つつ(も)・ながらも: the difference
つつ(も)N2
Meaning
Even while ~ing, Even though ~ing, Despite ~ing, Although ~ing
Past papers
Tested 2 times in past papers
Example
斜めになりつつもなんとか持ちこたえたジェンガ。
Despite becoming slanted, the Jenga tower somehow held out.
ながらもN3
Meaning
But, Even while, Even though, Despite, Although
Past papers
Tested 5 times in past papers
Example
すこし狭いながらも楽しい我が家。
Although it is a bit small, it is a happy home.
How to tell them apart
Close to 「ながら(も)」, but 「つつ(も)」 only follows verbs, never a noun or an adjective directly.
「ながら(も)」 allows 「子供ながら」 (though a child) and 「狭いながら」 (though small); neither can be replaced by 「つつ」.