Pop 7. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Unisoc chip will handle basic social media, web browsing, and messaging without significant lag. The Tecno Pop 7, lacking chipset details, likely relies on a more basic processor, resulting in slower performance and potential stuttering during everyday use.
Battery Life
Both devices offer modest battery capacities, though specific numbers are unavailable for the Tecno Pop 7. The itel Vision 3 Turbo’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Tecno Pop 7’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Tecno Pop 7 *could* offset the slower charging, the itel’s faster charging is more impactful for users who need to quickly replenish their battery throughout the day. Expect both devices to offer all-day battery life with light usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if you need a truly minimal smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and prioritize absolute simplicity. Buy the itel Vision 3 Turbo if you prefer a device capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks like social media browsing and light video playback, and appreciate the benefit of faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel Vision 3 Turbo handle 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. The octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (though the amount is unspecified) will provide a reasonably smooth experience for these everyday tasks.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel Vision 3 Turbo a significant improvement over the Tecno Pop 7’s 10W charging?
Absolutely. While neither offers incredibly fast charging, 18W is noticeably quicker than 10W. This means you’ll spend less time tethered to a wall charger, allowing for more convenient top-ups throughout the day. Expect a substantial reduction in 0-100% charging time with the itel.
❓ Can the itel Vision 3 Turbo play basic online games?
The itel Vision 3 Turbo can handle very basic online games, but don't expect a high-performance gaming experience. Games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will run adequately, but more demanding titles will likely experience significant lag and frame drops.
