The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova Neo and Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Pova Neo relies on MediaTek’s Helio G25, while the Redmi 10 Power leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides noticeably better performance and thermal management compared to the Tecno Pova Neo’s Helio G25. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi 10 Power’s chipset efficiency translates to better real-world battery endurance.
| 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, 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, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| 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) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 9.1 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Geek blue, Powehi | Sporty Orange, Power Black |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Inferior performance compared to Snapdragon 680
- Less efficient chipset leads to shorter battery life
- Likely struggles with demanding apps and games
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Improved camera image processing
- Longer battery life due to 6nm process
- Slightly higher price compared to Tecno Pova Neo
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones
- 18W charging isn't the fastest available
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. We lack specific display specs, but the Redmi 10 Power’s Snapdragon 680 ISP likely supports better image signal processing for potentially improved camera performance through the display. The Pova Neo’s Helio G25, while capable, is less sophisticated in this regard. Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 680’s image signal processor (ISP) gives the Redmi 10 Power an edge. Qualcomm ISPs are generally known for superior image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and various auxiliary lenses (potentially including a 2MP macro), the Redmi 10 Power is more likely to produce sharper, more detailed, and dynamically ranged photos. The Pova Neo’s Helio G25 ISP will likely result in softer images with less detail.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Pova Neo’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – also provides a clock speed advantage over the Pova Neo’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi 10 Power. The Helio G25 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (around 2-3 hours for a full charge). However, the Redmi 10 Power’s more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset will translate to significantly better battery life. The 6nm process consumes less power than the Helio G25’s 12nm process, meaning the Redmi 10 Power will likely last longer on a single charge, even with similar usage patterns. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the chipset efficiency is the deciding factor here.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Neo if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, and you prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power if you want a more responsive experience for everyday use, occasional gaming, and appreciate a chipset that’s more future-proof and efficient, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10 Power handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10 Power is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience, unlike the Tecno Pova Neo, which will likely struggle with these titles.
❓ How much of a difference will the 6nm process make in real-world battery life on the Redmi 10 Power?
The 6nm process on the Snapdragon 680 is a significant advantage. Expect roughly 10-20% longer battery life compared to the Tecno Pova Neo’s Helio G25 (12nm) under similar usage conditions. This translates to potentially several extra hours of use on a single charge.
❓ Is the camera on the Redmi 10 Power good enough for casual photography?
The Redmi 10 Power’s camera, powered by the Snapdragon 680’s ISP, is perfectly adequate for casual photography in good lighting conditions. It will produce sharper, more detailed images than the Pova Neo, and its image processing will handle dynamic range better. Don't expect flagship-level results, but it's a solid performer for everyday snapshots.
❓ Does the Tecno Pova Neo support fast charging beyond 18W?
No, the Tecno Pova Neo is limited to 18W wired charging. While not exceptionally slow, it's not considered fast charging by today's standards. The Redmi 10 Power also supports 18W, so there's no advantage here, but the Redmi 10 Power's chipset efficiency means you'll be charging it less frequently.
