Tecno's Pouvoir series consistently targets the budget-conscious user, prioritizing battery life and affordability. The Pouvoir 3 Air and 4 Pro represent incremental updates within this range, but the core question remains: does the 4 Pro’s upgraded chipset and faster charging justify the price difference for everyday users?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro is the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Pouvoir 3 Air’s quad-core Helio A22, making multitasking and app loading significantly smoother. The 18W charging is a welcome addition, offsetting the likely similar battery capacity.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, July 07. Released 2020, July 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 9.3 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.37 in) | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), HIOS 5.0 | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Aqua Blue | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Fascinating Purple |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air
- Lowest possible price point
- Likely long battery life (large capacity)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow performance for multitasking
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited gaming capabilities
Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro
- Faster and smoother performance
- 18W fast charging
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Higher price than Pouvoir 3 Air
- May not have significantly longer battery life
- Still limited for demanding games
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno provides detailed display specifications beyond size. However, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. The user experience will likely be similar, with neither device offering exceptional visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, typical of budget smartphones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both devices likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the market segment suggests both will rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be limited. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are likely to offer minimal benefit and should not be a deciding factor. Image processing style will likely be similar, prioritizing vibrant colors over accuracy.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Pouvoir 3 Air’s Mediatek Helio A22 is a quad-core processor designed for basic functionality. The Pouvoir 4 Pro steps up to the Helio P22, an octa-core chip with a heterogeneous architecture – four cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This configuration allows for more efficient task handling; the 4 Pro will exhibit significantly faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the P22 offers a more playable experience in less demanding titles. The 12nm process node is shared between both, meaning thermal efficiency gains are minimal, but the P22’s architecture will still deliver better sustained performance.
Battery Life
Tecno historically prioritizes battery life in the Pouvoir series. While specific mAh capacities aren’t provided, both devices likely feature large batteries (4000mAh or greater). The key differentiator is the Pouvoir 4 Pro’s 18W wired charging. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the likely 10W or slower charging on the Pouvoir 3 Air. While battery life *capacity* may be similar, the 4 Pro’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro if you value smoother performance for multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more. The 4 Pro is the better long-term investment for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the Pouvoir 4 Pro handle PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P22 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not designed for high-end gaming, but it's a significant improvement over the Pouvoir 3 Air's Helio A22.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Pouvoir 4 Pro compared to the 3 Air?
The Pouvoir 4 Pro's 18W charging is substantially faster. While the Pouvoir 3 Air likely supports 10W or slower charging, the 4 Pro can potentially charge from 0-100% in around 2-3 hours, whereas the 3 Air could take 4+ hours. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups.
❓ Is the extra cost of the Pouvoir 4 Pro worth it if I only use my phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
If your usage is *strictly* limited to basic communication, the Pouvoir 3 Air is sufficient and represents better value. The performance benefits of the 4 Pro won't be noticeable for such light tasks. However, even light users may appreciate the faster charging.
