The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go, powered by the newer Mediatek Dimensity 6400, enters the arena challenging the established Motorola Moto G Play (2023) and its Helio G37 chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the most bang for your buck, focusing on performance, charging, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark Go is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6400 chipset offers a significant performance leap over the Moto G Play’s Helio G37, despite the latter’s slightly lower price point. The faster charging also adds to the Spark Go’s appeal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 14 | 2022, December 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2022, December 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 203 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Ink Black, Turquoise Green | Deep Indigo |
| Models | KM8 | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 |
Tecno Spark Go
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6400)
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better thermal management
- May be slightly more expensive
- Specific display specs unknown
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Likely lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower processor (Helio G37)
- Slower 10W charging
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference will likely be brightness and color accuracy, areas where Tecno often demonstrates incremental improvements. Bezels are expected to be similar, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume a comparable viewing experience, leaning slightly towards the Tecno Spark Go due to brand tendencies.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests a primary sensor around 13-50MP on both, but the image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6400 likely provides superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance for the Tecno Spark Go. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. The G37’s ISP is older and less capable.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark Go’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Motorola Moto G Play’s 12nm Helio G37. The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.5 GHz) offer significantly higher single-core performance than the G37’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.3 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Dimensity 6400’s more efficient 6nm node also implies better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The G37’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are older architecture and will struggle with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Tecno Spark Go’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Moto G Play’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-ups, reducing downtime. Even if the Moto G Play has a slightly larger battery capacity, the faster charging of the Spark Go will likely result in a more convenient user experience. The 6nm Dimensity 6400’s efficiency also contributes to potentially better battery life under load, offsetting any capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and games, and value faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a device that will remain responsive for longer. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) if your primary needs are basic communication, light social media use, and you prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost, accepting compromises in processing power and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 6400 is a significant step up from the Helio G37 and should allow for playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings. However, don't expect flagship-level performance; you may need to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic apps?
Yes, the Moto G Play (2023) is well-suited for basic usage. Its Helio G37 chipset is sufficient for everyday tasks like making calls, sending texts, browsing the web, and using social media apps. It prioritizes affordability and simplicity over raw performance.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With 18W charging, the Tecno Spark Go should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) with its 10W charging will likely take 3-4 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark Go support software updates for a long period?
Tecno's software update commitment is typically shorter than Motorola's. While the Spark Go will likely receive security patches, major Android version updates may be limited to one or two cycles. Motorola generally offers more consistent software support.
