The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C51 and Motorola Moto G23 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme C51 leverages the Unisoc Tiger T612, while the Moto G23 opts for the MediaTek Helio G85. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better CPU performance and faster charging, the Motorola Moto G23 emerges as the winner. Its Helio G85 chipset, with a marginally higher clock speed, provides a small edge in responsiveness. However, the Realme C51 remains a viable option for those seeking a balanced experience and potentially better software support within the Realme ecosystem.
| 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 - Africa, 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, July 24 | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Water-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI T | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
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 | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min | 30W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Carbon Black | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | RMX3830 | XT2333-1 |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C51
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially better software support (Realme UI)
- Slightly more streamlined user experience
- Slightly slower CPU performance
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software optimization
Motorola Moto G23
- Marginally faster CPU performance (Helio G85)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- MediaTek chipset generally has wider software compatibility
- Slightly slower charging speed (30W)
- Motorola’s software can be more bloated
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and refresh rate are missing, but the focus here is on performance. The absence of high refresh rates on both suggests a prioritization of battery life over visual fluidity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable, typical of budget devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key indicator of low-light performance; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will allow more light to reach the sensor. Motorola’s image processing tends towards more natural colors, while Realme often boosts saturation for a more vibrant look.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G23’s MediaTek Helio G85 features a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz on the Realme C51’s Unisoc Tiger T612). While both utilize the same Cortex-A75 and A55 core configuration, the 100MHz difference in the A75 cores can translate to a noticeable, albeit small, performance boost in demanding applications. Both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, meaning thermal efficiency will be comparable. The G85’s slightly more powerful GPU may offer a marginally better gaming experience, but neither phone is designed for graphically intensive titles. RAM configurations are crucial here, and any differences in LPDDR version or speed would further impact performance.
Battery Life
The Realme C51 supports 33W wired charging, claiming a 0-50% charge in 28 minutes. The Motorola Moto G23 offers 30W wired charging. While the wattage difference is small, the Realme C51’s slightly faster charging speed could be beneficial for users who frequently need a quick power boost. Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The efficiency of the chipset and display will ultimately determine real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C51 if you prioritize a clean, streamlined software experience and are comfortable with a slightly slower processor. It's ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light multimedia consumption. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you need a bit more processing power for occasional gaming or multitasking, and value the slightly faster charging capabilities. It's a better fit for users who push their phones a little harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51 struggle with multitasking compared to the Helio G85?
While both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Helio G85 in the Moto G23 has a slight edge in multitasking due to its marginally higher CPU clock speed. Users who frequently switch between apps or run multiple apps simultaneously may notice a smoother experience on the Moto G23.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the 33W Realme C51 and the 30W Motorola Moto G23?
The 3W difference in charging wattage isn't massive, but the Realme C51's claim of 0-50% in 28 minutes suggests a slightly faster charging cycle. For users who prioritize quick top-ups, this could be a deciding factor. However, both phones should still provide adequate charging speeds for overnight charging.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at reasonable settings?
Both phones can likely run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to compromise on graphics settings. Expect to play at medium or low settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Moto G23’s slightly more powerful GPU may offer a marginally better gaming experience, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
