The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pouvoir 4 and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Pouvoir 4 prioritizing processor efficiency and the C11 (2021) attempting to offer a broader feature set, including reverse charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth daily tasks and longer battery life, the Tecno Pouvoir 4 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, offers superior power efficiency compared to the Realme C11 (2021)'s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, translating to more usable time between charges.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Ice Jadeite, Fascinating Purple | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | LC7, LC7S | RMX3231 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Pouvoir 4
- More power-efficient processor (12nm)
- Likely longer battery life
- Smoother performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially less powerful GPU
- May lack features like reverse charging
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Heterogeneous core design for balanced performance
- Potentially more advanced camera software
- Less efficient processor (28nm)
- Shorter battery life under load
- Potentially slower performance in demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can assume both utilize LCD panels typical of this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood; the processor powering the display. The more efficient Helio A22 in the Pouvoir 4 may contribute to slightly better perceived smoothness during scrolling, as it has less strain on the system. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the focus should be on the primary sensor, as the typical 2MP auxiliary lenses found on these devices offer minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely be similar, prioritizing scene recognition and basic enhancements. The Realme C11 (2021) may have a slight edge if it incorporates more sophisticated software algorithms, but the hardware limitations will be the primary constraint.
Performance
The core difference here is the chipset architecture. The Tecno Pouvoir 4’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) features eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a mature architecture, but the 12nm fabrication process is a significant advantage. The Realme C11 (2021) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm), with a heterogeneous core configuration – four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. While the A55 cores are more efficient *per core* than the A53, the 28nm process significantly increases overall power draw. This means the Pouvoir 4 will likely handle sustained tasks and multitasking more efficiently, even if peak theoretical performance is similar. The Realme C11's split core design suggests an attempt to balance performance and power, but the larger node size undermines this.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the chipset efficiency is the deciding factor here. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process is inherently less efficient than the Helio A22’s 12nm process. This means the Realme C11 (2021), despite potentially having a similar battery capacity, will drain faster under typical usage. The 10W charging on the Realme C11 (2021) is standard for this segment, and the addition of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but at the cost of further battery drain.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 if you need a phone that reliably lasts through a full day of moderate use, focusing on tasks like calling, messaging, and social media. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery endurance over demanding applications. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you value the convenience of reverse wired charging – the ability to top up other devices – and don't mind potentially shorter battery life or slightly slower performance in everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 (2021)'s reverse charging significantly impact its own battery life?
Yes, using the Realme C11 (2021) for reverse charging will noticeably reduce its battery life. The 28nm Unisoc SC9863A is already less efficient, and actively outputting power will accelerate battery drain. It's best used for emergency top-ups of other devices, not as a primary charging method.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio A22 and SC9863A noticeable in everyday use?
While both chipsets can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, the Tecno Pouvoir 4's Helio A22 will likely feel smoother during multitasking and app switching due to its more efficient architecture and fabrication process. The Realme C11 (2021) might exhibit slight lag when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. They may be able to run them at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops. The Helio A22 might offer slightly more stable performance, but neither is designed for serious gaming.
