The Motorola Moto E22 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which device offers the best overall experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Moto E22’s Helio G37. The 18W charging also significantly reduces downtime, making it ideal for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 16 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 11 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | - |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (32GB 3GB RAM model only) | Yes (KH7n only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4020 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astro Black, Crystal Blue | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | - | KH7, KH7n |
| Price | About 100 EUR | - |
Motorola Moto E22
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Reliable brand reputation
- Potentially more efficient power consumption in very light tasks
- Inferior chipset performance
- Slower charging speed
- Less capable GPU for gaming
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Better GPU for casual gaming
- Tecno’s UI can be bloated with pre-installed apps
- Potentially less refined camera image processing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature primary sensors around the 13MP mark, paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Tecno often employing aggressive sharpening and saturation. The Moto E22 will likely aim for a more natural look. Given the price point, low-light performance will be a challenge for both devices. Focusing on the chipset’s ISP capabilities, the G85’s image signal processor is likely more advanced, potentially offering better noise reduction and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Moto E22’s Helio G37 (12nm). The G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the G37 uses four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the G37’s higher clock speed on the A53 cores might offer a slight advantage in sustained, multi-threaded tasks, the G85’s architecture is more efficient and better suited for modern Android workloads. The G85’s GPU will also provide a more enjoyable gaming experience, even if limited to lower settings.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. However, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Moto E22’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While battery life will be comparable under similar usage scenarios, the faster charging speed makes the Tecno Spark 9 Pro more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E22 if you prioritize a familiar, minimalist Android experience and are primarily focused on basic communication and light tasks. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you value performance for casual gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. It’s the better choice for users who demand more from their budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 9 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It’s not a dedicated gaming phone, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers, unlike the Moto E22 which will struggle more noticeably.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto E22 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Motorola has improved its software update cadence, but the Moto E22, being a budget device, is unlikely to receive the same level of support as higher-end models. Expect fewer major Android version updates and potentially delayed security patches compared to brands like Samsung or Xiaomi.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 vs A53) noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Cortex-A75 cores in the Tecno Spark 9 Pro’s Helio G85 provide a significant boost in single-core performance. This translates to faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience when switching between applications. The Moto E22’s Cortex-A53 cores are older and less efficient.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With its 18W charging, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Moto E22’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely around 3.5-4 hours to reach 100%.
