Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) Review: Good inexpensive smartphone
In this article, we’re diving into the new Motorola Moto G Power 5G. Right off the bat, let’s address a couple of key points. Firstly, it’s no secret that I’ve been quite critical of Motorola in the past, mainly due to the underwhelming performance of their phones. However, it seems that Motorola is on a redemption tour for 2024, and this year’s lineup of Moto G smartphones appears to be vastly improved across the board, including this one. Secondly, it’s worth noting that the “Power” branding for this device doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. In the past, the Moto G Power was renowned for its massive battery, capable of lasting longer than most without needing a recharge. However, with the prevalence of large batteries in many smartphones today, the “Power” designation feels somewhat diluted. Nevertheless, this device still serves as a solid mid-range option for those seeking a reliable, unlocked phone at a reasonable price.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): Video Review
| Specs | Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| ROM | 128GB |
| Display | 6.7 inch, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| Software | Android 14 |
| SIM support | Nano-SIM, eSIM |
| NFC | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired, 15W wireless |
| Dust/water resistance | Water-repellent design |
| Size | 167.2 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pale Lilac |
Unboxing
But before we delve into the details, let’s start by unboxing the device to see what Motorola includes inside the package. Cutting through the sticker and lifting the eco-friendly lid reveals the phone itself. Mine comes in the “Pale Lilac” color variant, though it’s also available in the more traditional Midnight Blue. A cardboard divider separates the included accessories, which, in this case, consists of just a single USB-C cable for charging, a SIM ejector tool, and a stack of paperwork.
It’s worth noting that Motorola used to include a wall plug with their phones until last year, but it seems that’s no longer the case. This omission is unfortunate, especially considering that Motorola has never included a decent fast charger for their smartphones, despite the devices supporting faster charging standards.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): Design
The first big change in the Moto G Power 5G smartphone in 2024 is its size. Motorola has somehow made this phone even bigger. Sporting a colossal 6.7-inch display, the phone retains noticeable black borders and a thicker bottom chin around the screen. Despite advancements, the screen-to-body ratio falls short of 85%. In hand, the elongated 20:9 aspect ratio, coupled with chunky bezels, lends the device a hefty and somewhat top-heavy feel. Surprisingly, the overall dimensions of the phone surpass even the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, requiring users to stretch their fingers to reach the top edges and corners comfortably.
In a departure from previous designs, Motorola opted for a completely different material makeup for the back cover. Crafted from silicone polymer, akin to eco or faux leather, the material extends seamlessly to the camera bump. The quality of the material pleasantly surprises users, evoking comparisons to the texture of leather-bound journals and notebooks.
Despite the shift in materials, the sides maintain the familiar hard plastic build, contributing to a thin and sleek profile. Notably, Motorola retains the water-repellent feature in this new iteration.
Exploring the device, users will find a dual SIM and microSD card tray on the left side, accommodating a single physical SIM card alongside a microSD card. Additionally, the phone supports eSIM functionality. While the 128GB storage option suffices for many users, the ability to expand storage via a microSD card offers added flexibility.
On the right side, users will find the traditional volume and power buttons, with the power button doubling as a fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. At the bottom, the headphone jack remains intact, alongside the USB-C port for charging and a downward-facing speaker. Notably, a secondary loudspeaker resides within the earpiece, enhancing audio output.
Turning attention to the rear, the phone features just two camera lenses this year, reflecting Motorola’s focus on optimizing key features rather than overcrowding with unnecessary additions.
Display
The device boasts a massive 6.7-inch IPS LCD panel, which delivers a full HD resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels. With a pixel density of 393 pixels per inch, the display offers crisp and clear visuals, even for those who are particularly discerning about resolution. Additionally, Motorola has implemented a 120Hz high refresh rate display, which is a welcome addition. However, users need to remember to enable this option in the settings to fully take advantage of the enhanced smoothness and responsiveness. This high refresh rate contributes to an overall fast and fluid user experience, akin to what one might expect from a flagship device.
Unfortunately, the major drawback of the display lies in Motorola’s continued reliance on LCD technology. Despite the device’s impressive size and refresh rate, the display falls short in terms of brightness and color vibrancy. Even at maximum brightness, the screen appears dim and prone to glare, making it less than ideal for outdoor use or bright environments. The colors lack depth and saturation, resulting in a somewhat dull and lifeless viewing experience.
Comparatively, other devices in a similar price range, such as Samsung’s new A25, offer superior display technology. For instance, the Galaxy A25 features a Super AMOLED 120Hz screen that not only delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks but also boasts a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits. This significant difference in display quality highlights the disparity between Motorola’s approach and that of its competitors.
Performance
One significant area of improvement with the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) is its speed and performance, marking a notable step forward for the series. Under the hood, the device houses the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chipset, a substantial improvement over the previous Dimensity 930 found in last year’s model. Additionally, the device boasts 8GB of RAM, up from 6GB in its predecessor.
Geekbench scores attest to the device’s enhanced performance, showing its capability compared to other devices on the market. Furthermore, Motorola’s Android experience, while still featuring its characteristic skin and customization, offers a simpler and more streamlined approach compared to previous iterations. With fewer pre-installed bloatware apps and a cleaner interface, users are treated to a more straightforward Android experience, complemented by the inclusion of Google’s suite of apps.
In terms of responsiveness, the Moto G Power 5G feels noticeably faster and more fluid than previous Motorola devices. While performance may not have been a priority in past Moto G iterations, this phone presents itself as a solid contender in terms of speed and reliability.
However, one notable downside of owning a Motorola device remains the lack of consistent or long-term software updates. While higher-end devices have only recently received Android 14, it’s uncertain whether the Moto G Power 5G will receive future major updates beyond a two-year timeframe. However, given the propensity for users to upgrade their devices annually due to carrier deals and discounts, this limitation may not be a significant concern for many.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): Camera
Gone are the days of unnecessary lenses cluttering the rear camera array, as Motorola now offers a more streamlined dual-lens setup. The primary 50MP f/1.8 aperture lens remains, providing consistent performance similar to last year’s model. However, the addition of a new 8MP ultrawide lens enhances versatility and expands creative possibilities for users.
By ditching the superfluous depth sensor and macro lenses, Motorola has focused on delivering a more practical and functional camera experience. While the selfie camera remains unchanged at 16MP, it continues to capture decent shots for everyday use.
Despite these improvements, the camera app still feels somewhat limited in terms of shooting modes and features. The digital zoom is capped at 8x, which may disappoint users accustomed to greater zoom capabilities. Additionally, video recording maxes out at 1080p 30fps, although Motorola has introduced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother footage. While essential features like Night Vision and dual-lens capture are present, the overall camera setup may feel somewhat lacking compared to other devices in the same price range.
Sample shots taken with the Moto G Power 5G reveal a mixed bag of results. While the addition of the ultrawide lens is a welcome feature, some images appear over-processed with limited detail and questionable color reproduction. Motorola’s historical reputation for subpar camera performance seems to persist, suggesting that there’s still room for improvement in this area.
Battery
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) retains its reputation for decent battery life with a 5000mAh battery. While this capacity used to be a standout feature, it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s smartphone landscape.
However, given the larger display size of the Moto G Power 5G, one would expect Motorola to increase the battery size. However, Motorola introduced some notable improvements to the charging capabilities of the Moto G Power 5G. For the first time in a Moto G device, 15W wireless charging is now supported, offering users the convenience of cable-free charging. Additionally, wired charging speeds have been bumped up to 30W, providing faster charging times. However, it’s worth mentioning that users will need to supply their own fast power plug to take advantage of these speeds.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): Conclusion
The 2024 Motorola Moto G Power brings a slew of upgrades and enhancements that make it a standout device in the Moto G lineup. First and foremost, the phone is bigger than ever, boasting a larger display that offers an immersive viewing experience. The fresh new design and material choice give the device a unique and contemporary look, setting it apart from its predecessors.
Under the hood, the Moto G Power 5G (2024) packs a newer processor and more RAM, ensuring smooth performance and responsive multitasking. The addition of faster wired and wireless charging capabilities further enhances the user experience, allowing for quicker replenishment of the device’s battery.
One of the standout features of the Moto G Power 5G (2024) is the inclusion of a very useful ultra-wide camera lens. This addition expands the device’s photography capabilities, enabling users to capture stunning wide-angle shots with ease.
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