The Tecno Pop 8 and Infinix Smart 8 Plus represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Pop 8 focuses on a balanced experience with a Unisoc chipset, while the Smart 8 Plus leans into faster charging and a Mediatek Helio G36. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and potentially slightly better multitasking, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus is the stronger choice. Its 18W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Helio G36, while architecturally older, offers a higher clock speed. However, the Tecno Pop 8 remains a viable option for those seeking a stable, efficient experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 30 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | BG6h, BG6i | X6526 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 8
- Potentially more efficient chipset (Unisoc T606)
- Cortex-A75 cores offer better single-core performance
- Stable and reliable software experience (likely)
- Slow 10W charging
- No reverse charging
- Potentially limited multitasking capabilities
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Faster 18W charging with reverse wired charging
- Higher clocked CPU cores (Helio G36)
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Older Cortex-A53 architecture is less efficient
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load
- Software experience may be less refined
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are targeting 720p+ resolutions to balance clarity and battery life. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected. Bezels will likely be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be heavily reliant on software processing in this segment. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the chipset plays a crucial role. The Unisoc T606 and Helio G36 ISPs are both entry-level, so image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. Expect limited dynamic range and detail. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely for marketing purposes and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 8’s Unisoc T606 features a heterogeneous core arrangement with 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A75 cores offer a performance boost for demanding tasks, while the A55 cores handle background processes efficiently. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio G36, employing a homogenous octa-core setup of 4x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the Helio G36 has a higher peak clock speed, the Cortex-A53 architecture is older and less efficient than the Cortex-A75. This suggests the Pop 8 might offer better sustained performance under load, while the Smart 8 Plus will feel snappier for quick tasks. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely be limited, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Tecno Pop 8 is limited to 10W wired charging, resulting in a significantly longer charge time. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus, with its 18W wired charging, offers a substantial improvement, potentially reducing a full charge time from over 3 hours to around 2 hours. The Smart 8 Plus also supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Pop 8.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 8 if you need a reliably efficient device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and value a potentially smoother experience with the Cortex-A75 cores. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you prioritize quick top-ups with its 18W charging, and anticipate needing to juggle a few more apps simultaneously, benefiting from the higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G36 in the Infinix Smart 8 Plus overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G36 is capable of handling some gaming, its Cortex-A53 architecture and the phone's budget construction mean it's likely to experience thermal throttling during extended gaming. Expect reduced frame rates and potential stuttering after 20-30 minutes of gameplay. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles at high settings.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Tecno Pop 8 painfully slow in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging is noticeably slow. A full charge from 0% will take over 3 hours, potentially even longer depending on usage. This makes it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up before leaving the house. It's best suited for overnight charging.
❓ How does the Unisoc T606's CPU core configuration impact everyday tasks?
The Tecno Pop 8's Unisoc T606 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture. The two Cortex-A75 cores handle demanding tasks like app launches and web browsing, providing a snappier experience. The six Cortex-A55 cores then take over for background tasks, conserving battery life. This results in a balanced performance profile suitable for everyday use.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 8 Plus's reverse charging feature work with all devices?
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus's reverse charging feature utilizes the standard USB-C protocol. It will work with any device that charges via USB-C, but the charging speed will be limited to the phone's output capacity (likely around 5W). It's best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches.
