Motorola Moto G Power (2021)

The Moto G Power (2021) is a part of Motorola’s G series, which has been known for offering reliable performance and features at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G Power (2021):

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Moto G Power (2021) is positioned as a budget-friendly device within Motorola’s lineup, with a particular emphasis on battery life, staying true to its “Power” moniker.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 10W charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a water-repellent design.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery can easily last more than a day with moderate use, living up to its “Power” name.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience is clean and user-friendly, with minimal bloatware.
  3. Expandable Storage: The presence of a microSD slot allows users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Reliable Performance: The Snapdragon 662, while not the most powerful, offers consistent performance for everyday tasks.
  5. Value for Money: The device offers a good balance of specifications for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution might not be as sharp as some other devices in its category that offer FHD+ displays.
  2. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  3. Charging Speed: The 10W charging might feel slow, especially when charging the large 5000 mAh battery from a low percentage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G Power (2021) faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 10: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 678, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Realme Narzo 30: Known for its MediaTek Helio G95, 90Hz display, and a 5000 mAh battery with faster charging.
  • Samsung Galaxy A22: With its Super AMOLED display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a 48 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Moto G Power (2021) was announced in January 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates or patches, especially for the latest Android versions.
  2. Camera Processing: The image processing can sometimes produce washed-out or over-sharpened results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Build Quality: The plastic build, while durable, might not feel as premium as some other devices in its category.

Conclusion:

The Moto G Power (2021) is a solid offering in the budget segment, especially for users who prioritize battery life. With its clean software experience, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are areas where compromises are evident, such as the display resolution and camera setup, the overall package is compelling for those looking for a no-nonsense, value-oriented device. For users seeking a balance between battery life, performance, and price, the Moto G Power (2021) is a strong contender.

Motorola Moto G 5G

The Moto G 5G is part of Motorola’s G series, which has traditionally aimed to provide solid smartphones at an affordable price point. The Moto G 5G, as the name suggests, brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G 5G:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Moto G 5G is positioned as a mid-range device within Motorola’s lineup, aiming to offer users a taste of 5G connectivity without a premium price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with a near-stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 6.7-inch LTPS IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro camera. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 20W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, water-repellent design, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 750G chipset brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment, making the device somewhat future-proof.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience is clean and bloat-free, ensuring smooth performance and timely updates.
  3. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, making it suitable for users who are on the go.
  4. Value for Money: Given its specifications and the addition of 5G, the device offers good value for its price.
  5. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot provides flexibility for users who need more storage.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  2. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic back, which might not feel as premium as devices with glass or metal builds.
  3. Lack of High Refresh Rate: Unlike some competitors, the Moto G 5G sticks to a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G 5G faced competition from:

  • Realme 7 Pro: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and 65W fast charging.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro Max: With its Snapdragon 720G, 64 MP primary camera, and a 5020 mAh battery.
  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Featuring an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 750G, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Moto G 5G was announced in November 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Motorola promises timely updates, some users reported delays in receiving software updates or patches.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Speaker Quality: Some users mentioned that the single bottom-firing speaker lacked depth and richness in sound.

Conclusion:

The Moto G 5G is a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for users who are looking to experience 5G connectivity without spending a fortune. With its reliable performance, clean software experience, and decent battery life, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera setup and build quality, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a clean software experience, the Moto G 5G is a worthy contender in the mid-range market.

Motorola Moto G7

The Moto G7 was a part of Motorola’s popular G-series lineup, which has been known for offering solid performance and features at an affordable price point. The G7 continued this legacy with several improvements over its predecessors. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G7:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2019, the Moto G7 was a part of Motorola’s strategy to offer a balanced smartphone experience in the mid-range segment. It combined a modern design, decent camera capabilities, and a clean software experience, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with a near-stock Android experience.
  • Display: 6.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2270 pixels, featuring a U-shaped notch.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Motorola’s TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Software Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, combined with useful Moto Actions, provided a clean and user-friendly interface.
  • Design: The Moto G7 featured a modern design with a glass back and a large display, giving it a premium look for its price segment.
  • Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup allowed for portrait mode photos, and the camera software included features like spot color and cinemagraph.
  • Fast Charging: The TurboPower charging ensured a quick top-up of the battery.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, with some competitors offering larger capacities in the same segment.
  • Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 632 was decent for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its segment.
  • Lack of NFC: In some regions, the device lacked NFC, which meant no contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Moto G7 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Samsung Galaxy A50: Offering a Super AMOLED display, in-display fingerprint scanner, and a triple camera setup.
  • Redmi Note 7: With its 48 MP primary camera, glass build, and the Snapdragon 660 chipset.
  • Realme 3: Known for its performance, camera capabilities, and value for money.

Launch Date:

The Moto G7 was announced in February 2019 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Camera Speed: Some users reported that the camera app could be slow to launch and process images, especially in low light.
  • Software Updates: While Motorola offered a clean software experience, they were sometimes slow in providing Android version updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single speaker, while decent, wasn’t particularly loud or clear for some users.

Conclusion:

The Moto G7 was a continuation of Motorola’s commitment to offering a balanced smartphone experience at an affordable price. With its modern design, decent camera capabilities, and clean software, it was a solid choice for those seeking a reliable mid-range device. While it faced stiff competition in its segment, the Moto G7’s blend of features and performance made it a worthy contender in the market.

Motorola Moto G6 Plus

The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was the more advanced sibling in the G6 lineup, offering enhanced specifications and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G6 Plus:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018 alongside the Moto G6, the Moto G6 Plus aimed to cater to users who wanted a bit more power and features from their mid-range device, without a significant jump in price.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo.
  • Display: 5.9-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP or 16 MP front camera (varies by region).
  • Battery: 3200 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (in certain regions), and GPS.
  • Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 630 chipset, combined with options for more RAM, ensured smoother multitasking and overall performance compared to the standard G6.
  • Build and Design: Like the G6, the G6 Plus featured a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a premium feel in the mid-range segment.
  • Clean Software: Motorola’s near-stock Android with minimal additions was a highlight, ensuring a bloat-free experience.
  • Battery Life: The 3200 mAh battery, combined with efficient software optimizations, ensured a day’s worth of usage for most users.

Cons:

  • Camera Low-light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled to capture detail in low-light scenarios.
  • Weight and Size: The G6 Plus was slightly larger and heavier than the G6, which might not be comfortable for all users.
  • Competitive Market: The mid-range segment in 2018 was fiercely competitive, with several brands offering devices with similar or better specs at comparable prices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Moto G6 Plus faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Nokia 7 Plus: Offering a larger battery, Android One experience, and a more powerful Snapdragon 660 chipset.
  • Xiaomi Mi A2: Known for its clean Android One experience, powerful specs, and impressive camera performance.
  • Asus Zenfone 5: With its AI-enhanced features, dual-camera setup, and Snapdragon 636 chipset.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Update Delays: Like the G6, the G6 Plus faced criticism for not receiving timely software updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single front-facing speaker, while decent, wasn’t the loudest or clearest in its segment.
  • Durability Concerns: The glass back, though aesthetically pleasing, was prone to smudges and potential breakage upon impact.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was a solid addition to the G series, offering users an option with enhanced performance and features compared to the standard G6. It retained the strengths of the G6, such as its design and clean software, while addressing some of its limitations with a more powerful chipset and increased RAM options. For users loyal to the Motorola brand or those looking for a balanced mid-range device with a touch of premium design, the G6 Plus was a compelling choice. However, in a saturated market, it faced stiff competition from brands offering devices with similar or better value propositions.