The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi C1 Max and Motorola Moto G22 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components – chipset, charging, and overall performance – to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the Motorola Moto G22 edges out the Umidigi C1 Max. While the C1 Max offers a slightly newer chipset, the Moto G22’s Helio G37, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a more responsive experience, especially when multitasking. The faster charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired (India)
15W wired (Global) |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Galaxy Blue | Pearl White, Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black, Mint Green |
| Models | - | XT2231-1, XT2231-2, XT2231-5 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Umidigi C1 Max
- Utilizes a newer chipset architecture (Unisoc T610)
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer a cleaner Android experience (depending on skin)
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely less responsive performance due to lower clocked cores
- Less established brand reputation
Motorola Moto G22
- Faster 20W (India) / 15W (Global) charging
- Higher clocked CPU cores for improved responsiveness
- Established brand with better software support
- Older chipset architecture (Helio G37)
- Potentially more bloatware
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over premium display features. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given the price bracket, expect 720p LCD panels. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, in this price range, image quality is heavily reliant on software processing rather than sensor size. Expect both devices to feature a primary camera, likely around 13-50MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of limited utility. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be a weakness. The image processing style will likely differ between the two, with Motorola generally favoring more natural tones while Umidigi may opt for more saturated colors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi C1 Max features the Unisoc T610, employing a dual-cluster configuration with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Motorola Moto G22 utilizes the MediaTek Helio G37, with 4x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the T610’s A75 cores offer higher individual performance, the G37’s higher clock speeds on all cores, and a more efficient core count for sustained tasks, likely translate to a smoother overall experience. The Helio G37’s integrated GPU is also likely to provide a slight edge in graphics performance. Both utilize 12nm fabrication, meaning thermal throttling could be a concern under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Motorola Moto G22 supports 20W wired charging (in India, 15W globally), significantly faster than the Umidigi C1 Max’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time for the Moto G22. While a larger battery capacity on the C1 Max could partially offset the slower charging, the convenience of faster charging is a significant advantage for the Moto G22, especially for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi C1 Max if you prioritize a newer chipset architecture and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a good option for users who primarily use their phone for basic communication and light social media. Buy the Motorola Moto G22 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a brand with a more established software support track record. It’s ideal for users who multitask frequently or enjoy casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T610 in the Umidigi C1 Max struggle with multitasking compared to the Helio G37?
The Helio G37’s higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores are better suited for handling multiple applications simultaneously. While the T610’s A75 cores are more powerful individually, the G37’s core count and clock speed provide a more consistent experience when switching between apps or running background processes.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G22 with the 20W charger (if available in your region)?
With 20W charging, the Motorola Moto G22 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, assuming a battery capacity around 5000mAh. The 15W version will take closer to 2.5-3 hours. This is significantly faster than the Umidigi C1 Max’s 10W charging, which could take 3+ hours.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are best used in ideal lighting conditions and should not be expected to produce professional-looking macro shots.
