Motorola Moto E6i vs Moto E6s (2020): A Detailed Budget Showdown

The Motorola Moto E series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, but choosing between models can be tricky. Today, we're pitting the Moto E6i against the Moto E6s (2020) to see which offers the best value for your money. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto E6s (2020) edges out the E6i thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better performance. While both are budget options, the E6s provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more responsive feel. The E6i remains a viable choice if price is the absolute top priority.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto E6i Motorola Moto E6s (2020)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, February 112020, March 17. Released 2020, April 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, February 11Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions155.6 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.13 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)155.6 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.13 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight160 g (5.64 oz)160 g (5.64 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPUIMG8322PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition)Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-5 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR , panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired-
Stand-by-Up to 288 h (3G)
Talk time-Up to 10 h (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAhLi-Po 3000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsTitanium Gray, PinkPeacock Blue, Sunrise Red
ModelsXT2053-5XT2053, XT2053-2
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 240 EUR
SAR-0.36 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)    

Motorola Moto E6i

  • Very affordable
  • Decent display
  • Lightweight design

  • Weak performance
  • Older chipset
  • Slow charging (10W)

Motorola Moto E6s (2020)

  • Better performance than E6i
  • More efficient chipset
  • Slightly better battery life

  • Still a budget phone
  • Basic camera features
  • 10W charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ (720 x 1520) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the E6s (2020) might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potential panel variations. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.

Camera Comparison

The Moto E6i typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the E6s (2020) often has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor as well. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the E6s (2020) might have a slight edge in low-light performance due to potential software optimizations. Both phones offer basic video recording capabilities.

Performance

This is where the E6s (2020) takes a clear lead. Its MediaTek Helio P22 chipset (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the E6i. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the E6s. The E6i will struggle with more demanding tasks.

Battery Life

Both phones are equipped with a 3000mAh battery. However, the more efficient Helio P22 chipset in the E6s (2020) allows it to deliver slightly better battery life than the E6i. Expect a full day of moderate usage from both devices.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Moto E6i is ideal for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic communication and light usage. The Moto E6s (2020) is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive phone for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming, without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto E6i good for gaming?
No, the Moto E6i's chipset is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle very basic games, but expect low frame rates and lag.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Motorola generally provides timely software updates. However, both phones are likely to receive limited updates beyond Android 10. The E6s (2020) might receive slightly longer support due to its newer release date.