The Tecno Pova Neo and Pova Neo 2 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering impressive features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is the clear winner. While both offer good value, the Neo 2's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost, making it smoother for gaming and multitasking. Both share similar battery and charging capabilities.
| 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 | 2022, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2022, October 03 |
| 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) | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 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) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (LG6n only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | LG6n |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Affordable price
- Large battery
- Decent display for the price
- Underpowered chipset
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- Improved performance (Helio G85)
- Better gaming experience
- Responsive UI
- Slightly higher price than Neo
- Camera still not flagship-level
- 18W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a large 6.6-inch display, probably with an HD+ resolution. While the Neo 2 *might* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, the difference is unlikely to be substantial enough to be a deciding factor. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 13MP-16MP. The Neo 2 *may* have slightly improved image processing due to its more powerful chipset, resulting in marginally better photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Neo 2 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Neo 2. The Neo struggles with demanding games, while the Neo 2 can handle them at playable settings.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova Neo is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, better gaming performance, and a more responsive user interface, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Pova Neo 2 worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Helio G85 makes a significant difference in everyday use and gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, around a full day of moderate use. There's no significant difference.
❓ Can the Tecno Pova Neo handle gaming?
The Neo can handle basic games, but struggles with more demanding titles. The Neo 2 is a much better choice for gaming.
