The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Cubot C28 against the Motorola Moto G23, two contenders aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. While the Cubot C28 lacks publicly available specifications, we'll analyze it within the context of its likely market positioning and compare it to the well-defined Motorola Moto G23.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known chipset and reliable performance, the Motorola Moto G23 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 offers a demonstrable performance advantage, and the 30W charging is a significant convenience. The Cubot C28 remains an unknown quantity without detailed specs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, AP/MEA |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - AP/MEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 58.3 x 46.1 x 13.3 mm (2.30 x 1.81 x 0.52 in) | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Water-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 390 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.02 inches | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128Mb | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired |
| Type | 410 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | - | XT2333-1 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Cubot C28
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer unique features not found on the Moto G23 (speculation)
- Could be a good option for basic smartphone needs
- Lack of publicly available specifications
- Uncertain performance and software support
- Potentially lower build quality
Motorola Moto G23
- Known and reliable Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- 30W fast charging
- Established brand reputation and software support
- LCD display isn't as vibrant as OLED
- Camera performance is adequate but not exceptional
- May be slightly more expensive than the Cubot C28
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Cubot C28, we can only assume it utilizes a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. The Motorola Moto G23 likely features a 6.5-inch LCD, typical for the segment. The absence of information regarding refresh rate or peak brightness on the Cubot C28 suggests it won't compete with higher-end displays. The Moto G23's display, while not exceptional, benefits from Motorola's color calibration, offering a more accurate viewing experience. Bezels are likely comparable, being relatively substantial on both devices to maintain affordability.
Camera Comparison
The camera capabilities are difficult to assess for the Cubot C28 due to a lack of specifications. The Motorola Moto G23 likely features a 50MP main sensor, a common configuration in this price range. While sensor size and aperture are unknown, the 50MP resolution allows for detailed images in good lighting conditions. The Moto G23 likely includes auxiliary cameras, potentially a macro and depth sensor, but these are typically of limited utility. Image processing on the Moto G23 benefits from Motorola’s software optimizations, resulting in more natural-looking photos. The Cubot C28’s camera performance is entirely speculative without further information.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G23’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) chipset is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable boost over the likely entry-level processor found in the Cubot C28. The G85’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and more responsive app launches. The 12nm process node, while not the most advanced, offers a reasonable balance between performance and power efficiency. Without knowing the Cubot C28’s chipset, it’s safe to assume it will struggle with demanding tasks and may exhibit noticeable lag. The Moto G23 is better suited for casual gaming and everyday use.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G23’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for a much faster recharge time compared to the likely 10W-15W charging found on the Cubot C28. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed of the Moto G23 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. A full charge on the Moto G23 is likely achievable in under 90 minutes, while the Cubot C28 could take upwards of 3 hours. This difference in charging speed significantly impacts usability for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C28 if you need a potentially ultra-budget option and are willing to accept uncertainty regarding performance and software support. It may appeal to users who prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you prefer a balanced experience with a known chipset, faster charging, and a more established brand reputation, making it ideal for daily use and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G85 in the Moto G23 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't deliver the highest graphical fidelity, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights.
❓ What type of charging port does the Motorola Moto G23 use?
The Motorola Moto G23 utilizes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. This is a modern standard offering faster data speeds and reversible connectivity compared to older Micro-USB ports.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G23 receive regular software updates?
Motorola provides a reasonable level of software support for the Moto G23, including security patches and occasional Android version updates. However, the update schedule isn't as frequent or long-lasting as some other brands like Samsung or Google.
❓ Given the lack of specs for the Cubot C28, what should I consider before purchasing it?
Before buying the Cubot C28, carefully research user reviews and look for independent testing data. Pay close attention to reports on battery life, performance, and software stability. Be prepared for potential compromises in these areas due to the device's ultra-budget positioning.
