Motorola Moto G mobile review

We've talked about how Google's Nexus devices have epitomized value-for-money proposition but even then there is section of consumer base that has been on the lookout for similar products in the affordable space. In comes Motorola, with its first ever hardware product since Google's buyout, Moto G.

What is it all about?

Moto G comes wrapped under a 4.5 inch HD display coated with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It packs a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 chipset with 1 GB and 8/16 GB storage options with no microSD slot. There is also matter of 5 MP rear shooter with flash and 1.3 MP front snapper. Available in dual-SIM option in the country, it is loaded with a 2070 mAh non-removable battery.

Design & Performance

Coming to the business end of our discussion, can Moto G actually prove the ‘product package' it carries? For starters, the display is something that is meant for tough, sturdy usage with Gorilla 3 glass also the well built, neat design gives it a good look but nothing extravagant, keeping it simple. That said, the phone at 143 grams and sheer size is on the bulkier side. The Qualcomm chipset is definitely a far cry from the Mediatek ones that most of the brands offer and with 1 GB RAM you get smooth and seamless performance without any hiccups but for storage one has to rely on 8/16 GB option and no microSD slot, just like the Nexus range.

No heating was found, few lagging issues did crop up, that are not much of a concern. We would like to highlight that the in-built speakers are astounding to say the least. Our gaming experience on the phone was hassle free and good. Much to the delight of Indian users it even has FM radio an added plus. However, we did follow some up and down in calling quality that might have to do with the operator or network reception. 

The cameras are nothing to talk about and perform above average for a phone priced in the range. The 2070 mAh battery is decent enough to come through for a day and even more on single charge and during our normal usage test of 3 hours on Wi-Fi/3G, 2 hours calling, 2 hours IM messaging, 1 hour gaming ran for close to 18 hours which is not bad for the heavy usage parameters that we adopt.

In terms benchmark scores Moto G is head and shoulder above our other HD affordable options in the country below Rs 16K, making it the right kind of budget phone and the best any OEM has to offer in all aspects.