Tecno's Pouvoir series consistently targets the ultra-budget segment, prioritizing battery life and affordability. The Pouvoir 3 Plus and 3 Air represent two approaches within this space: the Plus aiming for a slight performance boost, while the Air focuses on maximizing value. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets on everyday use and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and occasional gaming, the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Helio A22 in the 3 Air, justifying a potential price premium.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 3, 7, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, August. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 163 x 78.2 x 9.3 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1548 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), HIOS 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 6000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Blue | Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Aqua Blue |
| Models | LB8, LB8a | - |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus
- Superior multitasking performance due to octa-core CPU.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps.
- Potentially improved image processing.
- May have slightly shorter battery life.
- Likely a higher price point.
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air
- More affordable price.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like calls and messaging.
- Potentially longer battery life (though likely minimal).
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Less responsive user experience.
Display Comparison
Both the Pouvoir 3 Plus and 3 Air likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on the internal processing power needed to drive the display, where the Plus has an advantage. Expect both to offer adequate viewing experiences for everyday tasks, but neither will compete with higher-end AMOLED displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature similar camera setups geared towards basic photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P22 of the Plus *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally improved photo quality, particularly in low-light conditions. However, the difference will likely be minimal. The absence of information on sensor sizes and lens apertures prevents a more definitive assessment.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pouvoir 3 Plus utilizes the MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762), an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, built on a 12nm process. This contrasts with the Pouvoir 3 Air’s Helio A22 (MT6761), a quad-core processor also at 2.0 GHz and 12nm. While both are 12nm, the octa-core configuration of the P22 allows for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother multitasking and improved performance in demanding applications. The P22’s architecture is better suited for handling multiple background processes without significant slowdown. This translates to faster app loading times and a more fluid user experience for the Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing, but both phones are likely equipped with large batteries, typical of the Pouvoir series. The Helio P22 in the Plus, while more powerful, is also slightly more power-hungry. However, the performance gains likely outweigh the minor battery life difference. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the efficiency of the P22’s 12nm process could contribute to slightly faster charging times, assuming similar charging technology is used in both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus if you frequently switch between apps, enjoy mobile gaming (even at lower settings), or need a phone that feels responsive under sustained load. Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. The Air is ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Pouvoir 3 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends?
The Pouvoir 3 Plus, with its Helio P22, can run PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action. The Helio A22 in the 3 Air will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and Helio A22 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both chips can handle basic browsing and social media, the Pouvoir 3 Plus will feel snappier when switching between apps, loading web pages, and scrolling through feeds. The Helio A22 in the 3 Air may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering during these tasks.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes phone calls?
For users focused solely on WhatsApp and phone calls, the Pouvoir 3 Air is perfectly adequate and represents the better value. The Helio A22 provides sufficient power for these basic communication tasks without the need for the extra performance of the P22.
