The sub-$250 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Tecno Pova Neo 5G and Samsung Galaxy M34 5G vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily in chipset choice and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother overall experience and potentially better long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G is the better choice. Its Exynos 1280, built on a more efficient 5nm process, offers a modest performance advantage and potentially better thermal management, despite the Pova Neo 5G's aggressive pricing.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 23 | 2023, July 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Available. Released 2023, July 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.9 x 9.5 mm (6.72 x 3.07 x 0.37 in) | 161.7 x 77.2 x 8.8 mm (6.37 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sprint Blue, Sapphire Black | Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue |
| Models | LE6j | SM-M346B, SM-M346B/DS, SM-M346B1, SM-M346B1/DS |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) |
Tecno Pova Neo 5G
- More affordable price point
- Aggressive value proposition
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Less efficient chipset (6nm)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
- More efficient chipset (5nm)
- Faster charging speed (25W)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Samsung's software ecosystem and support
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer a dramatically different experience for basic users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. Both likely utilize LCD panels given the price point. The real difference lies in how efficiently the chipsets can render the UI, which we'll cover in the performance section.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of a main sensor, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined than Tecno’s. The Exynos 1280 also includes a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) which can contribute to better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic; image quality from these sensors is typically underwhelming. The larger sensor (if present on the M34) and superior ISP will likely give it the edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Tecno Pova Neo 5G uses the Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm), while the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G features the Exynos 1280 (5nm). The Exynos 1280’s 5nm fabrication process is a significant advantage, offering improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained loads. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76/A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, the Cortex-A78 in the Exynos 1280 generally outperforms the Cortex-A76. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Samsung device. The 6nm Dimensity 810 will still provide a capable experience, but the Exynos has a clear architectural edge.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G’s 25W charging is a clear advantage over the Tecno Pova Neo 5G’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging will significantly reduce downtime. A full charge on the M34 will likely take around 90-120 minutes, while the Pova Neo 5G could take upwards of 2 hours. The 5nm Exynos 1280’s efficiency also contributes to potentially better battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo 5G if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Its aggressive pricing makes it ideal for first-time 5G users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G if you prefer a more polished user experience, potentially better camera performance, and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung's established brand and software update track record.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy M34 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally more thermally efficient than the Dimensity 810. While some throttling is inevitable during extended gaming, the M34 5G is less likely to experience significant performance drops due to overheating compared to the Pova Neo 5G.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically produce images with limited detail and poor dynamic range. They are often included for marketing purposes but offer minimal real-world benefit. The main camera on either device will produce far superior results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G sustain 90fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Exynos 1280 is capable, achieving a consistent 90fps in PUBG Mobile will likely require reducing graphics settings to medium or low. The phone may be able to briefly hit 90fps, but sustained performance at that frame rate is unlikely without compromises.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Tecno Pova Neo 5G with the 18W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Tecno Pova Neo 5G to take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on background app activity and battery health. The 18W charging is significantly slower than the M34's 25W.
