The Motorola G96 enters India’s competitive mid-range smartphone market, aiming to deliver a premium feel and clean Android experience at an affordable price point. Priced under Rs 20000, this device is built for users who prefer a clutter-free interface, good build quality, and consistent day-to-day performance.
The first noticeable aspect of the Motorola G96 is its design. The phone comes with a sleek matte finish and a slim profile, making it comfortable to hold. The textured back panel adds grip and helps it stand out among glossy plastic finishes found in many competitors. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated with the power button and offers an IP52 rating for basic splash resistance.
On the front, the Motorola G96 features a 6.6-inch Full HD Plus LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, making media consumption and general use quite enjoyable. Although it's not an AMOLED panel, the display quality is adequate for this price range.
Performance-wise, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. While not the most powerful chipset in its class, it handles everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light multitasking smoothly. Casual gaming also runs well, though heavy games may require graphics to be set at lower levels for optimal performance.
One of the main highlights of the Motorola G96 is its software. Running on near-stock Android 13, the phone avoids unnecessary pre-installed apps and offers a clean, ad-free interface. Motorola’s minimal customizations, such as gestures and Moto actions, enhance the usability without compromising performance or speed.
The device packs a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In well-lit conditions, the main camera produces good images with natural colors and decent dynamic range. Low-light performance is average and could benefit from better optimization. The 16MP front camera delivers acceptable selfies, suitable for social media use and video calls.
Battery life is another strong point. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate use, and the 30W fast charging support helps top up the phone relatively quickly. Users can expect reliable battery performance for regular use such as streaming, messaging, and browsing.
The Motorola G96 lacks features like stereo speakers and AMOLED display found in some competitors, but makes up for it with consistent performance, thoughtful design, and a user-first software experience. For those who value simplicity, reliability, and a bloatware-free interface, the Motorola G96 is a worthy contender in the sub-20000 smartphone segment.
In summary, the Motorola G96 is not a phone that tries to do everything. Instead, it focuses on offering a refined and well-rounded experience where it matters most—design, software, and battery life.
