The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 30 and Motorola Moto G23 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily diverging in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and smoother multitasking, the Motorola Moto G23 is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35. While the Cubot offers a potentially lower price point, the Moto G23’s improved processing power justifies the likely small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, AP/MEA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - AP/MEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Water-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | 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 | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | - | XT2333-1 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Cubot Note 30
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely long battery life due to power-efficient chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Slow charging speeds
Motorola Moto G23
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 30W fast charging
- More modern chipset architecture
- Likely slightly higher price
- Battery life may be marginally shorter due to more powerful processor
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over premium display features. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided for the Cubot Note 30, but given its price point, it likely features a lower-resolution IPS LCD. The Moto G23, similarly, is expected to have a standard IPS LCD. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device indicates a focus on minimizing cost rather than delivering a visually stunning experience. Bezels are likely comparable, being relatively standard for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (likely including a depth or macro sensor). Given the price segment, image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over advanced features like HDR or night mode. The Moto G23 may benefit from slightly more refined image processing algorithms due to Motorola’s software optimization, but the primary determinant of image quality will be the sensor size and lens aperture – data not provided for either device. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Note 30’s MediaTek Helio P35 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This is an older architecture, optimized for power efficiency but lacking in raw performance. The Motorola Moto G23, however, features the Helio G85, which incorporates two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural improvement, offering substantially better single-core performance – crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the G85’s architecture translates to a smoother experience, especially when multitasking. The Moto G23’s chipset is better suited for light gaming, while the P35 will struggle with more demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the Cubot Note 30, but it’s likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Moto G23’s advantage lies in its 30W wired charging. While battery capacity is likely similar, the faster charging significantly reduces downtime. A full charge on the Moto G23 will likely take under 90 minutes, while the Cubot Note 30, lacking fast charging, could take upwards of 3 hours. This difference in charging speed is a significant convenience factor for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 30 if you primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are extremely price-sensitive. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone usage. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. The G23’s faster processor and 30W charging offer a more modern and convenient experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G23 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 in the Moto G23 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the Motorola Moto G23 in everyday tasks like opening apps and browsing the web?
The Moto G23’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable improvement in responsiveness. App launch times will be quicker, web pages will load faster, and multitasking will feel smoother compared to the Cubot Note 30. The difference is most apparent when switching between multiple apps.
❓ Is the lack of fast charging on the Cubot Note 30 a major drawback?
Yes, the significantly slower charging time on the Cubot Note 30 is a considerable inconvenience. If you frequently use your phone throughout the day, the Moto G23’s 30W charging will save you a substantial amount of time and frustration.
❓ What type of storage does the Moto G23 use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, Motorola typically uses eMMC storage in this price range. The Moto G23 does include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional space.
