Key Highlights
- Budget-Friendly
- Clean Software
- Long Battery Life
- Slow Charging
Motorola introduced the Moto G04 recently, marking the debut of the new G0x series and replacing the Moto E13. This release boasts several upgrades, including a 90Hz display, a sleeker design, and the latest Android 14 operating system, while maintaining the same System on Chip. So, is the Motorola G04 truly a worthy contender in today’s crowded smartphone market?
Positioned as the latest offering from Motorola, what sets this phone apart is its affordability, priced under Rs. 10,000. Consequently, it may not serve as your primary device if you prioritize top-notch camera performance, intensive multitasking, gaming, premium display quality, or high-end performance. However, what can this phone offer you instead? Let’s delve into it. Also Read | Oppo Reno 11 5G Smartphone Review: Is The Stylish Design Backed By Performance?
| Pros | Cons |
| 5,000mAh battery | Average Camera |
| Clean Software Experience | Slow Charging Speed |
| Expandable Storage and RAM Flexibility | Average Performance |
What’s Inside The Box?
- Moto G04 handset (Sea Green)
- 10W charger
- USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- TPU case
- User manual
- Warranty information
Design
The Moto G04 keeps up with the sleek design tradition of its G-series siblings. Whether you’re eyeing the Moto G24 Power or the Moto G34, you’ll notice they all share a similar aesthetic from the back, though with a splash of color options to spice things up.
Motorola proudly dubs this design language as ‘Premium Design,’ and I must say, it’s spot on. This phone shows sophistication, with thorough attention to detail evident in every curve and contour. Holding it feels great—it’s lightweight, comfortable, and doesn’t scream “budget.”
Available in Green, Blue, Black, and Orange colors, there’s a shade to suit every style. Plus, practicality isn’t forgotten, with a convenient Type-C port at the bottom and the volume rockers and power button neatly placed on the right side.
And let’s not forget the cherry on top: a 3.5mm audio jack right where it belongs—at the top, exactly where I like it.
Display
Sporting a 6.56-inch HD+ 90Hz LCD screen with a pixel-packed resolution of 1612 × 720 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, this screen is a sight to behold. Despite its HD nature, it stands tall compared to other HD displays out there, offering crisp visuals that won’t disappoint.
Settled within a punch-hole housing, the 5MP camera doesn’t interrupt your viewing pleasure. With a peak brightness of 537 nits and PANDA glass protection, your screen stays vibrant and safe from harm.
Sure, it’s not AMOLED, and HDR support is missing, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain. Colors pop decently, and viewing angles are satisfactory, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. Plus, Widevine L1 support ensures seamless content streaming on popular platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
But let’s not forget about the auditory delight. While a single bottom-firing speaker belts out surprisingly loud tunes, Dolby Atmos support takes the audio experience up a notch—a rare treat in this price bracket. Overall, Motorola aims to deliver a great audio-visual incident without breaking the bank.
Processor
While it may not be the speed demon you’re hoping for, don’t write it off just yet. Powered by the Unisoc T606 processor, it’s not aiming to break speed records but rather to deliver reliable performance within its limits—a strategic choice by Motorola to keep costs in check.
With up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB), this phone offers flexibility without breaking a sweat. Plus, the option to virtually boost RAM by another 8GB is a neat trick for those craving more power.
What truly shines is its software prowess. Say goodbye to bloatware—aside from essential Google apps, you can bid farewell to unwanted pre-installed apps like Facebook and banking apps, ensuring a clean and clutter-free user experience.
Running on Android 14 straight out of the box with a promise of two years of security updates, your device stays current and secure. And when it comes to security features, the face unlock and fingerprint system are lightning-fast—a reassuring touch in today’s digital landscape.
Also Read | Tecno Spark Go 2024 Review: Setting A New Standard For Budget Smartphones?
Camera
Let’s focus our lens on the camera capabilities of the Moto G04. Sporting a single 16MP AI-powered rear camera and a 5MP front shooter, it has portrait mode and auto night vision for improved low-light shots.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. The photos? Well, they didn’t quite impress me. They seem a bit over-processed, lacking that natural flair we all crave. It’s a missed opportunity for Motorola to fine-tune its software processing and uplift the camera experience.
Yet, considering the price tag, it’s a forgivable offense. While we may not be praising its camera prowess, it’s important to keep expectations in check. After all, you get what you pay for.
Battery
Buckle up for the ride because the Moto G04 boasts a whopping 5,000mAh battery that just won’t quit. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, this phone has your back for more than a day without breaking a sweat. But here’s the twist: while the battery life is epic, the charging speed is more of a stroll than a sprint. Sporting 15W charging support, you’d expect a speedy boost, but alas, with the included 10W adapter, reaching 100 percent takes over two hours. In a world where even budget phones zip to full battery with 30W speeds, the G04’s charging pace feels like it’s stuck in the slow lane.
Giznext Verdict
To conclude, the Moto G04 presents a decent option for budget-conscious customers seeking long-lasting battery life, a clean software experience, and innovative features. However, its underwhelming camera performance, slow charging speed, and modest processor may deter those prioritizing photography and speed. Consider your priorities before making the purchase.
Also Read | Vivo X100 Pro Review After One Month Use: Truly Redefines Smartphone Photography
