The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Spark 30C and Motorola Moto G14 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components – chipset, charging, and overall performance – to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Tecno Spark 30C edges out the Moto G14. While both phones share the same CPU core configuration, the Helio G81’s slightly more mature architecture and potentially better GPU performance give it a small advantage. However, the Moto G14’s availability with 20W charging in India is a significant benefit for those seeking faster top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Panda glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 161.5 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass (market/region dependent) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired
20W wired (India) |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0 | Steel Gray, Sky Blue, Butter Cream, Pale Lilac |
| Models | kl5, kl5n | PAYF0010IN |
| Price | $ 131.27 / € 149.99 | $ 190.00 / £ 89.99 / € 149.90 |
Tecno Spark 30C
- Potentially better GPU performance with the Helio G81.
- More mature chipset with potentially better software optimization.
- 18W charging offers a reasonable charging speed.
- Charging speed is slower than the Moto G14 (India version).
- Detailed specifications are limited.
Motorola Moto G14
- Clean software experience typical of Motorola.
- 20W charging available in India for faster top-ups.
- Unisoc T616’s 12nm process *could* offer slightly better efficiency.
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization compared to Mediatek.
- 15W charging (outside India) is slower than the Tecno Spark 30C.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over professional-grade color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will likely lean towards vibrant colors and boosted contrast to appeal to a wider audience.
Performance
Both the Tecno Spark 30C and Motorola Moto G14 are equipped with an octa-core CPU featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the chipset differs: the Tecno uses the Mediatek Helio G81, while the Motorola employs the Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm). While the core configuration is identical, the Helio G81 has been available longer, potentially benefiting from more software optimization. The Unisoc T616’s 12nm process *could* indicate slightly better power efficiency, but this advantage is likely minimal in real-world usage. The GPU performance is where the Helio G81 may have a slight edge, offering a smoother experience in graphically demanding applications. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is the likely standard for both.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Tecno Spark 30C supports 18W wired charging, while the Motorola Moto G14 offers 15W wired charging globally, but a faster 20W option in India. This means the Moto G14 in India will achieve a 0-100% charge significantly faster than the Tecno Spark 30C or the global Moto G14. The actual battery life will depend on the battery capacity and software optimization, but the faster charging speed of the Moto G14 (in India) provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 30C if you need a phone that feels consistently responsive during multitasking and light gaming, and you aren't overly concerned with the absolute fastest charging speeds. Buy the Motorola Moto G14 if you prioritize a clean software experience, and especially if you are in India where the 20W charging option is available, offering quicker power refills for on-the-go users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Moto G14 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the CPU core configuration is identical to the Helio G81, the Unisoc T616’s GPU is likely less powerful. Expect to play PUBG Mobile at medium settings with moderate frame rates. The Tecno Spark 30C may offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 30C fast enough for daily use?
18W charging is adequate for overnight charging or topping up during downtime. However, it will take considerably longer to fully charge the phone compared to the 20W charging option available on the Moto G14 in India. If quick charging is a priority, and you are in India, the Moto G14 is the better choice.
❓ How does Motorola's software compare to Tecno's in terms of bloatware?
Motorola is known for offering a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Tecno, on the other hand, typically includes a custom UI with pre-installed apps. Users who prefer a cleaner software experience will likely prefer the Motorola Moto G14.
