Motorola G96 5G, a budget-friendly smartphone with a 144Hz pOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, and IP68 rating. Is it the best value phone of 2025? Read our in-depth review!

In the crowded world of budget smartphones, the Motorola G96 5G stands out as a compelling option for those seeking premium features without breaking the bank. Launched in India on July 9, 2025, this device brings a combination of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and affordability that’s hard to ignore. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or someone looking to upgrade without spending a fortune, the Motorola G96 5G has something to offer. Let’s dive into what makes this phone a game-changer in the budget segment.

A Stunning Display for Immersive Viewing

The Motorola G96 5G boasts a 6.67-inch FHD+ quad-curve pOLED display with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, a feature rarely seen in this price range. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, gaming, or binge-watching your favorite shows, the display delivers vibrant colors and crisp visuals. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, it’s well-equipped for outdoor use and durability. The high refresh rate ensures fluid animations, making every interaction feel seamless. For gamers, this display is a dream, offering lag-free visuals for titles like BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile.

This display also makes the G96 a great fit for Google Discover, where visually rich content thrives. Pair it with the phone’s sleek design, and you’ve got a device that’s as stylish as it is functional.

Power-Packed Performance with Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

Under the hood, the Motorola G96 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, a chipset that strikes a balance between efficiency and performance. Paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, it handles multitasking, gaming, and everyday tasks with ease. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming videos, or switching between apps, the G96 keeps up without breaking a sweat.

For those curious about benchmarks, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 delivers solid scores, making it comparable to mid-range chipsets from competitors like MediaTek. If you’re interested in learning more about processor performance, check out Geekbench for detailed comparisons. The phone comes in two variants—8GB RAM with 128GB storage priced at ₹17,999 and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage at ₹19,999—offering flexibility for different budgets.

Camera Capabilities That Impress

The Motorola G96 5G features a dual-camera setup that punches above its weight. The 50MP main camera, equipped with Sony’s LYT-700C sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), captures sharp, vibrant photos even in low light. The 8MP ultra-wide lens doubles as a macro camera, letting you explore creative photography, from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups. For selfie lovers, the 32MP front camera delivers crisp, natural-looking shots, perfect for social media.

While the camera system isn’t perfect—low-light ultra-wide shots can be noisy—it’s more than capable for a budget device. For tips on getting the most out of smartphone photography, DPReview offers excellent guides for beginners and pros alike.

Battery Life and Charging: Built to Last

With a 5500mAh battery, the Motorola G96 5G is built for all-day use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working on the go, this phone keeps up. However, the 33W fast charging is a slight letdown compared to competitors offering 68W or higher. Still, it’s sufficient for quick top-ups, and the included charger gets you from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. For a deeper dive into battery optimization, Android Authority has great resources on maximizing smartphone battery life.

Design and Build: Premium Yet Practical

The Motorola G96 5G doesn’t just perform well—it looks good doing it. Its quad-curve design gives it a premium feel, while the plastic frame keeps it lightweight. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance is a standout feature, rare in this price segment. Whether you’re caught in the rain or accidentally drop it in water, the G96 is built to withstand the elements. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of modernity, though it’s not the fastest in its class.

Software: Clean and Future-Proof

Running on Android 15 out of the box, the Motorola G96 5G offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Motorola promises one major OS update and three years of security updates, ensuring the phone stays relevant. The clean UI, combined with features like gesture controls and customizable themes, makes it a joy to use. For those interested in Android’s latest features, XDA Developers provides detailed breakdowns of Android 15’s capabilities.

Also read Patanjali 6G Smartphone: Is the 250MP Camera a Game-Changer?

Why the Motorola G96 5G Stands Out

Priced under ₹20,000, the Motorola G96 5G competes with heavyweights like the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Realme Narzo 70. Its 144Hz pOLED display, IP68 rating, and clean software give it an edge in the budget segment. However, the 33W charging speed and plastic frame might disappoint some users looking for faster charging or a more premium build. Still, for most users, the G96 offers incredible value.

For content creators aiming to leverage this phone for Google AdSense or Google Discover, the G96’s vibrant display and fast performance make it ideal for creating and consuming content. Its affordability also appeals to a wide audience, aligning with Google’s preference for accessible, high-quality platforms.

Final Thoughts

The Motorola G96 5G is a testament to how far budget smartphones have come. With its stunning display, reliable performance, and robust build, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a feature-packed phone without the flagship price tag. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, this phone delivers on all fronts. Ready to make the switch? The Motorola G96 5G is available now in India, and it’s worth every penny.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The author is not affiliated with Motorola or Google AdSense. Always verify product details before purchasing.

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