The Motorola Moto E30 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Moto E30 leverages the Unisoc T700, while the Redmi 10C opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Moto E30’s Unisoc T700. The faster 18W charging also offers a more convenient user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 03 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 03 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 9.1 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Water repellent design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2xX.x GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T700 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mineral gray, Digital blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | XT2158-6 | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Motorola Moto E30
- Potentially lower price point
- Large 5000mAh battery (estimated)
- Simple and clean Android experience
- Less powerful Unisoc T700 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely limited gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Better multitasking and app performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- MIUI software can be resource intensive
- Similar camera performance to Moto E30
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Redmi 10C’s slightly larger screen size (typically 6.53 inches vs the Moto E30’s 6.5 inches) may offer a marginally more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring a primary camera and supplementary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 generally offers better image processing capabilities than those found in Unisoc chipsets. This could result in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Redmi 10C’s photos. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant improvements in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Motorola Moto E30’s Unisoc T700. The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 680 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, leading to sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores (2.4 GHz) are clocked higher and utilize a more modern architecture than the Moto E30’s Cortex-A75 cores (X.x GHz). This means the Redmi 10C will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease. The Unisoc T700 will likely struggle with graphically intensive games or running multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries around the 5000mAh mark, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Moto E30’s slow 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and improving overall convenience. While battery capacity is important, the faster charging speed of the Redmi 10C makes it the more practical choice for users who are frequently on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E30 if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The Redmi 10C is the better all-rounder for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process and efficient design minimize heat generation. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant throttling, unlike the Unisoc T700 in the Moto E30 which is more prone to overheating under load.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically lack the detail and clarity to produce truly impressive macro shots. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, noisy images.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With its 18W charging, the Redmi 10C should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Moto E30’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
The Redmi 10C *generally* supports VoLTE and VoWiFi, but compatibility depends on your carrier. Check with your mobile provider to confirm support in your region. The Moto E30's support is also carrier-dependent, but the Redmi 10C is more likely to have wider compatibility.