The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pova Neo 2 and the Realme 9i 5G aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Realme 9i 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Pova Neo 2’s Helio G85, despite both phones sharing the same 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 03 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (LG6n only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | LG6n | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely larger physical size for easier handling (assumption based on Tecno's design language)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Lower power efficiency
- May struggle with demanding games and apps
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful and efficient chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Smoother performance for gaming and multitasking
- Better long-term value due to 5G and processor efficiency
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have a smaller physical size (assumption based on Realme's design language)
- 18W charging is relatively slow compared to some competitors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness, which is perceived as display quality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the Realme 9i 5G’s superior chipset will contribute to a more fluid visual experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The Realme 9i 5G *may* benefit from slightly more refined image processing algorithms, a common strength of Realme’s software. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be a weakness for both. Focusing on the chipset’s ISP capabilities, the Dimensity 810 generally offers more advanced image signal processing features.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Pova Neo 2’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. The Dimensity 810’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also boasts higher clock speeds than the Pova Neo 2’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. This difference will be most noticeable in graphically intensive games and demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (likely around 2-3 hours for a full charge). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency in the Realme 9i 5G will likely result in longer real-world battery life, even if the Tecno Pova Neo 2 has a slightly larger battery. The 6nm process allows the 9i 5G to accomplish more per watt, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 2 if you prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and value the benefits of a more modern and efficient processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 810’s 6nm process is significantly more thermally efficient than the Helio G85 in the Tecno Pova Neo 2. While some throttling is inevitable, the 9i 5G is less likely to experience severe overheating and performance drops during extended gaming, offering a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for either phone?
18W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Both phones will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%. However, the Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient processor means you’ll likely get more usage time from a shorter charging session.
❓ Can the Realme 9i 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Realme 9i 5G should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a playable framerate. The Dimensity 810 provides enough processing power for a reasonably smooth experience, though you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 will likely struggle to maintain consistent framerates at higher settings.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity compare between the two phones?
Both phones support 5G, but the actual 5G performance will depend on network availability and your carrier. The Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G generally offers more advanced 5G modem technology, potentially leading to slightly faster and more reliable 5G connections.
