The mid-range 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova 5G aims to disrupt with aggressive pricing, while the OnePlus Nord 2 5G leverages OnePlus’s reputation for smooth performance and fast charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing speed and convenience, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset and blazing-fast 65W charging outweigh the Tecno Pova 5G’s affordability. However, budget-conscious users may find the Pova 5G a viable option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 27 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 27 | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 172.8 x 78.2 x 9.1 mm (6.80 x 3.08 x 0.36 in) | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aether Black | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | LE8 | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9)
GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Pova 5G
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery endurance
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less powerful processor (Dimensity 900)
- Limited camera details
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- Faster processor (Dimensity 1200)
- Blazing-fast 65W charging
- Brighter display (633 nits)
- Higher price tag
- May require a separate charger in some regions
- Similar battery endurance to Pova 5G
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 633 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Tecno Pova 5G. While both utilize 6nm chipsets, the Nord 2’s brighter panel will offer superior visibility outdoors. The Nord 2’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical OLED panel, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors, while the Pova 5G’s panel type is not specified. This impacts the viewing experience, particularly for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information for the Tecno Pova 5G, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G likely benefits from OnePlus’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more consistent and pleasing results. The absence of details on the Pova 5G’s camera system suggests a more basic implementation, likely focused on affordability rather than image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200, with its 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core and 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, significantly outperforms the Tecno Pova 5G’s Dimensity 900 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The Dimensity 1200’s higher clock speeds and more powerful core configuration translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. While both are 6nm chips, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 1200 are substantial. The Nord 2’s likely use of faster LPDDR5 RAM further enhances performance.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite the Tecno Pova 5G’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the charging experience is drastically different. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W wired charging, with PD support and a 30-minute full charge time, is a game-changer. The Tecno Pova 5G’s 18W charging is considerably slower, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts usability and convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova 5G if you need a functional 5G smartphone on a very tight budget and aren't demanding in terms of performance or charging speed. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a more capable processor for gaming and demanding applications. The Nord 2 is for those willing to spend a bit more for a premium mid-range experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Dimensity 1200 in the OnePlus Nord 2 5G prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, OnePlus has implemented effective thermal management solutions in the Nord 2 5G. Reports indicate minimal throttling during prolonged gaming, allowing for sustained performance. However, demanding titles at maximum settings will naturally generate heat.
❓ Does the Tecno Pova 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. Tecno does not explicitly list these features for the Pova 5G on its global website. Users should verify compatibility with their specific carrier before purchasing to ensure optimal call quality.
❓ How does the 65W SuperVOOC charging on the OnePlus Nord 2 5G affect battery health over the long term?
OnePlus employs battery health optimization algorithms with its SuperVOOC charging technology. These algorithms manage charging speed and voltage to minimize battery degradation over time. While all batteries degrade eventually, SuperVOOC aims to extend the usable lifespan of the Nord 2 5G’s battery.
