The Tecno Pova Neo 3 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone space. The Pova Neo 3 focuses on delivering a solid gaming experience at an aggressive price point, while the Honor X9b aims for a more balanced approach with a focus on efficiency and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and faster charging, the Honor X9b emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 4nm process, offers superior efficiency and processing power compared to the Tecno Pova Neo 3’s Helio G85. However, gamers on a strict budget may find the Pova Neo 3’s value proposition appealing.
| 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 | 170.7 x 77.6 x 9.3 mm (6.72 x 3.06 x 0.37 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 | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Amber Gold, Mecha Black, Hurricane Blue | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | LH6n | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | - | About 970 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo 3
- Aggressive pricing makes it very accessible.
- Helio G85 provides adequate performance for casual gaming.
- Potentially larger battery capacity (inferred from market positioning).
- Slower 18W charging.
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset leads to potential throttling.
- Older 12nm fabrication process.
Honor X9b
- Faster 35W charging with reverse wired capability.
- More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset.
- Superior CPU performance with Cortex-A78 cores.
- Likely a higher price point than the Tecno Pova Neo 3.
- May not offer the absolute lowest price for gaming.
- Specific display details are unknown.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies in the underlying efficiency. We can infer that the Honor X9b, benefiting from its more modern chipset, likely has a more efficiently managed display, potentially leading to slightly better battery life during video playback. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a detail not provided.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 typically includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of better noise reduction and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the X9b’s ISP will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive statement impossible, but the chipset advantage leans heavily towards the Honor X9b.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Pova Neo 3’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, offering a noticeable performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks compared to the Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores. The 4nm fabrication process also translates to significantly improved thermal efficiency, meaning the X9b will likely sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the Snapdragon chip are clear.
Battery Life
The Honor X9b’s 35W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Tecno Pova Neo 3’s 18W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over two hours on the Pova Neo 3 to around an hour on the X9b. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior efficiency means the X9b will likely offer comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery cell. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on the X9b adds further convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 3 if you need a phone primarily for mobile gaming and prioritize maximizing performance per dollar, even if it means sacrificing charging speed and long-term efficiency. Buy the Honor X9b if you prefer a more balanced experience with faster charging, better power efficiency for all-day use, and a smoother overall user experience, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Tecno Pova Neo 3 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Helio G85 can run Genshin Impact, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and less powerful GPU compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mean it will generate more heat and potentially throttle performance during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 35W charging on the Honor X9b compared to the 18W charging on the Tecno Pova Neo 3?
Expect a substantial difference. The Honor X9b’s 35W charging can potentially take a phone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes, while the Tecno Pova Neo 3’s 18W charging could take over an hour to reach the same level. A full charge on the Pova Neo 3 could easily exceed two hours.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b offer noticeable improvements in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. The Cortex-A78 cores and improved efficiency translate to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better multitasking capabilities.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a major concern when choosing between these two phones?
It is a concern, but the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior ISP gives the Honor X9b a likely advantage in image processing, even with similar camera sensors. Expect better dynamic range and noise reduction in most scenarios.
