The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A budget-friendly option with solid battery life and a clean software experience.What's good
- Affordable price
- Solid battery life
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Expandable storage
- Decent audio quality
What's bad
- No NFC feature
- Low camera versatility
- Screen visibility issues
- Bloatware presence
- Limited software updates
Design
The design of the phone creates a premium feel, with a flat front and back and a soft plastic rear panel giving it the appearance of frosted glass. This makes the phone feel higher-end than its actual price.
The physical design includes chamfered edges, which, according to Android Central, can "cheapen the overall design." Despite these elements, the phone is easy to hold due to its narrow 20:9 aspect ratio and light weight.
The phone also features a reflective camera housing that doesn't protrude much, adding to its sleek appearance. Available in Harbor Gray and Ink Blue, the colors add a subtle elegance, with the blue offering a dynamic look depending on the light.
Display(s)
The 6.5-inch screen offers a smooth experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, making it stand out among budget options. Scrolling feels fluid, enhancing your daily use.
But this comes with trade-offs. "It's virtually impossible to see in direct sunlight," experts highlight, due to its dim brightness and 720p resolution. You'll notice this if you like spending time outside or prefer clearer image quality.
Performance
The Moto G 5G (2023) provides a satisfactory performance experience with a Snapdragon 480+ chipset. You'll find it handles everyday tasks smoothly, with minimal slowdowns, whether you're checking emails or scrolling social media.
The 120Hz display enhances your user experience, making transitions and animations appear more fluid than most phones under $300. Yet, if you're a heavy gamer, expect some challenges with more intense titles.
"It's remarkably unremarkable," as essential functions are delivered without compelling extras, Android Central noted.
Software & Storage
The Moto G 5G (2023) offers a near-stock Android interface with Motorola's MyUX enhancements. This makes interacting with the phone straightforward, avoiding unnecessary clutter.
Expect useful gestures like 'chopping' to switch on the flashlight or 'twisting' to open the camera quickly. These additions streamline daily use, earning praise from reviewers for their practicality.
Critically, you face a downside: the phone comes with quite a bit of unwanted software when you first switch it on. Fortunately, you can remove much of it, though it's still a step back for user experience.
Cameras
You'll appreciate the primary 48MP camera for its ability to produce vivid colors and maintain decent detail in well-lit settings. Experts found that while low-light images retain some detail, they can appear noisy, limiting quality.
Reviewers from Android Central noted the absence of an ultrawide lens, highlighting reduced versatility in capturing expansive views. The macro lens adds some creative flexibility, although results aren't overly impressive.
Battery
Rely on the generous 5,000mAh battery that ensures you can go nearly two days without worrying about recharging. This robust battery life is ideal for those who dislike the constant hunt for a charger, as it keeps you connected for longer.
Whenever you do need to power up, you'll benefit from the supported 15W wired charging. "Experts noted the upgrade from 10W gives enough speed for a full charge in about an hour and forty minutes without leaving you tethered for long," making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
However, please note that while functional, 15W charging is slower compared to high-end models, and the lack of wireless charging might require some time to adjust if you've used it before. Still, it's sufficient if you charge overnight or during work hours, promising a worry-free mobile experience.
Audio
The Moto G 5G (2023) offers a pleasing audio experience through its stereo speakers, providing a surprising amount of volume and depth for a budget device. Reviewers find the speaker setup perfect for streaming music, watching movies, or catching up on podcasts with noticeable clarity and sufficient bass for a phone in its class.
"The audio from the stereo speakers is quite loud and offers plenty of oomph," notes Android Central, attributing this to Dolby Atmos tuning. This makes entertainment enjoyable, even without external speakers or headphones.
While the speakers excel for casual listening, heavy users who prioritize high-fidelity audio may find external speakers or quality headphones a beneficial upgrade for richer sound.
The Bottom Line
This phone offers a reliable experience for everyday tasks like social media and messaging, boasting excellent battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate screen, and a design that feels sturdy but not premium.
You might miss features like NFC for mobile payments and high-quality cameras, as reviewers note that the camera is "disappointing" and lacks versatility.
Overall, it's a reasonable choice for budget-conscious users who need 5G connectivity and longer battery life.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Mike Sorrentino, CnetThe $250 Moto G 5G does include a lot of value for its price. You get a 120Hz display at one of the cheapest prices I've seen so far, along with 5G compatibility. Its processor can stand up to most tasks, even if it struggles with some multitasking. And if your carrier ends up subsidizing the phone...
- Ben Schoon, 9to5GoogleAt the end of the day, my recommendation around the Moto G Stylus (4G) and Moto G 5G (2023) is this. If you’re considering either phone, I think they’ll be all right at their prices, but you should really try to stretch your budget for something else. The Pixel 6a is a much better phone across the b...
- Peter Hunt Szpytek, Digital TrendsEven with a low price of $250, the Moto G 5G (2023) isn't a phone we can recommend. It's slow, unreliable, and outdone by the competition.
- Derrek Lee, Android CentralThe Moto G 5G is a good phone that does everything one should expect from a device at this price. It offers 5G, performs well, and even has a decent camera. However, it feels like you could do better by spending just a little more, and I almost wonder if this phone is really necessary.
- Ryan Haines, Android AuthorityThe Motorola Moto G 5G (2023) doesn't pick up too many upgrades, but it delivers a $150 price cut that brings new value to the budget device, even if it's still not the best in its price tier. With near-stock Android, a solid primary camera, and two-day battery life, the Moto G 5G (2023) is easy to...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Motorola Moto G (2023) prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Motorola's suggested retail price is $249.99. You can compare Moto G (2023) prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola Moto G (2023) user manual here.
Motorola backs up the Moto G (2023) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Moto G (2023) has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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