The Tecno Pova 5 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Pova 5 prioritizes rapid charging and a gaming-focused chipset, while the X9b leverages Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and a smoother overall experience, the Honor X9b emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, offers superior power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Tecno Pova 5’s Helio G99, despite the Pova 5’s faster charging.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 29 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.6 x 9 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 219.4 g (7.76 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 60 min
10W reverse wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mecha Black, Amber Gold, Hurricane Blue, Free Fire Edition | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | LH7n | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 970 EUR |
Tecno Pova 5
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- Potentially higher peak gaming performance due to raw clock speed
- Aggressive pricing likely makes it very affordable
- Less efficient 6nm Helio G99 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling during extended gaming
- Image processing likely inferior to the Snapdragon
Honor X9b
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Superior sustained performance and thermal management
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Slower 35W charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pova 5
- Peak gaming performance may be slightly lower than the Pova 5
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processors. Display quality will likely be similar, leaning towards adequate for the price point. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment. Color accuracy will likely be tuned for vibrancy rather than professional accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the focus should be on image processing capabilities tied to the respective chipsets. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series generally offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Honor X9b’s photos. The absence of information regarding sensor size and OIS makes it difficult to assess low-light performance. We can assume both phones will include a standard array of lenses, but the X9b’s ISP is likely to provide a more polished final image.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Tecno Pova 5’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, offering a substantial performance advantage over the G99’s Cortex-A76 cores. The 4nm fabrication process further enhances efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially less throttling during prolonged use. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon’s core arrangement is better suited for demanding tasks. The G99 prioritizes raw clock speed, but the Snapdragon’s architecture provides a more refined experience. RAM speed (likely LPDDR4X on both) isn't specified, but the chipset's inherent efficiency will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pova 5’s 45W charging is a clear advantage, promising a 50% charge in 21 minutes and a full charge in 60 minutes. The Honor X9b’s 35W charging is slower, though still respectable. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior efficiency means the X9b will likely deliver comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The Pova 5’s faster charging is ideal for users who frequently need to top up quickly, while the X9b prioritizes longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova 5 if you absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently engage in extended gaming sessions where maximizing raw frame rates is paramount, even at the cost of some thermal efficiency. Buy the Honor X9b if you value a more balanced experience with better power efficiency, a potentially smoother user interface, and a chipset designed for sustained performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Tecno Pova 5 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99, while capable, is a 6nm chip and can experience thermal throttling during extended gaming. While it offers high clock speeds, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm process and more efficient architecture in the Honor X9b will maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b support high refresh rate gaming?
While the context data doesn't specify screen refresh rates, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of driving 90Hz or even 120Hz displays smoothly. Its GPU should handle most popular mobile games at medium to high settings without significant frame drops, assuming the display itself supports a higher refresh rate.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 35W and 45W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 10W difference is quite noticeable. The Tecno Pova 5’s 45W charging will significantly reduce the time spent plugged into the wall, especially for quick top-ups. The Honor X9b’s 35W is still respectable, but the Pova 5 offers a clear advantage for users who prioritize charging speed.
