The Tecno Pop 4 and Motorola Moto E6 Play represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both prioritize affordability above all else, but key differences in their underlying hardware can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the Motorola Moto E6 Play emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, clocked at 1.5 GHz, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Tecno Pop 4’s 1.3 GHz processor, making everyday tasks feel smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 24 | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.37 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 | - | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.1% 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 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 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 | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Dawn Blue | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | BC2c, BC1s | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 4
- Likely the most affordable option
- May include features like FM radio (common in this segment)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor camera performance
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- More powerful Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Slightly smoother user experience
- More established brand reputation
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited in terms of performance
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize basic LCD panels. The Moto E6 Play’s chipset, being slightly more capable, *may* allow for marginally better image processing, but the difference will be minimal. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy and viewing angles will be limited on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. Any marketing around 'macro' lenses on either phone should be viewed with extreme skepticism; a 2MP macro sensor offers minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions, and detail will be lacking. The Moto E6 Play’s slightly more powerful chipset *might* allow for marginally faster image processing, but the sensor itself is the primary limiting factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Motorola Moto E6 Play’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. This is a more mature architecture than the Tecno Pop 4’s unnamed quad-core processor running at 1.3 GHz. While both are entry-level, the MT6739’s higher clock speed and more efficient architecture translate to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 28nm process also suggests slightly better power efficiency. The Tecno Pop 4’s processor will likely struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. Neither device is likely to offer all-day battery life with heavy use. The Moto E6 Play’s chipset, while more powerful, is also built on a 28nm process, which can impact efficiency. Without knowing the battery capacity of the Tecno Pop 4, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the MT6739’s efficiency gains could offset a slightly smaller battery capacity in the Moto E6 Play, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 4 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept compromises in performance. It’s suitable for extremely light usage – calls, texts, and very occasional browsing. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks, and appreciate the benefits of a more established chipset architecture, even if the difference isn't massive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Moto E6 Play capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739 is sufficient for running basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. It's not designed for intensive multitasking.
❓ Will either of these phones receive Android updates?
It's highly unlikely that either the Tecno Pop 4 or the Motorola Moto E6 Play will receive significant Android updates. Both are entry-level devices and typically have limited software support from the manufacturer. They may have launched with Android Go Edition, which is optimized for low-end hardware.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto E6 Play handle basic mobile games?
The Moto E6 Play can handle very basic 2D mobile games, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding titles. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may encounter stuttering or lag. It's best suited for simple games like Candy Crush or Snake.
