The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 5 and Motorola Moto E7i Power aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Motorola leveraging a more modern, albeit still entry-level, chipset while the Tecno opts for a simpler, older architecture. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring eight Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core Cortex-A7. While both phones prioritize battery life, the Motorola’s more efficient processor contributes to longer real-world usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 380 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5
- Potentially the lowest possible price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks.
- Significantly slower performance than the Motorola.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Likely limited software support.
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- More responsive performance thanks to the octa-core processor.
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life.
- Potential for slightly better software support.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Camera performance will still be limited.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 5.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this segment) with limited color accuracy. The absence of display specifications necessitates assuming both utilize basic LCD technology. The Motorola’s potential advantage lies in its chipset’s ability to handle slightly more complex display drivers, potentially resulting in marginally smoother animations, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The market segment suggests a primary sensor around 5-8MP on each, likely accompanied by a low-resolution depth or macro sensor (which are often of limited practical use). Image processing will be minimal, resulting in photos with limited dynamic range and detail, especially in low-light conditions. The Motorola may have a slight edge due to its more capable chipset being able to handle basic image processing algorithms more efficiently.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU is based on an older ARM architecture. In contrast, the Motorola Moto E7i Power’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core configuration with four 1.6 GHz and four 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A55 is a more efficient and capable architecture than the A7, and the eight cores provide substantial multitasking benefits. While neither chipset is designed for demanding games, the Motorola will handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and app switching with noticeably less lag. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip, while not cutting-edge, is still more efficient than what the A7 likely uses, contributing to better thermal management.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize battery life. The Motorola Moto E7i Power includes 10W wired charging, which, while slow, is standard for this price range. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Motorola’s more efficient Unisoc chipset will likely translate to longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity battery, as it consumes less power during typical usage. Expect both phones to easily last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible upfront cost and you primarily need a device for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the benefit of a more modern chipset and slightly better potential for future software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Motorola Moto E7i Power’s octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset should handle Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. Expect some occasional lag when scrolling through image-heavy feeds or loading videos, but it should be usable for most users. The Tecno Pop 5 will likely exhibit more noticeable lag with these apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Motorola Moto E7i Power slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. However, given the likely battery capacity (3000-4000mAh) and the focus on long battery life, overnight charging is a viable option.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games. However, don't expect to play demanding 3D titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Motorola Moto E7i Power will offer a slightly smoother experience with simpler games due to its more powerful processor.
