The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Doogee X98 and Motorola Moto G23 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The X98 prioritizes affordability, while the Moto G23 attempts to offer a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G23 is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, and the 30W charging is a substantial advantage. While the Doogee X98 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are too significant for all but the most basic users.
| 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 - Europe, AP/MEA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, November | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 10 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.00 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 | - | 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 (~81.4% 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (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 | 16GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Emerald Green, Ocean Blue, Graphite Gray | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | - | XT2333-1 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Doogee X98
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer standby time (due to less powerful processor)
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely slow charging speeds
- Inferior camera quality
Motorola Moto G23
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 30W fast charging
- Better gaming capabilities
- Higher price than Doogee X98
- May not have the absolute longest standby time
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Doogee X98, it's likely a basic IPS LCD. The Moto G23 also uses an IPS LCD, but the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The X98's older processor may struggle with animations and scrolling compared to the G23.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Doogee X98, it's safe to assume a basic camera setup focused on affordability. The Moto G23 likely features a more refined camera system, though details are needed to assess its true capabilities. The G85’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will offer better image processing than the A22, resulting in improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 30W charger on the G23 suggests a focus on user experience, which often extends to camera software and features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee X98's MediaTek Helio A22, with its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, is designed for basic tasks. The Motorola Moto G23’s Helio G85 is a substantial upgrade, featuring an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This architecture allows the G23 to handle multitasking and more demanding applications with significantly less lag. The G85 also includes a more capable GPU, making it the clear winner for gaming, even if it's limited to less graphically intensive titles. The G23’s CPU architecture is a generational leap forward, offering a more responsive and fluid experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Motorola Moto G23’s 30W wired charging is a major advantage. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the likely 10W or 15W charging on the Doogee X98. Even with a similar battery capacity, the G23 will spend less time tethered to a charger, offering greater convenience. The G85’s improved efficiency may also contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X98 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to calls, texts, and very light browsing. It's a functional device for those on a strict budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and occasional gaming. The G23 offers a better balance of features and performance for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G23 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Moto G23 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to use low to medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly better than the Doogee X98's Helio A22 for gaming.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Moto G23 a significant improvement over standard charging?
Yes, 30W charging is a substantial improvement. It will significantly reduce the time it takes to charge the phone from 0% to 100%, likely taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, compared to potentially 3+ hours with a slower charger. This is a major convenience factor.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Helio A22 and Helio G85 in everyday use?
You'll notice a significant difference. The Helio G85's octa-core architecture and more powerful cores will result in smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio A22 will struggle with even moderately demanding tasks.
❓ Does the Doogee X98 have any advantages over the Moto G23 besides price?
The Doogee X98's primary advantage is its lower price. It might also have slightly longer standby time due to the less power-hungry processor, but this is offset by the significantly slower performance when actively using the phone.
