The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 5X and Motorola Moto E6i aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a key difference lies under the hood: the Moto E6i boasts an octa-core processor, while the Pop 5X relies on a quad-core chip. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto E6i is the superior choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a significantly smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the Tecno Pop 5X’s quad-core Unisoc SC9832E. While both phones are entry-level, the E6i’s processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2021, February 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Available. Released 2021, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 155.6 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.13 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Titanium Gray, Pink |
| Models | - | XT2053-5 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Likely the most affordable option
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Significantly slower performance due to quad-core processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Lower responsiveness
Motorola Moto E6i
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Improved multitasking and app loading speeds
- 10W wired charging support
- Slightly higher price point
- May have slightly shorter battery life (depending on usage)
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+. Expect similar levels of color accuracy and brightness. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but rather on basic readability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. However, given their market segment, expectations should be tempered. Both likely feature a primary rear camera, potentially accompanied by a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and ambient lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be limited. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; the sensor size and image processing algorithms are more critical factors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E6i’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU configuration – four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 5X’s Unisoc SC9832E, which has a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. The E6i’s octa-core design allows for more efficient multitasking and better handling of demanding applications. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural advantage of the E6i’s CPU will translate to a more fluid user experience. The E6i will likely exhibit less lag when switching between apps and loading content.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for the Tecno Pop 5X. The Moto E6i supports 10W wired charging. Given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The E6i’s 10W charging, while not fast, will provide a reasonable recharge time. Without knowing the Pop 5X’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to definitively state which offers superior endurance, but the E6i’s charging capability provides a tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Motorola Moto E6i if you prefer a more responsive user experience, frequently switch between apps, or occasionally engage in light gaming. The E6i’s extra processing cores offer a noticeable improvement in overall usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E6i struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Moto E6i is an entry-level phone, its octa-core processor should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5X suitable for playing mobile games?
The Tecno Pop 5X is not ideal for gaming. Its quad-core processor will likely struggle with most modern mobile games, resulting in low frame rates and lag. The Moto E6i would offer a slightly better experience, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage details are limited, but both phones likely come with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Crucially, both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited internal storage.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both the Tecno Pop 5X and Motorola Moto E6i likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and storage. This helps ensure a smoother experience on these entry-level phones.
