The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel S23 and Motorola Moto G23 aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Moto G23 prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more powerful chipset, while the itel S23 focuses on a streamlined experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G23 is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the itel S23’s Unisoc T606, and the 30W charging is a game-changer for convenience. While the itel S23 is a capable device, the Moto G23 offers a more responsive and user-friendly experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, AP/MEA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 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 | 2023 | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 8 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.31 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mystery White | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | S665L, S665LN | XT2333-1 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 80 EUR |
itel S23
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Slower processor (Unisoc T606)
- Significantly slower charging (10W)
- Likely limited gaming performance
Motorola Moto G23
- Faster processor (Helio G85)
- Much faster charging (30W)
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have more bloatware (typical of Motorola)
- Camera performance likely similar to itel S23
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, the focus here is on performance. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or brightness. However, the overall user experience will likely be similar, geared towards functional viewing rather than immersive media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications (sensor size, aperture), a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely employ budget sensors. The absence of information suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The focus will likely be on computational photography to enhance image quality, but the underlying sensor limitations will be apparent. It's safe to assume both phones will offer acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G23 holds a clear advantage in performance thanks to its MediaTek Helio G85. The G85 features a slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 core (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz on the Unisoc T606), translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets use the same Cortex-A75/A55 architecture, the higher clock speeds and potentially more efficient GPU in the Helio G85 will be noticeable in gaming and demanding applications. The Unisoc T606 in the itel S23 is adequate for basic tasks, but will likely struggle with more intensive workloads.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G23’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage over the itel S23’s 10W charging. This difference dramatically impacts usability. The Moto G23 can top up its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The itel S23’s 10W charging will require significantly longer to reach a full charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S23 if you prioritize simplicity and are on an extremely tight budget, and don't anticipate heavy multitasking or gaming. It's a functional device for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you value faster performance, quicker charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a little more. It’s the better option for users who want a phone that can handle everyday tasks with ease and offers a bit more headroom for gaming.
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 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Unisoc T606 in the itel S23 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With 30W charging, the Motorola Moto G23 should fully charge in approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on battery capacity. The itel S23’s 10W charging will likely take 3-4 hours for a full charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G23 have a lot of bloatware?
Motorola phones are known to include some pre-installed apps (bloatware). While not excessive, users may want to uninstall some of these apps to free up storage space and improve performance. The itel S23 may have less bloatware, but this can vary by region.
