The Moto G 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly smartphone that promises 5G connectivity and a decent set of features at an attractive price point. But is it a worthwhile purchase? We put the phone through its paces to find out if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Display
The Moto G 5G (2023) follows the design language of its predecessors, sporting a familiar plastic build and a slightly outdated design aesthetic. Its large, 6.5-inch LCD display is a mixed bag. While it offers decent brightness and good viewing angles, the 90Hz refresh rate fails to impress in this day and age, especially compared to other budget phones boasting 120Hz panels.
Despite the modest refresh rate, the display's resolution is surprisingly good, offering sharp and clear visuals. The overall experience is hindered by the noticeable screen bezels surrounding the display, which feels dated, especially when compared to the slimmer bezels of other budget phones.
Performance
Under the hood, the Moto G 5G (2023) is powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset. It's a mid-range processor that can handle everyday tasks without much lag, but it struggles with demanding games and graphically intensive apps. The 6GB of RAM is sufficient for most use cases, but multitasking can feel sluggish when several apps are open simultaneously.
The phone's performance is decent for basic tasks and casual gaming, but it falls short in demanding scenarios. If you're looking for a phone that can handle demanding games or intensive applications smoothly, you'll likely want to consider a higher-end device.
Camera
The Moto G 5G (2023) boasts a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions, but the quality drops significantly in low-light environments. The macro camera is a gimmick, offering limited functionality and poor image quality.
The 16MP selfie camera is decent for everyday use, but it doesn't excel in low-light situations. The phone's camera system is serviceable, but it doesn't offer the level of quality that we've come to expect from modern budget smartphones.
Battery Life
The Moto G 5G (2023) boasts a 5000mAh battery, promising impressive longevity. In our tests, the phone consistently delivered a full day of battery life, even with moderate use. However, the absence of fast charging technology is a significant drawback. The 10W charging speed is painfully slow, significantly impacting the user experience.
Software
The Moto G 5G (2023) runs Android 13 with Motorola's custom skin on top. The interface is clean and clutter-free, and the overall user experience is fluid and responsive. The phone receives regular security updates, ensuring that your device is protected from the latest threats.
Other Features
The Moto G 5G (2023) offers a range of features that are expected in a modern budget smartphone. These include a fingerprint sensor, NFC for contactless payments, and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The phone also supports dual SIMs, allowing you to use two separate phone numbers on the same device.
Conclusion
The Moto G 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers on some of its promises, but it falls short in others. Its design is unremarkable, the performance is average, and the camera system lacks a wow factor. The phone's biggest drawbacks are its slow charging speed and the lack of a high refresh rate display.
For $250, you can find better value propositions in the market. Devices like the Redmi Note 11 or the Pixel 6a offer a more compelling experience with better cameras, faster performance, and faster charging speeds. While the Moto G 5G (2023) offers a decent overall experience, it doesn't stand out from the competition. It's a hard sell, even at its budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the Moto G 5G (2023) support expandable storage?
A1: Yes, the Moto G 5G (2023) supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
Q2: Does the phone support 5G connectivity?
A2: Yes, the phone supports 5G connectivity, but the actual speed may vary depending on your carrier and network availability.
Q3: Is the Moto G 5G (2023) water resistant?
A3: No, the phone is not water resistant.
Q4: What are the available colors for the Moto G 5G (2023)?
A4: The Moto G 5G (2023) is available in three colors: Steel Blue, Taupe, and Sage Green.
Q5: Does the phone have a headphone jack?
A5: Yes, the phone features a headphone jack, which is becoming a rare feature in budget smartphones.
Q6: What is the operating system of the Moto G 5G (2023)?
A6: The Moto G 5G (2023) runs Android 13 with Motorola's custom skin on top.
Q7: What is the screen size of the Moto G 5G (2023)?
A7: The Moto G 5G (2023) features a 6.5-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Q8: Does the phone have a fast charging feature?
A8: No, the phone does not have a fast charging feature. It comes with a 10W charger.
Q9: What is the processor used in the Moto G 5G (2023)?
A9: The Moto G 5G (2023) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor.
Q10: Does the Moto G 5G (2023) come with a glass screen protector?
A10: No, the Moto G 5G (2023) does not come with a glass screen protector. It's recommended to buy one separately for additional protection.