The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova Slim arrives with a focus on performance thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and offers a choice between a Helio G80 or Exynos 850 processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Tecno Pova Slim is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6400 offers a significant leap over the Galaxy A14’s Helio G80 variant, and the 45W charging is substantially faster. However, Samsung’s software support and established ecosystem make the A14 a compelling choice for those valuing reliability and brand trust.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 02 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 08 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), fiber-reinforced plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 6 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.24 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | - |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2720 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~440 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 57 min
10W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 15W wired |
| Type | 5160 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Slim White, Cool Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | KM9 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | ₹ 20,999 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pova Slim
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6400)
- Much faster 45W charging
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Less established brand reputation
- Software update support may be limited
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung’s brand recognition and ecosystem
- Potentially better software update support
- Larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh)
- Slower processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Significantly slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device is a display standout. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Galaxy A14’s display size is typically 6.6 inches, while the Pova Slim is slightly smaller. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to declare a winner, but Samsung generally offers better color calibration even on its budget devices. The Pova Slim’s smaller size may appeal to users preferring a more compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both phones targeting the entry-level segment. The Galaxy A14 often features a 50MP main sensor, while the Pova Slim’s main sensor resolution is not specified, but is likely comparable. The A14’s inclusion of a dedicated macro lens (typically 2MP) is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will differ – Samsung typically aims for vibrant, saturated colors, while Tecno’s processing may be more natural. Without detailed camera samples, it’s difficult to definitively assess image quality.
Performance
This is where the Tecno Pova Slim pulls ahead significantly. The Dimensity 6400, built on a 6nm process, is demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the Galaxy A14’s Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, provide a substantial performance boost over the A14’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The Exynos 850 variant of the A14 offers a slight improvement over the Helio G80, utilizing an 8nm process, but still falls short of the Dimensity 6400’s capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Pova Slim.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A14 typically features a 5000mAh battery, providing solid all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Tecno Pova Slim’s 45W charging is a game-changer. It can reach 100% charge in approximately 57 minutes, significantly faster than the A14’s 15W charging. The Pova Slim also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. While the A14’s larger battery capacity offers a theoretical advantage, the Pova Slim’s faster charging mitigates any concerns about battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Slim if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing on a tight budget, and value rapid charging. You’ll benefit from a more responsive experience and less time tethered to a wall outlet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prioritize a familiar Android experience, long-term software updates, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in some Galaxy A14 models overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is a relatively efficient chip, but it can experience thermal throttling during extended gaming. While it won't reach critical temperatures, performance may dip slightly after 30-60 minutes of demanding gameplay. The Tecno Pova Slim’s Dimensity 6400, with its more efficient 6nm process, is less prone to throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. You'll likely get better results cropping into a photo taken with the main 50MP sensor.
❓ Can the Tecno Pova Slim handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (90fps)?
The Dimensity 6400 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but achieving a consistent 90fps may require lowering the graphics settings. The phone’s thermal management will play a crucial role in maintaining stable frame rates during extended gaming sessions. Expect a playable experience, but don't anticipate consistently maxed-out settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A14 from 0% to 100%?
With its 15W charging, the Samsung Galaxy A14 typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Tecno Pova Slim’s 45W charging, which can achieve a full charge in under an hour.
