The Tecno Pova series is known for offering impressive features at budget-friendly prices. The Pova 4 and Pova Neo 2 are two of the latest contenders, both vying for the title of best value smartphone. But which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova 4 takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G99 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost for gaming and demanding tasks. While the Neo 2 is a solid option, the Pova 4's superior processing power makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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, October 10 | 2022, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.6 x 77.5 x 8.7 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.34 in) | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 12 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | Dual LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (LG6n only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 7000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cryolite Blue, Uranolith Grey | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma |
| Models | LG7n | LG6n |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Tecno Pova 4
- Superior Performance (Helio G99)
- Potentially Better Camera (64MP)
- Slightly Better Display (Likely)
- Large 6000mAh Battery
- May be slightly more expensive than the Neo 2
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- More Affordable
- Large 6000mAh Battery
- Large Display
- Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Weaker Performance (Helio G85)
- Lower Resolution Camera (16MP)
- Slower Performance compared to Pova 4
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.8-inch displays, likely with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. While both offer a similar screen size, the Pova 4 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially improved panel technology, though specific details are often not readily available for these budget models. Expect a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels on both.
Camera Comparison
The Pova 4 typically features a 64MP main camera, while the Pova Neo 2 often has a 16MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Pova 4 likely captures more detail in well-lit conditions. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses, but image quality will vary depending on software processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Pova 4 shines. The Helio G99 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G85 in the Pova Neo 2. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pova 4. The G99's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both devices boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization software might differ slightly, potentially impacting real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova 4 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers or those who frequently use resource-intensive apps. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is a great pick for users on a tighter budget who still want a large screen, decent battery life, and a reliable smartphone experience for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pova 4 worth the extra money?
If you value performance and gaming, the Pova 4's Helio G99 chipset makes it worth the investment. If you're on a strict budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Neo 2 is a viable option.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G99?
The Helio G99 offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Helio G85, resulting in faster processing speeds and better graphics capabilities. The G99 also uses a more efficient 6nm process.