The Moto G is here, it’s hot and probably the best handset for the price considering the brand value and unique features. It’s a beast, an affordable one, for a price tag of under Rs. 14,000. 8GB is available for Rs. 12,499 and 16GB for Rs. 13,999.
Moto Box Pack
Inside the box you will find the Moto G handset, travel charger with dedicated pin (there is no data cable), earphone of a good quality (Motorola could have made it a little better, but considering the price it is good enough), warranty and quick start guide in English and Hindi languages. The battery comes built in.
Design
Instead of the specifications the key features are mentioned on the box pack. The handset has got a curved design that makes it more comfortable to hold and one can easily operate it with a single hand. The screen is with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Moto G comes with improve battery performance and with water repellent coating both on the inside and outside.
The nano water repellent coating does not allow the water to stick on the surface. This could actually make the handset water proof to a certain extent, though Motorola has not specifically mentioned that and hence don’t take it too seriously.
Handset weight with battery is 146 grams and dimensions are 129.31 x 65.71 x 11.42mm.
The 3.5mm audio jack is placed on the top, power / volume rockers on the right and micro USB port at the bottom. There are no physical navigational buttons on the front facing. There is LED notification (single color). Sensors included are accelerometer, light, proximity and magnetic. Sar Value : 1.35 W/Kg Head and 1.06 W/kg body.
Display, Memory and OS
The screen is 4.5 inches with 1184×720 pixels resolution instead of 1280×720 pixels, this is because some part of the screen is assigned for dedicated on-screen navigational buttons, since the hardware buttons are missing. Touch is very smooth in fact as good as experienced on high end phones. Color reproduction and viewing angles are very good.
There is 1GB RAM and optional 8GB / 16GB storage. I got the 8GB version. Of the 1GB RAM 398MB is available on the first boot and 5GB is the space available for apps. There is no micro SD card support. OTG works out of the box.
How to access content of pendrive connected using OTG?
When you connect the pendrive using the OTG cable there will be no notification. Also there is no file manager installed so launch google play and download a file manger app. Connect Pen drive using OTG and then using file manager go to storage / and check usbdisk_1.1.1 and if you do not find the content there look for it in the other usbdisk_ folder.
The Moto G sails on Android 4.3 out of the box and will soon get the much awaited KitKat update.
Performance
This dual SIM handset (Micro SIM slot) is powered by 1.19GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8226 quad core (cortex A7) chipset with Adreno 305 GPU. The performance is very good and lags free. This is the same hardware that powers the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 and there is a huge price difference between these two handsets.
Benchmark scores
- Quadrant Standard – 8673.
- AnTuTu – 17194.
- Vellamo – HTML5 1937, Metal 522.
- Nenamark 2 – 56.9 fps
- Multi touch : 5 points.
Gaming Review
There is no micro SD card and hence you will be left with limited space of about 5GB. I could install 2 heavy games the Modern Combat 4 and Asphalt 8 on the internal storage. Both the games played very smoothly.
Camera and Entertainment
The rear camera is 5MP resolution with LED flash and front camera is 1.3MP resolution. The front camera is no good. The camera interface is different and when using the rear camera for the first time you might get disappointed with the blurry output. This is because by default the auto focus is switch off and when you tap the screen it will click. There is no tap to focus option.
You need to enable control focus and expose. Once done you will get a green circle which will be the auto focus point, you can move this circle anywhere on the screen. Just make sure the subject is in circle if you want it to be sharper and focused.
The LED flash does a very good job in combination with the camera. The rear camera can record slow motion videos and can shoot 720p videos. The slow motion quality is okay and the 720p normal video is very good. Do check the sample images and videos at the end of this Moto G review. You can shoot images when the video recording is on.
Long shots are good, close ups are not that impressive not much detailed, however the close-ups when using in video mode are pretty good.
This handset can play full HD videos in H/w and S/w mode using MX player.
Others
The display is visible under direct sunlight. 3G worked well I got the H+ signal. No issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. GPS is with A-GPS and GLONASS, I got the first lock instantly. Sound is loud and clear. There is audio effects (equalizer) option in sound settings.
There is Moto G protect option that will help you locate, lock and even wipe the data from the phone in case it gets lost or stolen.
The build quality and the finishing are very good. When you hold the handed it gives a premium feel. The Moto G is indeed tough, I accidentally dropped the handset from approx 2 feet it fell face down (the front screen hitting first), it survived without any scratches or dents.
Battery Performance
The non removable battery is of 2070 mAh capacity. There is the battery saver option in battery settings. Battery life is still impressive even when that option is switched off. I ran the benchmark apps for about 13 minutes the battery dropped by 3% and when playing the Asphalt 8 game for about 16 minutes the battery dropped by 6%. The maximum temperature during the review was 35 degrees.
I guess the battery life will be much better than other handsets. You could easily play the Asphalt 8 game for about 5 to 6 hours on a single charger.
Verdict
The handset comes powered by the same hardware that is used on the Galaxy Grand 2. Price wise the Moto G definitely has an advantage. The camera could have been a little better but it is not that bad. There are many other things that make it a very good buy especially the water repellent coating, gorilla glass 3 protection, excellent battery performance and tough build quality.
And if you add the brand value and software updates, it definitely worthy.
Do check the Moto G with KitKat review here.
Moto G available on Flipkart for Rs. 12,499 (8GB) and Rs. 13,999 (16GB).
Image Gallery
Sample Images
Moto G handset and gaming review video
720p sample video shot using the Moto G handset
Slow motion video sample
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gogi ji as mentioned in your review It has 4.5 inch screen but on flipkart.com they mentioned 5.0 inch ???which is one ri8??
I was going to buy mmx unite2 this week. but should I re think about moto g or Micromax Canvas 2 Colours ?
The notification LED is not working in my new moto G. Can you please help me on this? Anybody else facing this issue?
Please don’t buy this phone… 🙁
I am using it and it gives hardly 8 hours battery backup only. Going to sell it as soon as possible.
Below are the most infamous issues with moto g:
1. Pathetic battery backup
2. very poor network connectivity.
3. Internet connections always drops and you need to restart your phone again and again…
4. Call recording apps are not supporting and sound recorder app is also very poor to record sounds.
But, rest things are really good. But, I prefer above things than the rest 😉
Today I am selling it in Rs. 9000 (brought in Rs. 13999 March 2014)
Free ram only 398 mb. isn’t it a performance issue?
Depends on ur usage , Kitkat OS need less resources than JB. Most 1 GB devices only give near 400MB free RAM.
gogi sir,
which phone’s 5mp camera is better -S duos 2 or moto g ? i want a phone which have better camera capability between these two .
Gogi ji
I am looking for a smartphone with normal SIM slot (Dual GSM+GSM) with OTG support and budget is around 10K, please advise
@Ajith
you could just take a look at asus zenphone 5
plz sir suggest me which one is better among moto G & micromax canvas magnus…..
sir plz sugest me whch one z beter bb z10 or moto g 16gb..whreas bb z10 avlabl in 13700 at ebay..androd is also runing at bb.. ? ?
Hi sir i want to buy a new phone. which one to choos? Moto G or Samsung Galaxy S4 mini??? s4 mini has 1.5 gb ram and 1.7 ghz dual core processor. will it not be faster? i heave also read that moto g will be launched in India with expandable Sd card slot soon. I has already launched in UK. Any views on that ? Thank You…
Hello sir I really like your reviews and trust them while making purchase decision. I want to buy new phone. My budget is 18000 Rs. I am confused between Moto G and Sony Xperia SP so which one should i buy? i am not using front camera so its not a constrain. Sony SP has better camera and many sensors also and many other extra features. How is sony after sales support? Plz help me. Thank You sir…
Camera quality will be better on Xperia SP if that is not a big criteria then go with Moto G.
native video calling is available on dis mobile or not plz tell otherwise I will go for canvas colours……
gogi sir .i am a great fan of yours.u wnna know that which phone do you use.is it moto g…
Xolo q1100 is ßetter Than this one as compared…
Hello Gogi Sir
Should i go for Moto G 16 gb. Or should i consider Lg L90 dual.
Is it worth paying 2-3k more for LG.
If posible please share the pros and cons of both over each other.
Regards
LG is with qHD screen 4.7 inch Moto G with HD 4.5 inches. You can use micro SD card on LG and not on the G. Camera is also better on LG at 8MP. Will you need extra space, I mean will the 16GB space be less for you on the Moto G, if yes then go with LG otherwise choose the Moto G.
Thank You Sir
16gb internal storage is enough for me.
Over which is the best among both, aur any phone under 20k.
Then in that case go with Moto G 16GB do check the sample images and this one too
http://www.gogi.in/moto-g-android-kitkat-review.html
http://www.gogi.in/moto-g-flip-cover.html
The camera quality is average.
Hi Gogi,
Please suggest between XOLO Q1100 and Moto G.
Neglect the company brand..
Just performance wise and know issues.
Thanks!!
*known issues
gogi ji most people say its after kikat update..but my moto g came with KitKat..can I stay with it or is there any ways I can go back to 4.3..because this call drop frustrates me…
Did you buy the handset recently? cause I think the issue has been fixed. Also if you have cut the SIM – Normal to Micro SIM would be better if you get a new micro SIM from your network store.
I bought it last month gogi ji..(flipkart)
I didn’t cut the sim i got a new micro sim from Aircel,
I see, better get the handset checked at the service centre.
hello gogi ji… what about service centre of moto g in india. because i am not getting able to track it.
gogi ji..I am very happy with everything little thing about this phone… but frequently the calls drop.. the voice breaks a lot..(but this happens mostly inside my office) I see lot of people complain the same thing at Motorola blog…they promise an ota update…what’s your suggestion.. gogi ji..
i want to purchase a phone worthy of price i m really confused about to phones micromax turbo a250 and moto g plz reply
Mr.Gogi
i ordered motog g and i loved the fone…but i got the worst earfones ever seen.. normal Rs. 50-60 type.. sir can u pls mail me the actual pic of earfones wat u got from Flipkart.com.. at motog site it has shown lovely piece of earfones..
Hi check the video review.
My moto g start heating as I start to use it wwithin 5 min what to do
hey i want to buy a smartphone and i m little bit confused please help me out.I am confused between Moto G and Canvas Magnus .
please reply
Thanks in advance
Firstly Motorola is a high end brand dont compare the quality with low end brand i personally recommend u to buy moto g its the beast you will be really happy trust me
i ordered it on flipkart now i am waiting for moto G.
I am from Mumbai how much time they will take for delivery ?
Its based on your location and WS Retailer(Moto G Seller) will ship the product within a day i am sure about that because i buy many products from that seller so u will get it within 5 days(approx but dont worry they are super fast than we think so 2-3 days u will get)
Hi Gogi,
Moto G is not getting detecting by the PC. I used Laptop and Desktop. What is the exact problem with phone? Should I change the USB cable or is there any setting need to set in the phone?
Thanks,
If you are using windows XP then it will not work. If there is still an issue better check it on some other PC (office / friends) running windows vista and or above OS, before visiting the service centre.
Hi
Can you please let me know among Moto G(16GB) and Canvas turbo which is better choice. Plus point in canvas 2 GB thats but processor of MOTO G is better i guess.
also wanted to know about after sale service of MOTO G is good, is lenovo going to take care of that?
Please reply.
Hi Go ahead with Moto G, after sales should not be an issue.
Gogi sir;
which 1 i buy, i have cofusion between magnus,xolo q1100 or moto g ?
i need good camera ,good performance and good built quility. pls reply me sir
sir will it ever be available in local stores?
only flipkart is selling it for about 2 months and moto x is coming soon….
Not sure, but now moto x is here. I doubt if they will be sold in local stores at least not for now.
Not just the rear..even the front camera records 720p videos.and the quality is mind blowing.
Hello, Gogi Sir
I want a good gaming mobile phone under 15k. Also consider upcoming mobiles.
Give me a few options to choose from (under 5).
Please reply quick. I have to buy a mobile phone before mid-april.
Regards,
MSK
hey gogi sir can u tell me how to update or refresh the playmusic (music player) plzzz. as I am not able to access music from any other folder except the Bluetooth folder…plzz tell me the solution
Hi
is there any difference between new lot of moto g (4.4 is pre-installed) and old one, in performance wise and otg supports or not on new lot
hi gogi,
my budget is between 15 -20 k. what are best options for me in this rage should i go for moto g or canvas knight of micromax. i know there specs are totally different but i heard that for micromax they are only on paper its camera quality is equal to other 5mp.
please compare them and if there is any other option available for me please tell me.