The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Pova Neo 2 emphasizes raw processing power with its Helio G85, while the A14 5G offers a more refined experience with Samsung’s software and a potentially more efficient chipset, depending on the variant.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Tecno Pova Neo 2 offers a performance edge thanks to its Helio G85 chipset. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G wins for overall user experience, boasting a brighter display and the benefit of Samsung’s software ecosystem, making it the better choice for the average user.
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 03 | Available. Released 2023, January 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146BOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146P |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) - SM-A146BMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) - SM-A146P |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP2 - SM-A146BMali-G57 MC2 - SM-A146P |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI Core 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - USA onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - International |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (Exynos 1330 chipset only), recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma | Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver |
| Models | LG6n | SM-A146B, SM-A146B/DS, SM-A146P, SM-A146P/DS, SM-A146U, SM-A146U1, SM-A146U1/DS, SM-A146W, SM-A146P/N, SM-A146P/DSN, SM-S146VL, SM-A146M |
| Price | About 240 EUR | $ 77.63 / C$ 151.00 / £ 97.00 / € 159.79 / ₹ 14,990 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 130h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1334:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 307886 (v9)
GeekBench: 1727 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better gaming performance due to the Helio G85
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Less efficient chipset (12nm)
- Software experience may not be as refined as Samsung's
- Display brightness data unavailable, potentially lower than A14 5G
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Brighter display (519 nits)
- More efficient chipset options (Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 700)
- Samsung’s software ecosystem and updates
- Slower charging (15W)
- Performance varies significantly between Exynos and Dimensity variants
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G boasts a brighter display, measured at 519 nits, compared to the Tecno Pova Neo 2 (brightness data unavailable). Both share a 1334:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels. While the A14 5G’s brightness provides better outdoor visibility, the Pova Neo 2’s display size and resolution (data unavailable) could offer a different viewing experience. The A14 5G’s brightness is a significant advantage for users who frequently use their phones outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A14 5G is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving more as a feature checkbox than a practical tool. The A14 5G’s image processing, backed by Samsung’s software, is likely to deliver more consistent results than the Pova Neo 2, assuming similar hardware.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G presents a more complex picture with two chipset options: the Exynos 1330 (SM-A146B) and the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (SM-A146P). The Exynos 1330, with its Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a substantial performance uplift over the Tecno Pova Neo 2’s Helio G85 (2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores). The Dimensity 700, while less powerful than the Exynos, still surpasses the Helio G85. The Helio G85’s 12nm process is less efficient than the 5nm (Exynos) or 7nm (Dimensity) nodes used in the A14 5G, potentially leading to more heat and throttling under sustained load. This benefits gamers and multi-taskers who would see a clear advantage with the A14 5G.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pova Neo 2 (charging data unavailable) and the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G offer an endurance rating of 130 hours, suggesting comparable battery life. However, the A14 5G’s 15W charging is slower than the Pova Neo 2’s 18W charging. While the A14 5G’s more efficient chipset (depending on the variant) may offset the slower charging, users prioritizing quick top-ups will favor the Pova Neo 2.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 2 if you need a phone primarily for gaming or running demanding applications and are willing to trade off some software polish. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G if you prefer a more balanced experience with a brighter, more viewable display, a reliable software experience, and a generally smoother day-to-day performance, even if it means slightly less raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1330 in the Galaxy A14 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1330, built on a 5nm process, is generally more thermally efficient than the Helio G85 in the Pova Neo 2. While some heat is inevitable during gaming, the A14 5G is less likely to experience significant throttling, allowing for more sustained performance. However, the Dimensity 700 variant may exhibit more thermal limitations.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, 2MP macro cameras are typically of limited quality. Due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization, images often lack detail and sharpness. It's best to consider it a novelty feature rather than a serious photography tool.
❓ Can the Tecno Pova Neo 2 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (90fps)?
The Helio G85 in the Pova Neo 2 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (90fps) will depend on the graphics settings. You'll likely need to lower the settings to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' to maintain a playable experience without significant frame drops. The A14 5G, particularly with the Exynos 1330, offers a more stable high-frame-rate gaming experience.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the better choice for video consumption due to its brighter display (519 nits). This increased brightness makes the screen more visible in well-lit environments and provides a more vibrant viewing experience. While the Pova Neo 2’s display quality is unknown, the A14 5G has a clear advantage in this area.
