Looking for a powerful and affordable gaming phone? The Tecno Pova series has consistently delivered impressive value. Today, we're pitting the Tecno Pova 3 against the newer Tecno Pova 4 Pro to see which one reigns supreme in the budget smartphone arena.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster chipset (Helio G99 vs G88), faster charging (45W vs 33W), and a more efficient 6nm process. While the Pova 3 remains a decent option, the 4 Pro offers a noticeable performance upgrade for a relatively small price difference.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 25 | 2022, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 25 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.1 x 78.5 x 9.4 mm (6.81 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 164.8 x 77 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 230 g (8.11 oz) | - |
| | RGB notification light stripe on the back (Electric Blue model only) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.66 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS | Android 12, HIOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | Dual LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth)
0.08 MP | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired
10W reverse wired | 45W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Electric Blue, Tech Silver, Eco Black | Fluorite Blue |
| Models | LF7n | LG8n |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Tecno Pova 3
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Reverse charging capability
- Older chipset (Helio G88)
- Slower charging (33W)
- Potentially less efficient
- Older software
Tecno Pova 4 Pro
- Faster chipset (Helio G99)
- Faster charging (45W)
- More efficient 6nm process
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Modern design
- Slightly higher price
- Battery life may be marginally shorter due to increased performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.67-inch displays, likely with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate (confirming specific refresh rate is needed). The Pova 4 Pro *may* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to its newer panel, but this is difficult to confirm without testing. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Pova 3 typically features a 48MP main camera, while the Pova 4 Pro often has a 50MP main camera. Image quality is likely comparable in good lighting, but the Pova 4 Pro's newer image processing algorithms *could* offer slightly better results in low light. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
This is where the Pova 4 Pro shines. The Helio G99 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the G88. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pova 4 Pro. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones pack large 6000mAh batteries, ensuring all-day battery life. However, the Pova 4 Pro's 45W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Pova 3's 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova 3 is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large battery and don't need the absolute best performance. The Tecno Pova 4 Pro is ideal for gamers and power users who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pova 4 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and faster charging are important to you. The Helio G99 offers a significant upgrade over the G88, making it a better choice for gaming and demanding tasks.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Tecno Pova 3 takes approximately 75-85 minutes to fully charge with its 33W charger, while the Tecno Pova 4 Pro takes around 45-55 minutes with its 45W charger.
