The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 6 Air and the Micromax In 1b aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Micromax In 1b emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 6 Air’s quad-core Helio A22. While the Spark 6 Air offers slightly faster 18W charging, the In 1b’s superior processing power makes it more capable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 30. Released 2020, August 06 | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 174.7 x 79.4 x 9.3 mm (6.88 x 3.13 x 0.37 in) | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Comet Black, Ocean Blue, Cloud White | Blue, Purple, Green |
| Models | KE6, KE6j, KF6 | E6523, E7533 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 6 Air
- Faster 18W charging (potentially)
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio A22)
- Laggy performance with multiple apps
- Limited gaming capabilities
Micromax In 1b
- More powerful processor (Helio G35)
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Better suited for casual gaming
- Slower 10W charging
- May have limited regional availability
- Camera performance likely similar to Tecno
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, contributing to a larger overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price point, expect basic image quality suitable for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick; its utility is limited by the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Micromax In 1b’s MediaTek Helio G35 is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Spark 6 Air’s Helio A22. The G35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides substantially more processing power than the A22’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the G35 are key. The A22 is designed for extremely basic tasks, while the G35 can handle more demanding applications. The In 1b will be noticeably quicker in almost all scenarios.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 6 Air supports 18W wired charging, while the Micromax In 1b is limited to 10W. This means the Spark 6 Air *could* charge faster, assuming it ships with a compatible charger (often not included). However, the In 1b compensates with reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Spark 6 Air, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. Battery capacity isn’t specified for either, but given the target market, we can estimate around 4000-5000mAh for both. The In 1b’s more efficient chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life despite the slower charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 6 Air if your primary need is a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and very light social media use, and you prioritize slightly faster charging. Buy the Micromax In 1b if you want a more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming video, or playing casual games, and you value overall performance over marginally quicker charging speeds. The In 1b is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax In 1b be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio G35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Micromax In 1b should be able to run PUBG Mobile at low to medium settings with a playable framerate. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Tecno Spark 6 Air would struggle significantly more with this title.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 6 Air support fast charging out of the box, or do I need to buy a separate charger?
The Tecno Spark 6 Air supports 18W charging, but it's common for manufacturers in this price range to include a slower charger in the box. You may need to purchase a separate 18W charger to take full advantage of the faster charging speed.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Micromax In 1b useful for everyday use?
The reverse charging feature is a convenient addition, especially if you frequently travel or find yourself needing to top up a friend's phone or wireless earbuds. While it won't fully charge another device, it can provide a significant boost in emergency situations.
