The Tecno Pop 7 and Motorola Moto G Play (2023) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing basic connectivity above all else. Both devices aim to deliver smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but differ in internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best value for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 7, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive, despite both sharing the same slow 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2022, December 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, December 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 203 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Deep Indigo |
| Models | BF6 | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 |
| Price | - | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 |
Tecno Pop 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic smartphone functionality
- May include features not found on the Moto G Play (dependent on regional variants)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Likely limited RAM and storage
- Poor camera performance
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G37 chipset
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Better overall performance for everyday tasks
- Still slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Limited software update support
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Motorola provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither prioritizes display quality; expect basic color reproduction and limited viewing angles. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices to minimize manufacturing costs. Without specific brightness data, it's safe to assume neither will excel in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Moto G Play (2023) likely features a primary camera sensor, but details are scarce. The Tecno Pop 7’s camera specifications are similarly unknown. Both devices likely include secondary cameras (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) that offer minimal practical benefit. Image processing will be basic, resulting in soft details and limited dynamic range. Users should not expect high-quality photos or videos from either device.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) holds a significant advantage with its Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 chipset. This octa-core processor, built on a 12nm process, features a cluster of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 7, which lacks publicly available chipset information, suggesting a significantly less powerful processor. The Helio G37’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times, making it better suited for even light gaming. The 12nm node, while not cutting-edge, is more efficient than older, larger nodes likely used in the Pop 7.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pop 7 and Motorola Moto G Play (2023) are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a slow charging experience. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Tecno Pop 7, the Moto G Play (2023) has a 5000mAh battery. Expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours with either device. The larger battery in the Moto G Play, combined with the more efficient Helio G37 chipset, should translate to slightly longer battery life during typical usage, but both will require daily charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible upfront cost and you only need a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) if you value a slightly more responsive user experience, even for simple apps, and are willing to spend a little more for a more capable chipset. The G Play offers a better balance of usability and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset in the Moto G Play (2023) is sufficient to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a usable experience for these core applications, unlike the likely slower performance of the Tecno Pop 7.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) with the included 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) to take approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours with the included 10W charger. The 5000mAh battery capacity, combined with the slow charging standard, results in a lengthy charging time. The Tecno Pop 7 will likely have a similar charging duration.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) handle basic mobile games?
The Moto G Play (2023) can handle basic mobile games, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Helio G37 is capable of running less demanding titles, but more graphically intensive games will likely require reduced settings and may still experience lag. The Tecno Pop 7 will struggle even with simpler games.
