The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both prioritize affordability, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which offers a better user experience, especially considering the demands of modern apps and services.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm MT6739, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading times.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 9.3 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.37 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), HIOS 5.0 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Aqua Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset
- Likely better battery life due to 12nm process
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Strong brand recognition and trust
- Potentially simpler and cleaner software experience
- Wider availability in some markets
- Older and less efficient Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Likely shorter battery life
- Slower performance and potential for throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and brightness are unavailable. However, the focus here isn't display quality, but rather the impact of the chipset on rendering UI elements. The A22 in the Pouvoir 3 Air will likely provide a slightly smoother scrolling experience, even at the same resolution, due to its more capable GPU.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Both likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The A01 Core's camera is unlikely to benefit from any significant image processing improvements due to the limitations of the MT6739 chipset. The Pouvoir 3 Air, with its more capable processor, may offer slightly better image processing, but overall image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process is significantly more power-efficient, meaning the Pouvoir 3 Air will likely exhibit better battery life under load and less thermal throttling. While both CPUs feature quad-core Cortex-A53 cores, the A22’s higher clock speed of 2.0 GHz versus the A01 Core’s 1.5 GHz translates to faster processing speeds. This difference is particularly noticeable when launching apps or switching between them. The older 28nm process of the MT6739 also means it will generate more heat, potentially leading to performance slowdowns during extended use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the more efficient 12nm process of the Helio A22 in the Pouvoir 3 Air gives it a significant advantage. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A22 will consume less power during typical usage, resulting in longer battery life. The MT6739’s 28nm process is inherently less efficient, meaning the A01 Core will drain its battery faster, especially when running apps or browsing the web. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the A22’s efficiency will likely translate to faster overall charging times, even with a lower wattage charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air if you need a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use. The more modern chipset offers better longevity and a smoother experience with Android Go. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if brand recognition and a potentially simpler software experience are paramount, and your usage is *extremely* limited to essential functions – it’s best suited for those who primarily need a device for calls and texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the MT6739 chipset in the A01 Core is quite limited. While it can run these apps, expect noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using features like video calls. The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air’s Helio A22 will provide a smoother experience with these apps.
❓ Is the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air a good choice for gaming?
Neither device is suitable for serious gaming. However, the Pouvoir 3 Air’s Helio A22 will handle very basic 2D games slightly better than the A01 Core’s MT6739. Don't expect to play demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at playable frame rates.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core likely runs a simplified version of Samsung’s One UI, potentially optimized for the lower-end hardware. The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air likely runs a customized version of Android Go, designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. Both aim for simplicity, but Samsung’s One UI may offer more features, albeit at the cost of performance.
