Key Takeaways about Motorola's Moto G (2025)
Motorola's latest Moto G is available from the company's website for $200. The smartphone features a long-lasting battery, powerful speakers, and an impressive camera system. However, its display falls short in comparison to its other features. While this phone may not be the "pocket-sized theater" that some claim, it does offer substantial value for its price.
Price and Availability
The Moto G (2025) is available for $199.99 on platforms like Amazon, making it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market. In an era where flagship phones can cost upwards of $1,000, brands like Motorola provide valuable alternatives with their mid-range offerings.
Design and Build Quality
The Moto G (2025) stands out with its slim and lightweight design, featuring rounded corners and a back covered with vegan leather. This unique texture provides a comfortable grip, making the device both stylish and practical.
Display and Audio
One of the major selling points of the Moto G is its 6.7-inch HD+ display that runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz. Coupled with Dolby Atmos fine-tuned speakers, the audio output is rich, strong, and can fill an entire room with music. However, the screen's resolution of 1,604 x 720 pixels means that visuals are serviceable but not exceptional. Some mobile games appear fuzzy, and colors can look overly saturated compared to more high-end models.
Despite these limitations, the screen's peak brightness of 1,000 nits and the fluid 120Hz refresh rate ensure decent visibility and smooth animations.
Camera System
The Moto G (2025) boasts a solid camera system, featuring a two-camera array with a main 50MP Quad Pixel lens. The pseudo fourth lens is actually an ambient light sensor that aids in photography. The device captures fine details and performs well under low-light conditions, although some users may find the color saturation high in photos.
Below is an example photograph taken in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles. Despite the cloudy conditions, the image quality was impressive.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Battery Performance
Battery life is another area where the Moto G shines. In casual use, the phone lasted nearly four days straight. During a more intensive test involving continuous YouTube streaming in 720p, the device lasted nearly 24 hours. The fast recharge capability further enhances usability, with a quick 30-minute charge bringing the battery up to 50%.
Performance and Gaming
The Moto G (2025) runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC. While it handles most applications smoothly, including web browsing and video streaming, it struggles with graphically demanding mobile games. Issues like stuttering and freezing are noticeable during gameplay.
The phone does include a RAM Boost feature that converts empty storage space into virtual RAM, enhancing performance. However, this tool isn't perfect and doesn't compensate for the chipset's limitations.
Buying Advice
The Moto G (2025) is available for $200 and is an excellent option for those not engaged in heavy mobile gaming. It offers solid hardware at a bargain price. If you are looking for alternatives, the Moto G Power provides similar features along with 15W wireless charging and a more durable design, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Moto G | $199.99 | Long-lasting battery, Dolby Atmos speakers, 50MP camera |
| Moto G Power | $229.99 | Wireless charging, durable design, similar hardware |
Conclusion
The Moto G (2025) offers great value for its price with strong hardware features, though its display and gaming performance fall short. For those seeking a budget-friendly mid-range smartphone with excellent battery life and solid camera capabilities, the Moto G is a worthwhile option.
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