The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Motorola Moto G31 and Tecno Spark 8 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G31 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 8’s Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. While both offer similar 10W charging, the G31’s more efficient processor translates to better overall battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 02 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | KG6, KG6k, MZ-TECNO KG6k | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Tecno Spark 8
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak processor performance
- Slow charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Motorola Moto G31
- Noticeably better performance with Helio G85
- More efficient processor for longer battery life
- Potentially better software support
- Still slow 10W charging
- Budget camera system
- May be slightly more expensive than the Spark 8
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the G31’s slightly larger target market suggests a potentially larger screen size, which could be beneficial for media consumption. However, without concrete data, this remains speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the G31’s slightly larger target market and Motorola’s generally more refined software could translate to marginally better image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality from these sensors is typically poor. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is more important, and the G31’s more powerful processor could aid in image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G31’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Tecno Spark 8’s Helio P22 (12nm). The G85 utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A75 configuration alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering considerably better sustained performance than the P22’s all-Cortex-A53 setup. The A75 cores provide a boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness, while the G85’s GPU is also more capable, enabling smoother gaming experiences. The P22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards. A full charge will likely take over two hours. However, the Moto G31’s more efficient Helio G85 chipset will consume less power during typical usage, resulting in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. The G85’s architecture allows it to handle tasks more efficiently, reducing the strain on the battery and extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 8 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute affordability. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G31 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate a slightly more modern processor architecture that will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Moto G31 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Moto G31’s Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the Tecno Spark 8 will struggle significantly with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Moto G31’s more efficient processor will mean it consumes less power *while* charging, but the charging speed itself is the limiting factor.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G85 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G85 offers a smoother and more responsive experience when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Helio P22 can feel sluggish, especially when multitasking.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Motorola generally provides more consistent software updates than Tecno, even for their budget devices. This means the Moto G31 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even Android version upgrades, extending its usable lifespan.
