Unlike a lot of people these days, to me this is just a phone. I don't use social media, or have narcissistic fascination with taking photographs of myself to upload to an internet that doesn't care. So, if that's you, look elsewhere for a review. If you're like me, this is a solid purchase that will see you well into the future.
Design/build quality
As with all Moto G series phones, it's built to a budget but it's done well. The blue case looks nice and like all Moto phones it comes with a clear gel case to protect it. The design is, overall, fairly in keeping with current 2020 styles, should that sort of thing bother you and it is relatively lightweight and slim. Big enough to be useful, but not so big it's an inconvenience.
Hardware
Decent enough octa-core processor/chipset and enough RAM to ensure transitions are smooth and you can multitask with no real lag. By that I mean real world lag, not the sort of millisecond lag that they mark a phone down for in reviews. If a second or two delay opening Chrome has an impact on your daily life, take a look in the mirror and have a serious word with yourself. It also has a fingerprint reader which, unlike many, works most of the time.
Screen/image quality
The 'notchless' screen displays at 720p and has a decent PPI. Colours are crisp and web pages are clear with no real blurred edges. No Gorilla Glass but that's just a brand name anyway. You'd still need to make a concerted effort to scratch the screen. Videos on YouTube etc look fine and for day to day use you'll struggle to notice the fact it isn't a 1080p panel. As for 4k, your eyes can't even see the difference, so don't worry about it not being present.
Battery life
So far, so good. Lasts several days even with moderate use and doesn't get hot under load. Charges fairly rapidly via the supplied USB-C charger.
Operating system
Stock Android, no bloatware, simple, as it should be.
Camera/image quality
Takes decent photos, even in low light. It's a phone, not an SLR camera, so don't expect professional images but certainly images that can be blown up to canvas size are well within the ability of this sensor. As for the 'selfie'/front facing camera, it's fine for WhatsApp calls but as for photographic image quality I've no idea as I'm more interested in the thing I'm looking at and don't routinely take photos of myself pouting or arching my back like I have a spinal problem.
Value
Overall, if you want a phone that accesses the internet, let's you watch videos etc and takes happy snaps, you'll still struggle to beat Moto G series phones in terms of value for money. This generation is no different, well made with stock Android so no bloatware or unnecessary software, it's easy to use and should last you for many years, based on its spec and the general hardware requirement curve.
OS | Android |
---|---|
RAM | 4 GB |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Item model number | 0723755139916 |
Wireless communication technologies | Cellular |
Connectivity technologies | Wi-Fi |
Special features | Octa Core Processor, Camera |
Other display features | Wireless |
Human interface input | Touchscreen, Microphone |
Scanner Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
Other camera features | Rear |
Form factor | Smartphone |
Color | Blue |
Battery Power Rating | 4000 |
Whats in the box | Charger |
Item Weight | 440 g |