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Last month, we reported about a couple of upcoming Motorola budget smartphones codenamed Penang and Penang Plus. These devices will launch soon as the Moto G13 and Moto G23, respectively. The new G-series smartphones have picked up multiple regulatory approvals in recent weeks.
The Moto G13 and Moto G23 popped up on the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) website last month bearing model numbers XT2331-1 and XT2333-3, respectively. The listing revealed that the former will pack a 5,000mAh battery and will boast 20W fast charging support. The latter was listed with much faster, 33W fast charging support but its battery capacity was not mentioned. Both handsets appear to be heading to the US with dual-SIM support.
Since that sighting, these budget Motorola smartphones have surfaced on certification websites in India (BIS – Bureau of Indian Standards) and Thailand (NBTC – National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) as well. At least the Moto G13, aka Penang, has. It showed up with an identical model number — XT2331-2 on BIS and XT2331-3 on NBTC. A varying last digit seemingly indicates the regional version of the same phone.
These devices have now appeared on the TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) website in the UAE. The agency has certified the Moto G13 with the model number XT2331-3 and the Moto G23 with the model number XT2333-5 (via). While the listings don’t tell us anything new about the phones, the Lenovo-owned company hurrying through these regulatory approvals hints at an imminent launch.
The Moto G13 is a budget smartphone with a punch-hole display
Apart from the battery and charging specs, we also know a few other key details about the Moto G13. A leaked render last month revealed that the handset will feature a punch-hole display. We can see sizeable display bezels and a curved rear panel featuring the Moto batwing logo at the center. Volume controls and the power button sit on the right side, with the latter seemingly doubling up as a capacitive fingerprint scanner.
The Moto G13 features two cameras on the back, but we are still awaiting information about the sensors in use. What we know is that Motorola will offer the handset with 4GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage. The device will also support 5G connectivity and will be available through most wireless carriers in the US, including T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, Dish, and Tracfone. With the launch seemingly imminent, we should soon get to learn the detailed specs of the Moto G13 and Moto G23, either through an official announcement or leaks. Stay tuned.
