Moto G96 5G: Flagship Features at a Mid-Range Price?

Moto G96 5G arrives as a compelling mid-range option. Promising a balance of speed, camera capabilities, and 5G performance at a wallet-friendly price, it aims to bridge the gap between budget and premium phones. After testing it, here’s my clear verdict on whether it lives up to expectations.

First Impressions: More Premium Than the Price Suggests

Sliding the G96 5G out of the box, you get that nice feeling. The curved edges feel smooth, the back has a subtle shimmer (resists fingerprints pretty well!), and the centered punch-hole camera looks modern. It’s surprisingly slim and light for a phone packing a big battery. Motorola clearly spent effort on the feel.

The Star of the Show: That Gorgeous Display

Honestly, this screen is the biggest argument for the G96 5G. For the price?

• 6.8-inch FHD+ OLED: Colors pop, blacks are truly black. Scrolling feels fluid.

• 144Hz Refresh Rate: Games and menus look incredibly smooth. A rarity at this price!

• HDR10 Support: Netflix and YouTube videos look vibrant and detailed.

Watching movies or browsing photos is a genuine pleasure. It punches way above its weight class here.

Performance: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)

Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chip and 8GB RAM, the G96 handles daily life effortlessly:

• Daily Grind: Social media, email, web browsing, multiple apps open? No sweat.

• Light Gaming: Casual games like Candy Crush or Among Us run perfectly.

• 5G Ready: Future-proofed for faster networks as coverage expands.

Where It Stumbles Slightly:

• Demanding Games: High-end 3D games (think Genshin Impact) will need lower settings. Don’t expect flagship-level gaming.

• Intensive Multitasking: Switching between many heavy apps might cause a tiny hiccup.

For most users, though, it’s more than capable. The clean, near-stock Android experience helps it feel zippy.

Camera Capabilities: Good Light is Key

Motorola packed a triple camera setup:

• 108MP Main Sensor: Sounds impressive! In bright daylight, it captures sharp, detailed photos with nice colors.

• 8MP Ultrawide: Handy for landscapes or group shots, though quality dips a bit at the edges.

• 2MP Depth Sensor: Helps with portrait mode effects.

The Reality Check:

• Low-Light Struggles: Photos get noticeably grainier and softer as light fades. The dedicated night mode helps, but it’s not magical.

• Video: Stabilization (OIS + EIS) is decent for casual clips, but don’t expect cinematic masterpieces.

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You get solid daylight photos and usable others. Manage expectations – it’s good, not class-leading.

Battery Champion: Say Goodbye to Anxiety

This is a HUGE win:

• 5000mAh Battery: Easily powers through 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use. Heavy users? You’ll comfortably hit bedtime.

• 30W TurboPower Charging: Gets you from empty to a significant chunk quickly. Less time tethered to the wall!

The Sound & Extras

• Stereo Speakers: Surprisingly loud and clear for media consumption. No headphone jack, though (adapter included).

• Moto Gestures: Chop for flashlight, twist for camera – still wonderfully handy.

• Clean Software: Almost stock Android with useful Moto additions. Promises decent updates too.

Should You Buy the Moto G96 5G? The Real Talk Verdict

YES, if you:

1. Crave a Stunning Display: That OLED 144Hz screen is its killer feature.

2. Need All-Day (and Then Some) Battery: The 5000mAh cell is a rockstar.

3. Want Smooth Everyday Performance: For calls, social, browsing, light gaming.

4. Are Budget-Conscious: It offers genuine flagship touches at a mid-range price.

5. Value Clean Software: Near-stock Android is a breath of fresh air.

Think Twice if you:

1. Are a Mobile Gaming Powerhouse: The chipset has limits with the heaviest titles.

2. Demand Top-Tier Low-Light Photos: The camera is decent but not a night owl.

3. Must Have the Absolute Fastest Charging: 30W is good, but some rivals are faster.

Also Read: Nissan Magnite 2025: The Budget SUV That Feels Premium