The Tecno Pova Neo and Oppo A17k represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with slightly different approaches to chipset selection and core specifications. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A17k emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar target audience, the Oppo A17k’s Helio G35 chipset, with its higher clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming, justifying its position as the winner.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 09 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.75 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Geek blue, Powehi | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Potentially larger battery capacity (based on brand trends)
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable brand reputation for battery life
- Slower processor (Helio G25)
- Likely less responsive user interface
- Potentially weaker gaming performance
Oppo A17k
- Faster processor (Helio G35)
- Improved app loading times
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- May be slightly more expensive
- Oppo's software can be preloaded with bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Oppo provide display specifications beyond the device names. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize 6.5-6.6 inch LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Expect similar levels of color accuracy and brightness. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for this segment. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both devices likely feature a primary camera around 13MP, accompanied by auxiliary sensors (often 2MP depth or macro lenses) of limited utility. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over advanced features. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain on both models.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A17k’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) boasts a CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing four Cortex-A53 cores at this speed and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Tecno Pova Neo’s Helio G25 (12nm), which peaks at 2.0 GHz (4x cores) and 1.5 GHz (4x cores). While both are based on the same architecture, the higher clock speeds of the G35 translate to faster processing for tasks like app launching and web browsing. The G35’s slightly more powerful GPU will also offer a marginally better gaming experience, though neither chipset is designed for demanding titles. Both devices will likely be paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, further limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, Tecno often prioritizes large batteries in its Neo series, suggesting the Pova Neo *might* have a slightly larger capacity. Both phones feature 18W wired charging, which, while not particularly fast, is adequate for this price range. A full charge is likely to take around 2-3 hours. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo if you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery life due to its larger capacity (though not specified in the data, Tecno often focuses on battery size in this segment) and are primarily focused on very basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Oppo A17k if you value a smoother user experience, slightly improved app loading times, and a bit more headroom for casual gaming, thanks to the more powerful Helio G35 chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A17k be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with a stable but not exceptionally high frame rate. It's not designed for demanding graphics, so don't anticipate a flagship gaming experience. The Tecno Pova Neo will likely struggle even more with consistent performance.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond 18W?
No, both the Tecno Pova Neo and Oppo A17k are limited to 18W wired charging. While not the fastest available, it's standard for phones in this price range. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio G25 and G35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the higher clock speeds of the Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k will result in a more responsive user experience. You'll likely notice quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Tecno Pova Neo.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and is it expandable?
These phones generally ship with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both devices almost certainly include a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional space.
