The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 9 4G and Nokia C22 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pop 9 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T615 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C22’s SC9863A. While the Nokia C22 benefits from Nokia’s software support, the Tecno’s superior processing power makes it better suited for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| 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 | 2024, November 22 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 26 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 77 x 8 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz (India), 120Hz (International) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - India | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) - InternationalMediatek Helio G50 - India | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 - InternationalPowerVR GE8320 - India | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glittery White, Lime Green, Startrail Black | Sand, Midnight Black |
| Models | KL4h | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Tecno Pop 9 4G
- Significantly better processor performance (Unisoc T615)
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Software update commitment is unclear
Nokia C22
- Nokia’s reputation for software support and updates
- Potentially more compact form factor
- Clean Android experience
- Significantly weaker processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slower 10W charging
- Lower performance for multitasking and gaming
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 Nokia C22’s smaller size (implied by its positioning) may offer a slightly higher pixel density. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain, but both are likely to use lower frequencies common in budget displays.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices focusing on basic image capture. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with lower-resolution auxiliary lenses. The emphasis should not be placed on the 2MP macro lenses commonly found on these devices, as image quality will be limited. The Tecno Pop 9 4G may have a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Unisoc T615, potentially resulting in better image processing and noise reduction.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 9 4G (International variant) utilizes the Unisoc T615, a 12nm chip with a heterogeneous core configuration: two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz. This architecture provides a significant boost in single-core performance compared to the Nokia C22’s Unisoc SC9863A. The SC9863A, built on a less efficient 28nm process, features four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. The India variant of the Tecno Pop 9 4G uses a Mediatek Helio G50 with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2GHz, which is still a performance improvement over the Nokia C22, but less efficient than the T615. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Tecno. The T615’s more modern architecture also offers better efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pop 9 4G supports 15W wired charging, while the Nokia C22 is limited to 10W. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Unisoc T615 in the Tecno Pop 9 4G should translate to longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The faster charging speed on the Tecno also means less time tethered to a wall outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 4G if you prioritize performance for social media, streaming, and basic gaming. Its more capable processor will handle these tasks with greater fluidity. Buy the Nokia C22 if you value brand reputation for software updates and a slightly more compact form factor, and your usage is limited to very basic communication and light app usage. The Nokia C22 is best for those who need a simple, reliable device with minimal performance demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 4G struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc T615 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will provide a smooth and responsive user experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Nokia C22 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia C22 is a suitable option for basic communication. Its less demanding chipset means it will efficiently handle calls and texts without significant performance issues. However, it's not ideal if you plan to use more demanding apps or multitask frequently.
❓ How does the difference in manufacturing process (28nm vs 12nm) affect the Tecno Pop 9 4G and Nokia C22?
The 12nm process used in the Unisoc T615 (Tecno Pop 9 4G) is more efficient than the 28nm process used in the Unisoc SC9863A (Nokia C22). This means the T615 consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in better battery life and less heat generation.
