The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air and Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches to achieving that price point, particularly in chipset choice and feature sets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual is the superior choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 439 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Pouvoir 3 Air’s quad-core Helio A22, making it better suited for multitasking and moderately demanding apps. The inclusion of 18W fast charging is a significant convenience feature absent in the Tecno.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, February 11. Released 2020, February 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 9.3 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.37 in) | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Aqua Blue | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey |
| Models | - | M2001C3K3I |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- May be slightly cheaper depending on region
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Redmi 8A Dual
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less capable chipset for multitasking
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Snapdragon 439
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- More capable image processing
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy use
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Software experience can be cluttered with Xiaomi's MIUI
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but rather on basic functionality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting the cost-cutting measures.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar in real-world results, given the focus on affordability. Both devices likely feature a primary sensor paired with a depth sensor (the 'Dual' in Redmi 8A Dual). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 8A Dual’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439 is likely more capable than the Helio A22’s ISP, potentially leading to slightly better image processing and dynamic range. Any 2MP macro sensors on either device should be considered marketing features rather than genuinely useful cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53), significantly outperforms the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air’s MediaTek Helio A22 (quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the Snapdragon 439’s eight cores and higher clock speeds provide a substantial boost in multitasking and app loading times. The Helio A22 will struggle with more demanding applications. The 12nm process node is shared, meaning thermal efficiency is comparable, but the Snapdragon will still deliver a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for this segment. The Redmi 8A Dual’s key advantage is its 18W wired charging support, with 2.5W reverse wired charging. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Pouvoir 3 Air, which likely relies on slower 10W or 5W charging. While the Pouvoir 3 Air might offer slightly longer overall battery life due to the less powerful processor, the convenience of quickly topping up the Redmi 8A Dual is a major benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize maximizing battery life over performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, enjoy occasional gaming, and value the convenience of faster charging. The Redmi 8A Dual is the better all-rounder for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Pouvoir 3 Air can run these apps, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between them. The Helio A22 is a basic processor and isn't optimized for demanding applications. It's best suited for light usage.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Redmi 8A Dual should charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, a significant improvement over the slower charging speeds likely found on the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air.
❓ Is the Redmi 8A Dual suitable for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 8A Dual can handle less demanding games like PUBG Mobile at lower settings. However, don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles. The Snapdragon 439 is not a gaming powerhouse.
❓ Does the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air support dual SIM functionality?
While not explicitly stated, Tecno phones in this segment typically support dual SIM functionality. However, confirm this with the retailer or official specifications before purchasing.
