The Tecno Pova Neo 3 and Realme 12 Pro+ represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pova Neo 3 aims for affordability and basic functionality, while the Realme 12 Pro+ prioritizes a more refined experience with faster charging and a brighter display. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Helio G85 in the Pova Neo 3, and the 67W charging is a game-changer, reaching 50% in just 19 minutes. While the Pova Neo 3 offers a lower entry price, the Realme 12 Pro+ provides a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Available. Released 2024, January 29 |
| 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) | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Amber Gold, Mecha Black, Hurricane Blue | Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red |
| Models | LH6n | RMX3840, RMX3841 |
| Price | - | $ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400 |
Tecno Pova Neo 3
- More affordable price point
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display quality
Realme 12 Pro+
- Faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor
- 67W fast charging (50% in 19 min)
- Brighter and higher-quality display
- Superior camera performance (likely)
- Higher price tag
- Battery capacity not explicitly stated
Display Comparison
The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 802 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Tecno Pova Neo 3. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While panel technology isn't specified for either, the Realme's brightness suggests a higher-quality panel. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, but the Realme's overall display experience will be superior due to its brightness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the Tecno Pova Neo 3, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme 12 Pro+ likely features a more sophisticated camera system, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. While megapixel counts aren't provided, the Realme's focus on camera marketing suggests a more capable main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS), which the Pova Neo 3 likely lacks. The Realme's image processing algorithms will likely deliver more refined and detailed photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 12 Pro+ utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm), built on a more efficient process node than the Tecno Pova Neo 3’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2’s octa-core CPU, with 4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Helio G85’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 4nm process also means better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Realme 12 Pro+ excels in charging speed with its 67W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 19 minutes. The Tecno Pova Neo 3 is limited to 18W wired charging, resulting in a significantly slower charging experience. While the Realme 12 Pro+’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 13:24h demonstrates excellent battery life. The Pova Neo 3’s battery capacity is also unknown, but the slower charging speed suggests it may need more frequent top-ups, even with a potentially larger battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 3 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You'll accept compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, a brighter and more vibrant display, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more premium feel and better long-term usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the Tecno Pova Neo 3 sufficient for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more comfortable gaming experience with higher and more consistent frame rates, even on demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ compared to the 18W charging on the Tecno Pova Neo 3 in real-world use?
The 67W charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ is dramatically faster. It can reach 50% charge in just 19 minutes, while the Tecno Pova Neo 3 will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This makes a significant difference for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Does the Realme 12 Pro+ experience significant overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, is relatively efficient. While some heat is inevitable during gaming, the Realme 12 Pro+ is less prone to significant throttling compared to devices with less efficient chipsets like the Helio G85 in the Pova Neo 3.
