The Tecno Spark 5 Air and Motorola Moto E6i represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Spark 5 Air relies on a Mediatek quad-core processor, while the Moto E6i boasts an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison dives deep into the implications of these core differences, alongside other key specs, to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and responsiveness, the Motorola Moto E6i is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite being built on a 28nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core chipset, making it more suitable for running multiple apps and handling everyday tasks smoothly.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 05. Released 2020, July | 2021, February 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 x 0.36 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 | - | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.0% 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 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.0 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Titanium Gray, Pink |
| Models | KD6a | XT2053-5 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Tecno Spark 5 Air
- Potentially simpler software experience.
- May have slightly better standby battery life due to lower processor demands.
- Likely more affordable.
- Quad-core processor will struggle with multitasking.
- Slower overall performance.
- No charging information provided.
Motorola Moto E6i
- Octa-core processor delivers smoother performance.
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- Better suited for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- 28nm process may result in slightly higher power consumption.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Unisoc chipset may have less software support.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in display quality, given their price point. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are not provided, but both likely feature basic LCD panels. The absence of details suggests neither phone will offer vibrant colors or high brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Motorola Moto E6i’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), offering significantly more processing threads than the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s Mediatek quad-core processor. While the Unisoc chip is fabricated on a 28nm node – a relatively older process – the sheer number of cores provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The Cortex-A55 cores are efficient, but the E6i’s configuration will outperform the Spark 5 Air in most scenarios. RAM details are missing for both, but it's reasonable to assume both will have 2GB or 3GB, further emphasizing the processor's importance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Moto E6i includes 10W wired charging, which, while slow by modern standards, is a feature absent from the provided information for the Tecno Spark 5 Air. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process may consume slightly more power than a more modern, but unspecified, Mediatek chip. However, the E6i’s charging capability allows for quicker top-ups, potentially mitigating any efficiency differences. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the E6i’s charging advantage is a notable benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize simplicity. Its lower processing demands may translate to slightly better standby battery life. Buy the Motorola Moto E6i if you frequently switch between apps, enjoy casual gaming, or anticipate needing to run multiple applications simultaneously. The octa-core processor provides a more fluid and responsive user experience, justifying a slight potential trade-off in standby time.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E6i struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Moto E6i’s octa-core processor should handle WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. While not a powerhouse, the additional cores provide enough headroom for these commonly used applications, offering a smoother experience than the Tecno Spark 5 Air’s quad-core processor.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset reliable and well-supported?
Unisoc chipsets have improved in recent years, but generally receive less software support and updates compared to Mediatek or Qualcomm. While the SC9863A is a capable processor for basic tasks, users should be aware that long-term software support may be limited.
❓ Can the Moto E6i handle light gaming, like casual puzzle games?
Yes, the Moto E6i should be capable of handling light gaming, such as puzzle games or simple arcade titles. The octa-core processor provides a performance boost over the Tecno Spark 5 Air, making it a more suitable option for casual gaming sessions. However, demanding 3D games are likely to be unplayable.
