Motorola G96 5G – Motorola has officially launched the Moto G96 5G, and it brings an impressive combination of premium design, powerful specifications, and thoughtful features all at a surprisingly affordable price.
Designed to compete in the highly competitive mid-range market, the G96 5G is clearly positioned to attract users who want high-end looks and functionality without spending a fortune. Let’s take a closer look at what this phone offers and whether it deserves a spot in your pocket.
Display
One of the most striking aspects of the Motorola G96 5G is its 3D curved display. This design element is typically reserved for high-end flagship phones, so seeing it in a mid-range device instantly sets the G96 apart from the crowd. The 6.7-inch pOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an immersive viewing experience. The curvature on the edges adds to the aesthetic appeal and also enhances how the phone feels in the hand.
The display supports a 144Hz refresh rate, which ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and fluid animations, whether you’re browsing the web, playing games, or navigating between apps. It also reaches high brightness levels, making it easily readable under direct sunlight. Motorola has gone a step further by adding water touch support, which means the screen remains responsive even if your fingers are wet a thoughtful addition for everyday usability.
Performance
At the core of the Moto G96 5G is a Snapdragon 7-series processor, which strikes a great balance between performance and power efficiency. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or streaming, the phone delivers a smooth experience without noticeable lag or slowdown.
Paired with 8GB of RAM, the G96 handles heavy tasks and multiple apps with ease. It also supports virtual RAM expansion, allowing you to borrow a portion of the storage to act as additional memory for better multitasking. Storage options go up to 256GB, and there’s a 128GB version for those with lighter needs. The use of UFS storage ensures quicker app launches and better data management compared to traditional eMMC memory.
The performance feels responsive and consistent during everyday use, and the software optimization helps keep things stable even during extended sessions. Gamers will appreciate how well it handles popular titles, although graphically intense games may require tuning down a few settings to ensure consistently high frame rates.
Camera
The Moto G96 5G features a dual-camera system on the back, led by a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). This setup is designed to produce sharp, blur-free images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting on the move. OIS helps reduce motion blur and enhances overall photo and video clarity.
Accompanying the main sensor is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera that also handles macro photography. While the ultra-wide performance isn’t class-leading, it adds flexibility for capturing landscapes or tight shots without switching to a different mode.
On the front, a 32-megapixel camera ensures detailed selfies and clear video calls. Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording, a rare find in this price range. Motorola’s camera software includes several AI-enhanced modes, including portrait, night vision, and pro mode, making it easier to get the shot you want without fiddling with too many manual settings.
Battery
Battery life is another strong suit for the Moto G96. It packs a large 5,500mAh battery, which is more than enough to comfortably last a full day for most users even those with heavy usage patterns. Whether you’re streaming video, browsing for hours, or playing games, the battery holds up well.
When it comes time to charge, the phone supports 33W TurboPower fast charging. While this isn’t the fastest charging standard on the market, it’s more than adequate for topping up the device in a reasonable amount of time. You can expect to go from zero to over 50 percent in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those quick power boosts throughout the day.
There’s no wireless charging included, which isn’t surprising at this price point. However, the fast wired charging and strong battery life make up for it in most practical scenarios.
Software
Motorola continues its tradition of offering a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. The Moto G96 runs on the latest version of Android out of the box and includes some helpful additions like Moto Gestures and Smart Connect for device integration.
Motorola promises one major Android update along with three years of security patches. While that’s not as extensive as some competitors who offer longer software support, it should be enough for average users who tend to upgrade their phones every two to three years.
In terms of security, the G96 comes with both an in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock, offering convenience and flexibility depending on your preference.
Design
From a design standpoint, the Moto G96 punches well above its weight. It features a sleek and slim profile, measuring under 8mm in thickness and weighing just under 180 grams. The use of a vegan leather finish on certain color options gives the phone a premium feel and adds grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips.
The phone also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance again, something that’s not commonly seen in this segment. This makes the G96 more durable and trustworthy in everyday environments, whether you’re caught in the rain or accidentally spill water on it.
Pricing
The Moto G96 5G is available in two variants: an 8GB + 128GB model and an 8GB + 256GB model. The pricing is highly competitive, making it an attractive option for those looking to get the most value out of their budget. With a launch price that comfortably sits under the premium mid-range threshold, it delivers an experience that often feels like it should cost much more.
Motorola has also released the phone in a range of Pantone-certified colors, including unique shades like Ashleigh Blue and Cattleya Orchid. These add personality to the device and appeal to users who want more than the usual black or silver options.
Final Verdict
The Moto G96 5G is an ambitious and well-executed smartphone that brings together features not usually found in its price range. From the curved display and premium design to solid performance and dependable battery life, Motorola has clearly built this phone to stand out.
It’s ideal for users who value visual appeal, a clean software experience, and reliable daily performance. While it may not be the fastest charger or the most future-proof in terms of software updates, it offers a balanced and enjoyable experience across the board.
If you’re in the market for a stylish, capable, and affordable 5G smartphone, the Moto G96 deserves serious consideration.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available details at the time of writing and is intended for general informational purposes only. Specifications may vary by region.