The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pop 9 and Motorola Moto E22s both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Pop 9 boasts a newer, more efficient chipset, while the Moto E22s relies on a slightly older platform. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pop 9 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Moto E22s’ Helio G37 (12nm). While the Moto E22s offers a slightly more established brand reputation, the Pop 9’s superior processing power and faster charging make it the better overall value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 24 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 08 | Available. Released 2022, October 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 185 g (6.53 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 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow | Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black |
| Models | KL4 | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Tecno Pop 9
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Less established brand reputation
- Display details are unknown
Motorola Moto E22s
- Familiar Motorola brand
- Potentially more readily available in certain markets
- Simple and clean Android experience
- Generally reliable build quality
- Slower and less efficient Helio G37 chipset
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Likely struggles with demanding apps
- Older CPU architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on internal components. The absence of information suggests both likely utilize basic LCD panels. The real differentiator will be software optimization for color accuracy and brightness, which is difficult to assess without hands-on testing. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (potentially a 2MP macro on the Moto E22s, which offers limited practical benefit). Image quality will heavily depend on software processing. The Dimensity 6300’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Pop 9 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is speculative. Expect both to perform adequately in well-lit conditions but struggle in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 9’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Motorola Moto E22s’ Helio G37 (12nm). The 6nm process translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. The Dimensity 6300’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the Moto E22s’ 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Pop 9 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. The Moto E22s will likely struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Tecno Pop 9’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Moto E22s’ 10W charging. This faster charging speed will drastically reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency will likely result in longer real-world battery life for the Pop 9, especially during moderate to heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and future-proofing. The Dimensity 6300 will handle multitasking and app loading with greater ease. Buy the Motorola Moto E22s if you prefer a more familiar brand experience and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and aren't concerned with demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Dimensity 6300 is a step up, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. PUBG Mobile may be playable at lower settings, but demanding titles like Call of Duty will likely require significant compromises in graphics quality and frame rates. The Moto E22s will struggle even more with these games.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto E22s receive regular software updates and security patches?
Motorola's update track record for budget devices is often inconsistent. While the Moto E22s will likely receive at least one major Android update, timely security patches are not guaranteed. The Tecno Pop 9's update support is also uncertain, but both brands typically prioritize newer models.
❓ Is the 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 a significant advantage for battery life?
Yes, the 6nm process is a substantial improvement over the 12nm process used in the Helio G37. A smaller process node generally translates to lower power consumption for the same level of performance, resulting in longer battery life and reduced heat generation.
