The Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro and Huawei P smart 2021 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the most compelling package for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Huawei P smart 2021 emerges as the better choice. Its Kirin 710A chipset, coupled with 22.5W charging, provides a smoother experience and quicker top-ups than the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro’s Helio P22 and 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 07. Released 2020, July 23 | 2020, September 28. Released 2020, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 in) | 165.7 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 22.5W wired, 46% in 30 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Fascinating Purple | Crush Green, Blush Gold, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | PPA-LX1, PPA-LX2 |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1252:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.8 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 169253 (v8)
GeekBench: 1334 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance (119h)
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Older, less efficient chipset (Helio P22)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Huawei P smart 2021
- More powerful chipset (Kirin 710A)
- Faster charging (22.5W, 46% in 30min)
- Brighter display (442 nits)
- Potentially higher price
- Battery endurance is similar to the Pouvoir 4 Pro
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
The Huawei P smart 2021 boasts a measured peak brightness of 442 nits, significantly enhancing visibility in outdoor conditions compared to the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro, which lacks published brightness data. Both displays share a 1252:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar dynamic range. However, without knowing the panel technology used in the Pouvoir 4 Pro, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles. The P smart 2021’s higher brightness is a clear advantage for users who frequently use their phones outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This suggests a focus on basic photography rather than advanced features. Without further information, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. However, Huawei’s generally stronger image processing algorithms, even in their budget offerings, may give the P smart 2021 a slight edge in image quality. The absence of details regarding OIS or large sensors on either device indicates limited low-light performance.
Performance
The Huawei P smart 2021’s Kirin 710A (14nm) offers a more modern architecture than the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Kirin 710A utilizes Cortex-A73 cores for its performance cluster, providing a noticeable uplift in CPU-intensive tasks compared to the Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration with similar clock speeds (2.0 GHz), the architectural differences translate to a smoother multitasking experience on the Huawei. The 14nm process node on the Kirin 710A, while older, doesn’t necessarily equate to worse efficiency; the architectural improvements offset some of that difference.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro and Huawei P smart 2021 achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Huawei P smart 2021’s 22.5W charging capability significantly outperforms the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro’s 18W charging. The P smart 2021 can achieve 46% charge in just 30 minutes, offering a substantial convenience advantage for users who need a quick power boost. While both phones offer all-day battery life, the Huawei’s faster charging is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. It’s a viable option for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Huawei P smart 2021 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a slightly brighter display, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 710A in the Huawei P smart 2021 experience significant throttling under sustained load?
While the Kirin 710A isn't a flagship processor, it generally manages thermal throttling reasonably well for its class. It's unlikely to experience severe performance drops during typical usage scenarios like browsing, social media, or even moderate gaming. However, prolonged, graphically intensive gaming sessions may lead to some throttling to maintain safe operating temperatures.
❓ Is the 119-hour endurance rating on both phones accurate in real-world usage?
The 119-hour endurance rating is based on a standardized test profile. Real-world battery life will vary significantly depending on individual usage patterns, including screen brightness, network connectivity, and app usage. Expect to achieve close to this rating with light usage, but heavier users will likely see shorter battery life.
❓ What type of display technology does the Huawei P smart 2021 use (IPS, TFT, etc.)?
While Huawei doesn't explicitly state the display technology, the P smart 2021 likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. This is common in this price range and provides good viewing angles and color reproduction compared to older TFT technologies. However, it lacks the contrast and vibrancy of OLED displays.
