The Ulefone Note 15 and Motorola Moto G23 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Ulefone prioritizes affordability above all else, while the Motorola attempts to balance cost with a more modern chipset and faster charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Moto G23 is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Ulefone Note 15’s MT6580A, making everyday tasks and even light gaming noticeably smoother. While the Ulefone is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - AP/MEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 18 | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.19 x 2.96 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 | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Water-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 93.4 cm2 (~78.9% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580A/WVP (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | 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 | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 4.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Purple, Diamond Blue, Twilight Black | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue |
| Models | - | XT2333-1 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Ulefone Note 15
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer standby time (due to lower performance)
- Extremely slow performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely poor camera quality
Motorola Moto G23
- Significantly faster performance
- 30W fast charging
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly higher price
- Display specifications are basic
- Camera performance is still limited by price point
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Ulefone Note 15’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a basic panel. The Motorola Moto G23 also lacks detailed display information, but given its price point, it likely features an IPS LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving these displays; the G23’s more capable chipset will contribute to smoother animations and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent for both devices. However, given their price range, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic camera sensors. The Motorola Moto G23 likely benefits from the Helio G85’s image signal processor (ISP), which offers better image processing capabilities than the ISP found in the MT6580A. While neither phone will compete with flagship camera performance, the G23 is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in good lighting conditions. Expect both to struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
This is where the chasm between these two phones becomes apparent. The Ulefone Note 15’s Mediatek MT6580A, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This architecture is several generations old and will struggle with modern multitasking. Conversely, the Motorola Moto G23’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. The A75 cores provide a significant performance boost for demanding tasks, while the A55 cores handle background processes efficiently. The 12nm process also offers improved power efficiency compared to the Ulefone’s 28nm node. This translates to a much smoother user experience on the Moto G23, especially when switching between apps or playing games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Ulefone Note 15. The Motorola Moto G23 offers 30W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Ulefone. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the G23’s more efficient chipset and faster charging will provide a more convenient user experience. A full charge on the Moto G23 will be considerably quicker, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 15 if you need a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Motorola Moto G23 if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, and value faster charging capabilities. It’s a better long-term investment for most users.
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 lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Ulefone Note 15’s MT6580A will struggle significantly with these titles, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Moto G23 a significant advantage?
Yes, 30W charging is a substantial benefit. It will allow you to charge the Moto G23 from 0% to 50% in approximately 30-40 minutes, while the Ulefone Note 15 will likely take over two hours with its slower charging capabilities. This reduces downtime and makes the phone more convenient to use.
❓ How much of a difference will the processor make in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The difference will be very noticeable. The Motorola Moto G23’s Helio G85 will result in significantly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The Ulefone Note 15’s MT6580A will feel sluggish and unresponsive in comparison.
