Moto G96 5G promises top-tier features at a budget price — but is it all hype or the real deal?

Introduction:

Smartphones today offer more power and value than ever, but when a new budget model claims to deliver flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost, it’s only natural to ask — is it too good to be true?
The Moto G96 5G is Motorola’s latest offering in the competitive budget segment, promising high-end specs like 5G connectivity, a 108MP camera, a smooth 120Hz display, and long battery life — all at a surprisingly low price. But how does it really perform in the wild?

Let’s break it down and see whether this phone truly lives up to the hype or if it cuts corners you should know about.

Moto G96 5G: Key Specifications at a Glance

• Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
• RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (expandable)
• Camera: 108MP primary + 2MP depth, 16MP selfie
• Battery: 5000mAh with 33W fast charging
• OS: Android 14 (near-stock)
• Build: Plastic frame, IP52 water-repellent design

Performance: Smooth and Snappy

Thanks to the Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Moto G96 5G handles daily tasks effortlessly — from scrolling through social media to streaming videos and playing casual games. The 8GB of RAM ensures solid multitasking, and even moderate gaming is smooth with minimal heating.

It may not compete with flagship chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but for the average user or budget-conscious buyer, it delivers impressive real-world performance.

Camera: 108MP Power – But Does It Impress?

A 108MP camera on a budget phone is eye-catching, but megapixels alone don’t tell the whole story. The Moto G96 captures well-lit, vibrant shots in daylight, but struggles slightly in low light with noise and loss of detail. The 2MP depth sensor doesn’t add much, and there’s no ultrawide or telephoto lens — which is expected at this price.

Selfies with the 16MP front camera are decent, with good skin tones and edge detection in portrait mode.

Battery Life: A Reliable Performer

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Moto G96 5G easily lasts a full day — even with heavy use. Streaming, browsing, calls, and gaming won’t drain it too quickly. The 33W fast charger juices it up from 0–100% in around 70 minutes.

Connectivity & Software

As the name suggests, 5G is a major highlight — with strong signal reception and consistent speeds on supported networks. You also get dual-SIM support, Bluetooth 5.1, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Motorola sticks to a near-stock Android 14 experience, which feels clean, fast, and free of bloatware. You’ll also get two years of security updates — not industry-leading, but fair for the price.

🧾 Pros and Cons: Quick Summary

Pros:

• Excellent AMOLED 120Hz display
• Solid 5G performance
• Long battery life
• Clean Android experience
• Value for money

Cons:

• No ultrawide lens
• Plastic build
• Average low-light camera performance
• Only 2 years of updates

So, Is the Moto G96 5G Too Good to Be True?

Short answer: No — but there are trade-offs.

At under ₹20,000 (or around $250 globally), the Moto G96 5G punches above its weight in many ways: a great screen, reliable performance, 5G, and good battery life. While it’s not a flagship killer, it’s definitely one of the best phones in its class in 2025.

For anyone looking for a dependable, stylish, and affordable 5G phone with a near-stock Android experience, the Moto G96 5G is more than just hype — it’s a smart buy.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

If your priorities include a beautiful display, clean software, and reliable performance for under ₹20K, the Moto G96 5G delivers on all fronts. However, if you’re a camera enthusiast or want longer software support, you might want to explore slightly more premium alternatives like the Pixel 7a or Samsung Galaxy M14 5G.

Disclaimer:

This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions or general insights, not professional or legal advice. Readers should do their own research or consult relevant professionals before taking action based on this content.

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