Motorola Moto G8 Plus

Into Droid Hardware

The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was part of Motorola’s G-series lineup, which has been known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Released in 2019, the Moto G8 Plus aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on camera and multimedia capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G8 Plus:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Moto G8 Plus was designed to cater to users looking for a mid-range smartphone with a particular emphasis on camera performance and multimedia consumption. It built upon the legacy of the G-series, which has been known for its near-stock Android experience and value for money.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide “Action Cam”, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 25 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W TurboPower fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Pros:

  1. Camera Versatility: The inclusion of the “Action Cam” allowed users to record wide-angle videos while holding the phone vertically, which was unique and useful for certain scenarios.
  2. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 665 ensured impressive battery life.
  3. Stereo Speakers: The stereo speakers provided a better multimedia experience, which was a nice addition at this price point.
  4. Near-stock Android Experience: The Moto G8 Plus provided a clean and bloat-free Android experience, which many users appreciated for its simplicity and smoothness.

Cons:

  1. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors.
  2. Delayed Software Updates: Motorola’s track record with updates was inconsistent, leading to potential delays in receiving the latest Android versions.
  3. No NFC (in some regions): The absence of NFC in certain regions was a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G8 Plus faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy A50: With its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9610, and a triple-camera system.
  • Realme 5 Pro: Featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was announced in October 2019 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Software: Some users reported occasional hiccups with the camera software, especially in terms of focus and color accuracy.
  2. Screen Bleeding: A few users noted minor screen bleeding issues at the edges of the display.
  3. Bulky Design: The phone was a bit on the thicker and heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was a solid offering in the mid-range segment, providing essential smartphone features with the added benefits of camera versatility and a good multimedia experience. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in terms of build quality and software updates, it served as a reliable option for those looking for a no-nonsense smartphone experience. For users who prioritize camera versatility, battery life, and a clean Android interface in the mid-range segment, the Moto G8 Plus was a strong choice.

Leave a Reply