The Nokia C2 Tennen and Motorola Moto E6 Play represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to provide basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the Nokia C2 Tennen emerges as the slightly better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a smaller 16nm process, offers a performance advantage over the older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739 in the Moto E6 Play, despite the slightly lower clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 15 | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) | 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.77 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 77.0 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 500 entries | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | VGA | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 3 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Steel | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | - | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2 Tennen
- More efficient chipset (Mediatek Helio A22)
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Likely longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by its entry-level hardware
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable brand reputation (Motorola)
- Older, less efficient chipset (Mediatek MT6739)
- Slower performance and potential throttling
- Shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature low-resolution panels, likely 720p+, given their price bracket. However, display details are not provided in the context data. Considering Motorola's history, the E6 Play may have slightly better color calibration, but the Nokia C2 Tennen's newer chipset *could* support a marginally more efficient display driver. The absence of information prevents a definitive statement.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given the market segment, both likely feature basic 5MP or 8MP main sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos, with limited success in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C2 Tennen’s Mediatek Helio A22 (16nm) is a clear upgrade over the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The smaller fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. While the A22 has a 2.0 GHz clock speed compared to the MT6739’s 1.5 GHz, the architectural improvements of the A22 are more impactful. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, even though both utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. The MT6739’s larger process node will likely result in more heat generation under load, potentially leading to performance throttling. Users who intend to run multiple apps or even moderately demanding games will find the Nokia C2 Tennen a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Nokia C2 Tennen’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset, built on a 16nm process, will contribute to longer battery life compared to the Moto E6 Play’s 28nm MT6739. While both support 10W wired charging, the Nokia C2 Tennen’s improved power efficiency means it will likely reach a full charge slightly faster and sustain usage for a longer duration on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 Tennen if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks, such as light multitasking or running updated versions of social media apps, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and very light app usage – and you prioritize a potentially lower price point, accepting the performance limitations of its older processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C2 Tennen handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
The Nokia C2 Tennen, with its Helio A22 chipset, is better equipped to handle social media apps than the Moto E6 Play. While it won't offer a fluid experience, it should provide acceptable performance for browsing feeds and posting updates. The Moto E6 Play may struggle with these apps, especially with multiple tabs or background processes running.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto E6 Play a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Motorola Moto E6 Play is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its older chipset is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and managing contacts. However, if you anticipate using any apps beyond these core functions, the Nokia C2 Tennen offers a more future-proof experience.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern mobile games?
Neither phone is suitable for playing demanding mobile games. While simple 2D games might be playable at low settings, the Helio A22 and MT6739 chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities to handle modern 3D titles. Expect significant lag and low frame rates.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Nokia C2 Tennen likely ships with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware. The Motorola Moto E6 Play likely runs a near-stock version of Android, but may not receive significant software updates. Both offer a basic Android experience.
