Both the Tecno Pop 3 Plus and Motorola Moto E6 Play occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, catering to first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite similar price points, a significant difference in chipset architecture dictates performance and efficiency, making the Tecno Pop 3 Plus the more compelling option for most users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Pop 3 Plus is the clear winner. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage and improved power efficiency compared to the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.77 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180.5 g (6.38 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@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 | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | - | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 3 Plus
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22)
- Improved performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially longer battery life
- Brand recognition is lower than Motorola
- May lack certain software features found on Motorola devices
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- Established brand reputation (Motorola)
- Clean Android experience (typically)
- Wider availability in some markets
- Older, less efficient chipset (MT6739)
- Noticeably slower performance
- Shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, display quality isn't the focus here; the core difference lies in the processing power driving the UI. We can assume both will have similar brightness levels, adequate for indoor use but struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus should not be on image quality, but rather on the chipset’s ability to process images quickly. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 3 Plus will likely handle image processing tasks more efficiently, resulting in faster capture times and a more responsive camera app. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) on either device are unlikely to significantly impact overall image quality.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The Tecno Pop 3 Plus’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) represents a significant leap forward from the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the A22 can deliver comparable performance at lower power consumption. While both utilize quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs, the A22’s architecture is optimized for better sustained performance. The MT6739’s older 28nm process is inherently less efficient, leading to more heat generation and potential throttling under load. This translates to a snappier user experience on the Tecno Pop 3 Plus, particularly when multitasking or running slightly more demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Helio A22’s superior power efficiency in the Tecno Pop 3 Plus will translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. The 28nm MT6739 in the Moto E6 Play will consume more power for the same tasks, requiring more frequent charging. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the Tecno Pop 3 Plus is likely to offer comparable or better endurance due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 3 Plus if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The newer chipset provides a smoother experience. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if you absolutely prioritize brand recognition and are willing to accept a performance compromise; it may appeal to those deeply embedded in the Motorola ecosystem, but offers little advantage otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 3 Plus handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio A22 chipset in the Tecno Pop 3 Plus is sufficiently capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The improved efficiency compared to the Moto E6 Play’s MT6739 will ensure a smoother, more responsive experience, even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto E6 Play a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
While the Moto E6 Play will certainly handle calls and texts adequately, the older chipset may result in a slightly slower and less responsive user interface even for these basic functions. The Tecno Pop 3 Plus offers a more future-proof experience, even for minimal usage, due to its more efficient processor.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is designed for serious gaming. While they can run less demanding 2D games, expect significant frame rate drops and lag in more graphically intensive titles. The Helio A22 in the Tecno Pop 3 Plus will offer a marginally better gaming experience, but don't expect to play PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings.
