The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X70, powered by the Mediatek Helio G99, aims for performance, while the Motorola Moto G52 leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 for a balance of efficiency and features. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and occasional gaming, the Cubot X70 is the better choice thanks to its Helio G99 chipset. However, the Motorola Moto G52 offers a more refined experience with its 30W charging and potentially better software optimization, making it ideal for everyday tasks and longer battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.3 x 10.2 mm (6.5 x 2.96 x 0.40 in) | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 100 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Space Black | Charcoal Gray, Porcelain White |
| Models | - | XT2221-1, XT2221-2 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 470 EUR |
Cubot X70
- Potentially higher CPU performance with the Helio G99
- More powerful GPU for gaming
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
- Software optimization may be less refined
Motorola Moto G52
- 30W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better battery life due to Snapdragon 680 efficiency
- Motorola’s generally cleaner software experience
- Lower CPU performance compared to the Cubot X70
- Less capable GPU for demanding games
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 6nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on efficiency over pushing display boundaries. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the Moto G52's brand reputation suggests a potentially more color-accurate panel. The absence of high refresh rates on either device indicates a cost-saving measure, prioritizing battery life over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature modest camera systems. The Snapdragon 680 typically offers excellent image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The Cubot X70’s Helio G99 also has a capable ISP, but Motorola’s software optimization often provides a more consistent camera experience. Expect both phones to include a standard macro lens, which are often of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot X70’s Mediatek Helio G99, with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, offers a noticeable CPU performance advantage over the Motorola Moto G52’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores are architecturally superior to the Kryo 265 Gold, translating to faster single-core performance. However, the Snapdragon 680’s more efficient architecture and 6nm process may result in better sustained performance under heavy load, minimizing thermal throttling. The G99's focus is on maximizing clock speeds, while the 680 prioritizes power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G52’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage. While the Cubot X70’s charging speed is unspecified, it’s unlikely to match the Moto G52. This translates to significantly faster top-up times for the Motorola. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the Snapdragon 680’s efficiency suggests the Moto G52 will likely offer longer battery life despite potentially having a similar or even slightly smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X70 if you need a phone capable of handling moderately demanding games and applications, and you're willing to trade some battery life for that performance boost. Buy the Motorola Moto G52 if you prioritize all-day battery life, faster charging speeds, and a generally smoother experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot X70 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G99 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 680 in the Moto G52 will likely require even more significant compromises in graphical fidelity.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G52 with the 30W charger?
While the exact time depends on the battery capacity (which is currently unknown), 30W charging should allow you to go from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-90 minutes, a significant improvement over slower charging standards.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 known for overheating during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 680 is specifically designed for efficiency and typically runs cool. It's less prone to overheating than more powerful chipsets, making it a good choice for extended gaming or video streaming sessions.
❓ Does the Cubot X70 support software updates and security patches?
Cubot's software update track record is less consistent than Motorola's. While the X70 will likely receive some updates, don't expect the same level of long-term support as you'd get with a Motorola device.
