The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pova and the Realme 10T aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Pova focuses on providing a functional experience, while the 10T prioritizes a more modern chipset for improved performance. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 10T is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant performance and efficiency advantage over the Tecno Pova’s Helio G80. While both charge at 18W, the 10T’s superior chipset translates to smoother multitasking and gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 03. Released 2020, October 16 | 2023, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 171.2 x 77.6 x 9.4 mm (6.74 x 3.06 x 0.37 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 7.0 | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP or 16 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, f/2.8, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Speed Purple, Dazzle Black | Electric Black, Dash Blue |
| Models | LD7, LD7j, MZ-TECNO LD7 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Tecno Pova
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery life for light users
- Outdated Helio G80 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Likely inferior gaming performance
Realme 10T
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- 6nm process for better thermal management
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- Improved image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- 18W charging is relatively slow
- Display specs are not exceptional
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the Realme 10T’s chipset allows for potentially better image processing, leading to slightly more vibrant colors. The absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) means we can only infer that the experience will be similar, leaning towards the 10T due to its processing power.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both devices likely feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors). The Realme 10T’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), integrated within the Dimensity 810, will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pova’s G80-based ISP will be less capable, potentially leading to softer images and more noise. We anticipate the 10T to deliver more consistently pleasing photos.
Performance
This is where the Realme 10T truly shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Pova’s Helio G80 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and sustained performance during demanding tasks. The 10T’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also outpaces the Pova’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Pova’s G80 is adequate for everyday use, but will struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (around 2-3 hours for a full charge). While battery capacity isn't specified, the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency in the Realme 10T means it will likely deliver longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Tecno Pova. The 6nm process reduces power draw during both active use and standby, giving the 10T an edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova if you prioritize a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Realme 10T if you want a more responsive experience for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and are willing to spend a little more for a more efficient and powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 10T’s Dimensity 810 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 810 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Tecno Pova’s Helio G80, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered fast charging in 2024?
No, 18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Many smartphones now offer 33W, 65W, or even faster charging speeds. Expect both the Tecno Pova and Realme 10T to take around 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Helio G80 and the Dimensity 810?
The difference will be noticeable in almost all tasks. The Dimensity 810’s more modern architecture and higher clock speeds result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. Gaming will be significantly improved on the Realme 10T.
❓ Are there any known overheating issues with the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Realme 10T?
The Dimensity 810 is generally well-regarded for its thermal efficiency, especially compared to older chipsets. While it can get warm during prolonged gaming sessions, it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling or overheating issues under normal usage conditions.
