The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air and Motorola Moto E6 Play represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison focuses on the core performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets, and how those differences translate to real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air is the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s older, 28nm MT6739, despite the slightly lower clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 9.3 mm (6.42 x 3.08 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 (~72.9% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), HIOS 5.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Aqua Blue | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | - | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22, 12nm)
- Likely smoother performance in apps
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Brand recognition is lower than Motorola
- May lack certain software features found on Motorola devices
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- Established brand reputation (Motorola)
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Wider availability in some markets
- Older, less efficient chipset (MT6739, 28nm)
- Slower performance in most tasks
- Higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, display quality isn't a differentiating factor in the provided specs. The focus here is on the internal hardware impacting the user experience *driving* the display, not the display itself.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The MT6739’s image signal processor (ISP) is older and less capable than the A22’s, meaning the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air is likely to produce slightly better image quality, even with similar sensors. Expect limited low-light performance from both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a more modern design than the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm process node is significantly more efficient, meaning the A22 generates less heat and consumes less power for the same level of performance. While the MT6739 has a slightly higher clock speed (1.5 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), the architectural improvements and process node advantage of the A22 will result in smoother performance in most tasks. The A22’s architecture is better suited for modern Android Go or lightweight Android skins, while the MT6739 may struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on software optimization and usage patterns. While the mAh capacity isn't provided, the Helio A22’s superior power efficiency gives the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air an advantage. The 12nm process allows it to deliver comparable battery life with a potentially smaller battery, or longer battery life with a similar capacity. The MT6739’s less efficient design will drain the battery faster under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s a better option for users who anticipate using their phone for more than just calls and texts. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and you prioritize a well-established brand reputation over raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Air struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio A22 chipset in the Pouvoir 3 Air is generally sufficient for running social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The 12nm process helps maintain performance even with multiple apps open, unlike the older MT6739 which may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto E6 Play a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Moto E6 Play is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its MT6739 chipset can handle calls and texts without issue. However, be aware that its performance will be limited if you attempt to use more demanding apps or multitask frequently.
❓ Does the older chipset in the Moto E6 Play mean it will become unusable quickly?
Not necessarily 'unusable,' but the Moto E6 Play will likely feel increasingly slow as Android updates are released and apps become more demanding. The Helio A22 in the Pouvoir 3 Air offers more headroom for future software updates and app compatibility.
