The Tecno Pova Neo and vivo Y21t represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Pova Neo leans on a larger form factor and a MediaTek Helio G25, while the Y21t opts for Qualcomm’s more efficient Snapdragon 680. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y21t emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and superior power efficiency compared to the Tecno Pova Neo’s 12nm Helio G25. While both offer 18W charging, the Y21t’s added reverse wired charging is a convenient bonus.
| 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, 40 |
| 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, January 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| 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) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Geek blue, Powehi | Midnight Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | V2135 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Potentially larger display size (unconfirmed)
- Aggressive pricing may make it the cheapest option
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful and less efficient Helio G25 chipset
- Likely inferior camera performance
- No reverse charging capability
vivo Y21t
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Better battery life due to 6nm process
- Convenient reverse wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the Pova Neo
- Potentially smaller display size (unconfirmed)
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution or refresh rate suggests neither prioritizes display quality. The Y21t’s potential for better image processing from the Snapdragon 680 *could* translate to slightly more vibrant colors, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a detailed camera comparison is impossible. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Y21t. The Pova Neo will likely struggle more in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21t’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) significantly outperforms the Tecno Pova Neo’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). The 6nm process node allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in less heat generation and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – offers a clear clock speed advantage over the Pova Neo’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Y21t. While both are 4G capable, the Snapdragon 680’s modem is generally more reliable.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency gives the vivo Y21t a significant advantage in battery life. The 6nm process consumes less power than the 12nm Helio G25, meaning the Y21t will likely last longer on a single charge with similar usage patterns. The Y21t also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices – a feature absent on the Pova Neo.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo if you prioritize a potentially larger display (though screen size isn't specified in the data) and are comfortable with a slightly less refined user experience. It's a viable option for very basic smartphone tasks. Buy the vivo Y21t if you value smoother performance, better battery life due to the more efficient chipset, and the added convenience of reverse wired charging. It’s the superior all-rounder for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pova Neo struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G25 is a basic chipset and will likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on low settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and lag, especially during intense action. The Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y21t will provide a significantly better gaming experience, though still not ideal for high-end graphics.
❓ Does the vivo Y21t's reverse charging feature work with all devices?
The vivo Y21t’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is compatible with most devices that charge via USB-C or Micro-USB using a standard cable. However, charging speeds will be slow, and it’s best suited for topping up smaller devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, not fully charging a smartphone.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable in everyday tasks?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 680’s superior processing power will result in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface compared to the Tecno Pova Neo. This difference will be particularly noticeable when multitasking or using demanding apps.
