The Xiaomi Redmi 8A and Motorola Moto E6 Play represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a rock-bottom cost, but they achieve this with vastly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance, battery life, or simply getting the most for their money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739. While both phones are entry-level, the Redmi 8A offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 25. Released 2019, September 30 | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.77 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 77.0 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Sunset Red | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | MZB8458IN, M1908C3KG, M1908C3KH | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.23 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 89901 (v8)
GeekBench: 3030 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- May be slightly more expensive than the Moto E6 Play
- Camera performance likely still limited by budget sensors
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Slow processor leads to sluggish performance
- Inefficient chipset impacts battery life
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi 8A’s more powerful processor will contribute to a more responsive user interface, even if the panel itself is similar in quality to the Moto E6 Play’s.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is unavailable. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. However, the Redmi 8A’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It’s unlikely either phone will excel in low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, an octa-core processor fabricated on a 12nm process, significantly outperforms the Motorola Moto E6 Play’s MediaTek MT6739, a quad-core processor built on a less efficient 28nm node. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Redmi 8A. The 12nm process also implies better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. The Cortex-A53 cores are present in both, but the sheer number and process node advantage favor the Redmi 8A.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi 8A’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Moto E6 Play likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging. This means the Redmi 8A can be charged much faster, reducing downtime. The Snapdragon 439’s improved efficiency also contributes to potentially better battery life, even if the battery capacities are similar. The 12nm process reduces power consumption, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks, such as social media and messaging. The Snapdragon 439 offers a better experience for multitasking and running slightly more demanding apps. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if your primary need is a simple, reliable device for calls and texts, and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. The E6 Play will suffice for the most basic smartphone functions, but expect limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 8A handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8A provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of common social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Multitasking between these apps will also be noticeably better than on the Moto E6 Play.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Moto E6 Play sufficient for basic web browsing?
The Moto E6 Play’s Mediatek MT6739 can handle basic web browsing, but expect slower page loading times and occasional lag, especially on content-heavy websites. It’s suitable for simple tasks, but not ideal for a seamless browsing experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi 8A with the 18W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the Redmi 8A’s 18W charging will likely take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full charge, significantly faster than the Moto E6 Play which could take 4+ hours with a standard charger.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
Neither phone is well-suited for PUBG Mobile. While the Redmi 8A might be able to run it at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops, the Moto E6 Play will struggle even with minimal graphics settings. These phones are best suited for less demanding games.
