Energizer U680S vs. Motorola Moto G Play (2023): A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Energizer U680S and Motorola Moto G Play (2023) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Energizer relying on an older, power-efficient chipset, while the Motorola opts for a newer, albeit still entry-level, processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Energizer U680S’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm), translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Energizer may offer slightly better battery life due to its less powerful processor, the Moto G Play’s overall performance makes it the more practical option.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer U680S Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 / 1900
Launch
Announced2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q32022, December 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, December 12
Body
Build-Plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions-167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Micro-SIMNano-SIM
Weight-203 g (7.20 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm26.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUIMG8322PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple13 MP, AF 2 MP VGA16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.05.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Po 7000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, BlackDeep Indigo
Models-XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4
PriceAbout 120 EUR$ 54.00 / C$ 129.00

Energizer U680S

  • Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset
  • Lower price point (potentially)
  • Simple, straightforward user experience

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Outdated chipset architecture
  • Limited multitasking capabilities

Motorola Moto G Play (2023)

  • Faster and more responsive performance
  • More modern chipset (Helio G37)
  • Better multitasking capabilities

  • Slower 10W charging
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
  • Basic camera system

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, or brightness are absent for the Energizer U680S, suggesting a basic LCD. The Moto G Play (2023) also utilizes a standard LCD. The key difference lies in processing power; the Helio G37’s GPU will likely handle display rendering slightly more efficiently, resulting in smoother scrolling and transitions. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable for both, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The Moto G Play (2023) likely benefits from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP), which may offer slightly better image processing capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Moto G Play is largely inconsequential; its limited resolution and fixed focus make it unlikely to produce usable images. Focusing on the main sensor’s performance is more relevant.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) features the Mediatek Helio G37, built on a 12nm process, with a CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Energizer U680S’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with its 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The smaller fabrication process and higher clock speeds of the Helio G37 translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Moto G Play will handle demanding tasks with greater ease. The older Unisoc chip will struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously.

Battery Life

The Energizer U680S, with its less power-hungry Unisoc SC9863A chipset, may offer slightly longer battery life under light usage. However, the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) compensates with a more efficient processor overall. The Moto G Play’s 10W wired charging is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging. The Energizer’s charging speed is unspecified, but likely similar. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable during sustained use, such as video playback or gaming, where the Helio G37 will consume more power.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer U680S if your primary need is extended battery life and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. You’ll appreciate its efficiency. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking. The Helio G37 offers a significant performance boost for everyday use, even with its 10W charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G37 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings (balanced graphics, medium frame rate). Expect some frame drops during intense action. The Energizer U680S would likely struggle even at the lowest settings, making the Moto G Play the better choice for casual gaming.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Moto G Play (2023) a significant drawback?
10W charging is slow compared to modern standards, taking several hours to fully charge the device. However, given the phone's likely smaller battery capacity and typical usage patterns, it's manageable. Overnight charging is recommended. The Energizer U680S's charging speed is unknown, but is unlikely to be significantly faster.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage details are not provided in the context data. However, budget phones in this segment typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card support for expansion. Checking the product listing is crucial to confirm the exact storage configuration.