Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers on essential features? The Tecno Pova Neo and Pova 2 are strong contenders, offering large displays, long battery life, and competitive pricing. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova 2 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both offer impressive battery life, the Pova 2's improved processor makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | LTE |
| 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 | 2021, June 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 173.3 x 78.8 x 9.6 mm (6.82 x 3.10 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.9 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 7000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Geek blue, Powehi | Polar Silver, Power Blue, Dazzle Black |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | LE7, LE7n |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Extremely affordable
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Decent display for the price
- Underpowered chipset
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Tecno Pova 2
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G85)
- Improved gaming performance
- Good battery life
- Slightly better display
- Slightly more expensive than the Pova Neo
- Camera still not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely 720+ HD). The Pova 2 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, probably a 16MP main camera with additional depth and macro sensors. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be similar, with both phones struggling to capture detailed images. The Pova 2's better processor *might* allow for slightly improved image processing.
Performance
This is where the Pova 2 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the Pova Neo. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Pova 2. The Pova Neo will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life. Expect both devices to easily last a full day of moderate use, and potentially longer with lighter usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so charging times will be similar.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova Neo is ideal for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly option for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Tecno Pova 2 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and more demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pova 2 worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and a smoother user experience, the Pova 2's Helio G85 chipset makes it a worthwhile upgrade over the Pova Neo.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have excellent battery life thanks to their 6000mAh batteries. Expect similar usage times.
❓ Can I play games on the Tecno Pova Neo?
You can play basic games on the Pova Neo, but performance will be limited. The Pova 2 is a much better choice for gaming.