The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova, with its focus on raw processing power, clashes with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R, which prioritizes efficiency and modern architecture. This comparison breaks down which device offers the best balance of features and performance for everyday users and mobile gamers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers superior efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Tecno Pova’s older Helio G80. While the Pova offers a slightly more aggressive CPU clock speed, the 12R’s architecture and power efficiency win out in real-world usage.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 03. Released 2020, October 16 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 171.2 x 77.6 x 9.4 mm (6.74 x 3.06 x 0.37 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 7.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP or 16 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Speed Purple, Dazzle Black | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | LD7, LD7j, MZ-TECNO LD7 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Tecno Pova
- Potentially higher peak CPU clock speed for basic tasks.
- Aggressive pricing may make it the cheapest option.
- May appeal to users prioritizing raw CPU power over efficiency.
- Older, less efficient Helio G80 chipset.
- Likely to throttle under sustained load.
- Shorter battery life compared to the Redmi Note 12R.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset (4nm).
- Better sustained performance and less throttling.
- Power Delivery (PD) charging support.
- Likely longer battery life.
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speed.
- May be marginally more expensive than the Tecno Pova.
- Display likely similar to the Pova in terms of quality.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the Redmi Note 12R benefits from the chipset’s integrated display engine, potentially offering better color calibration and image processing. The Pova’s older chipset may struggle to deliver the same visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and both will likely target 60Hz refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar budget camera setups. The Redmi Note 12R’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will likely offer superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Pova’s older ISP may struggle to keep up, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both will include a primary sensor and depth/macro lenses, but the quality of those secondary sensors will be minimal on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi Note 12R pulls ahead significantly. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a generation ahead of the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm). The 4nm process node is crucial; it translates to significantly lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, leading to less throttling during demanding tasks. While the Pova’s Helio G80 features a 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 core, the Redmi Note 12R’s 2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores offer a more modern architecture and improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock). The 12R also benefits from potentially faster RAM speeds (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR4 on the Pova, though not confirmed), further enhancing responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, but the Redmi Note 12R’s Power Delivery (PD) support offers greater compatibility with a wider range of chargers. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s efficiency is the real differentiator here. Despite potentially having a similar battery capacity (specs missing), the 12R will likely achieve longer screen-on time and overall battery life due to its lower power consumption. The Pova’s Helio G80 will drain the battery faster under load, requiring more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova if you prioritize maximizing CPU performance for basic tasks and are less concerned with long-term sustained performance or power efficiency. It's a good option for users who primarily use their phone for light social media, calls, and basic apps. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a smoother, more responsive experience, better battery life, and a more modern chipset that will likely receive software updates for a longer period. It’s ideal for users who multitask, enjoy mobile gaming, and want a phone that feels future-proofed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pova overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Tecno Pova’s Helio G80 is prone to throttling under sustained load. While it can handle short gaming sessions, expect frame rate drops and noticeable heat buildup during extended gameplay. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will maintain more consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R support fast charging beyond 18W, and what's the typical 0-100% charge time?
While both phones support 18W charging, the Redmi Note 12R’s Power Delivery (PD) support allows it to work with a wider range of chargers, including those offering higher wattage. A full 0-100% charge with an 18W PD charger will likely take around 2-2.5 hours. Using a higher wattage PD charger (if supported by the phone) could reduce this time.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio G80 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s more efficient architecture and faster processing speeds result in a smoother and more responsive experience, even in everyday tasks. Apps will launch quicker, multitasking will be more fluid, and scrolling will feel less laggy on the Redmi Note 12R.
