The Motorola Moto E22i and Tecno Spark 8C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Mediatek Helio G37-powered Moto E22i and the Unisoc T606-equipped Tecno Spark 8C, helping you determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 8C offers a slightly better overall experience. While the Moto E22i benefits from Motorola’s cleaner software, the Unisoc T606’s CPU architecture provides a noticeable performance edge in multi-tasking and app loading times, making it a more responsive daily driver.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 16 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 11 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| 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) | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 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) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED lash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4020 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Winter White | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray |
| Models | - | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k |
| Price | About 90 EUR | - |
Motorola Moto E22i
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Motorola’s software reputation (potentially better updates)
- Reliable brand recognition
- Less powerful processor compared to the Tecno Spark 8C
- Potentially slower app loading times
- Limited gaming capabilities
Tecno Spark 8C
- More powerful Unisoc T606 processor
- Improved multi-tasking and app responsiveness
- Better CPU architecture for everyday tasks
- Tecno’s software can include bloatware
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Brand perception may be lower than Motorola
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize panels with similar resolutions and likely IPS LCD technology, given their price bracket. However, detailed display specs are unavailable. The focus here shifts to processing power, as the display is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones expected to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13MP mark, supplemented by auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Tecno often employing aggressive sharpening algorithms. Users shouldn't expect exceptional low-light performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E22i features the Mediatek Helio G37, utilizing four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The Tecno Spark 8C, conversely, employs the Unisoc T606, featuring a more modern architecture with two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. This architectural difference is crucial: the Cortex-A75 cores in the T606 offer significantly higher single-core performance than the A53 cores in the G37, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. While both are 12nm chips, the Unisoc T606’s CPU configuration provides a tangible advantage in real-world usage.
Battery Life
Both devices feature modest battery capacities, and the charging speeds are equally conservative. The Moto E22i offers 10W wired charging, while the Tecno Spark 8C’s charging speed is not specified but is likely similar. Given the relatively low-power chipsets, both phones should comfortably last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. The actual 0-100% charge time will likely be around 2.5-3 hours for both.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E22i if you prioritize a near-stock Android experience and value Motorola’s reputation for software updates, even if limited. This is ideal for users who dislike bloatware and prefer a simple, uncluttered interface. Buy the Tecno Spark 8C if you prioritize responsiveness and a more capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming. This phone is better suited for users who frequently switch between apps or need a bit more processing power for social media and streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 8C struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
The Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 8C is capable of handling social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant issues. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, the Cortex-A75 cores provide enough processing power for smooth scrolling and video playback. The Moto E22i’s Helio G37 may exhibit occasional lag when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Is the software on the Motorola Moto E22i significantly cleaner than on the Tecno Spark 8C?
Yes, Motorola is known for providing a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. The Tecno Spark 8C, on the other hand, typically includes pre-installed apps and customizations. If a clean, uncluttered interface is a priority, the Moto E22i is the better choice. However, the bloatware on the Tecno Spark 8C can often be uninstalled.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones can *run* these games, but performance will be limited to low settings and potentially lower frame rates. The Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 8C will offer a slightly smoother experience due to its more capable CPU, but don't expect a high-fidelity gaming experience on either device. Frame drops and lag are likely to occur during intense gameplay.
