The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Tecno Pova Neo 2 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G are two key players. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Pova Neo 2 prioritizes a larger, potentially more immersive experience, while the Redmi 10 5G focuses on a more efficient chipset and broader 5G band support.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and 5G connectivity, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more advanced 7nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge and improved efficiency compared to the Tecno Pova Neo 2’s Helio G85.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 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 | 2022, September 26 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (LG6n only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | LG6n | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- Potentially larger display for immersive media consumption.
- Aggressive pricing may make it more accessible.
- Tecno’s brand recognition in certain markets.
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset leads to lower performance.
- 12nm process can result in more heat and throttling.
- Likely less advanced image processing capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- More efficient Dimensity 700 chipset for better performance.
- 7nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal management.
- Superior CPU architecture for smoother multitasking.
- Potentially better 5G band support.
- May have a smaller display compared to the Pova Neo 2.
- Price may be slightly higher.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of specific display specs (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. The Pova Neo 2’s potential for a larger screen size *could* offer a more immersive experience, but without knowing the Redmi 10 5G’s screen size, it’s speculative. Color accuracy is likely similar, leaning towards the standard for budget smartphones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a thorough comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and supporting lenses. The Redmi 10 5G’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a more efficient chipset also allows for more processing power dedicated to computational photography. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR, but the Redmi 10 5G has the edge in overall image quality due to its superior processing power.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a clear advantage over the Tecno Pova Neo 2’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling. The Redmi 10 5G’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also outperforms the Pova Neo 2’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Redmi 10 5G. While both phones feature octa-core CPUs, the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 700 are significant.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 10 5G means it will likely deliver longer battery life for the same usage patterns. The 7nm process inherently consumes less power than the 12nm process of the Helio G85, giving the Redmi 10 5G a real-world advantage in endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 2 if you prioritize a potentially larger display and are primarily focused on casual gaming and media consumption, accepting some performance trade-offs. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you value smoother multitasking, more responsive gaming, and a more future-proof 5G experience, even if it means a potentially less expansive screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Redmi 10 5G support a wide range of 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with different carriers?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 generally offers broader 5G band support compared to the Helio G85. While specific band compatibility varies by region and carrier, the Dimensity 700 is designed to work with a wider array of 5G networks, making it a more future-proof choice for users who anticipate switching carriers or traveling internationally.
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Tecno Pova Neo 2 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to avoid significant lag or overheating. The 12nm process and less powerful GPU compared to the Dimensity 700 mean sustained performance during extended gaming sessions will be limited. The Redmi 10 5G will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How does the 18W charging compare in real-world usage on both devices, considering potential differences in battery capacity?
While both phones have 18W charging, the Redmi 10 5G’s more efficient chipset means it will likely reach a usable charge level faster. Even if the battery capacities are similar, the Dimensity 700 consumes less power during charging, reducing the overall time to reach 100%. Expect roughly similar full charge times, but the Redmi 10 5G will likely provide more usable hours per charge.
