Xiaomi Redmi 7A vs. Tecno Pouvoir 3: A Budget Smartphone Showdown

Both the Tecno Pouvoir 3 and Xiaomi Redmi 7A target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they take different approaches. The Pouvoir 3 emphasizes battery life, while the Redmi 7A prioritizes processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is the superior choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 439 chipset delivers a noticeably smoother experience than the Tecno Pouvoir 3’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739WA, making it better suited for multitasking and app usage. While the Pouvoir 3 has a larger battery, the Redmi 7A’s efficiency and 10W charging offer a more practical solution.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pouvoir 3 Xiaomi Redmi 7A
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 20, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 3, 7, 201, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
Launch
Announced2019, June. Released 2019, June2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions157.6 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.20 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in)
SIMDual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)165 g (5.82 oz)
 -Splash resistant
Display
ProtectionNEG-
Resolution720 x 1500 pixels (~268 ppi density)720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6739WA (28 nm)Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8100Adreno 505
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo), HIOS 4.1Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Single13 MP, AF13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China or 12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.05 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM Radio, built-in antenna
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
Type5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGold, Black, BlueMatte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue
Models-MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI
Price-About 130 EUR
SAR-1.00 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.56 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)

Tecno Pouvoir 3

  • Potentially larger battery capacity for extended use.
  • May be more readily available in certain regions.
  • Simple and straightforward user experience.

  • Significantly weaker processor performance.
  • Less efficient chipset leading to potential overheating.
  • Likely slower app loading and multitasking.

Xiaomi Redmi 7A

  • Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 439 processor.
  • Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking.
  • 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Better overall user experience.

  • Potentially smaller battery capacity.
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Pouvoir 3.
  • Build quality may be similar to other budget devices.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided. The focus here is on internal performance, as display quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. It's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The Redmi 7A’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439 likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities than the Mediatek chipset in the Pouvoir 3, but the difference will be marginal. The presence of a 10W charging capability on the Redmi 7A suggests a more modern design and potentially better component integration, which could extend to the camera module.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Pouvoir 3’s Mediatek MT6739WA (28nm). The Snapdragon 439 features an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) compared to the Pouvoir 3’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 12nm process node of the Snapdragon 439 also contributes to better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. The MT6739WA, being built on a larger 28nm node, will struggle with demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Tecno Pouvoir 3 likely has a larger battery capacity than the Redmi 7A, but raw mAh isn't the whole story. The Snapdragon 439’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi 7A will likely achieve comparable, or even better, real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller battery. Furthermore, the Redmi 7A supports 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the information available for the Pouvoir 3, allowing for faster top-ups when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 if your primary need is extended battery life and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently use multiple apps simultaneously. The Redmi 7A is the better all-rounder for the average smartphone user.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi 7A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Snapdragon 439 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it provides a smooth and usable experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Redmi 7A suitable for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 7A can handle less demanding mobile games, but it's not ideal for graphically intensive titles. Games like PUBG Mobile will likely require low graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The Pouvoir 3 would struggle even more with gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ Does the Redmi 7A support fast charging beyond 10W?
No, the Redmi 7A supports a maximum of 10W wired charging. While not the fastest charging available, it's a significant improvement over devices without any fast charging support and will allow you to top up the battery relatively quickly.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily makes calls and sends texts?
Both phones are adequate for basic communication. However, the Redmi 7A’s more responsive processor will make navigating the phone and accessing contacts slightly faster and more pleasant, even for simple tasks.