The Tecno Pouvoir 4 and Oppo A12s represent the ultra-budget end of the Android spectrum. Both aim to deliver smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on how the chipset differences impact real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A12s is the better choice. While both phones share a similar price bracket, the Helio P35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Pouvoir 4’s Helio A22, making the A12s more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 10W charging is a welcome addition, though battery life is comparable.
| 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 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| 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, July 14. Released 2020, July 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Ice Jadeite, Fascinating Purple | Deep Blue, Flowing Silver |
| Models | LC7, LC7S | - |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) |
Tecno Pouvoir 4
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited gaming capabilities
Oppo A12s
- Faster and more efficient processor
- 10W wired charging
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- Slightly higher price (likely)
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price range. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and largely unimpressive. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the image processing capabilities of the Helio P35 in the Oppo A12s may offer slightly better results in favorable lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance from both devices. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A12s’ MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU with a split configuration: four cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Tecno Pouvoir 4’s Helio A22 (12nm) which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores all clocked at 2.0 GHz. The P35’s higher clock speeds and architectural split provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks and responsiveness. While both use the same 12nm process, the P35’s core design is more efficient, resulting in better performance per watt. This translates to smoother app launches and less lag during multitasking. The A12s will handle basic games like PUBG Mobile at lower settings more comfortably.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for this segment. While the Tecno Pouvoir 4 may have a slightly larger capacity, the Oppo A12s benefits from 10W wired charging. This allows for a faster top-up, mitigating the impact of potentially slightly lower battery life. The Helio P35’s improved efficiency also contributes to comparable real-world battery endurance despite the performance difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over speed. Buy the Oppo A12s if you want a more fluid user experience, can tolerate slightly shorter battery life, and occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking. The A12s is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A12s run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Oppo A12s can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels and accept occasional frame drops. The Helio P35 is not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly better suited for light gaming than the Helio A22 in the Tecno Pouvoir 4.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Oppo A12s a significant improvement?
While 10W isn't fast charging by modern standards, it's a noticeable improvement over the likely 5W or slower charging on the Tecno Pouvoir 4. It will reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, offering more convenience.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for WhatsApp and calls. However, the Oppo A12s’ faster processor will make the overall experience more responsive, even for these basic tasks. App loading times and switching between apps will be quicker.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Given the price point and target market, long-term software support is unlikely for either device. Expect limited updates, primarily security patches, if any. Don't purchase either phone expecting frequent Android version upgrades.
