Motorola has bolstered its reputation in India’s value smartphone space with the launch of the Moto G96 5G—a phone that promises to turn heads in the fiercely competitive sub-₹20,000 bracket. Boasting flagship-like styling, a robust Snapdragon chipset, class-leading camera hardware, and software longevity, the G96 has all the makings of a new crowd favorite. In this exhaustive review, you’ll find every detail: design, performance, display, camera, battery, user experience, and why it may be 2025’s best mid-budget recommendation.
1. Launch, Variants, and Pricing: Big Value from Day One
- India Launch: August 2025
- Variants:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage – ₹17,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage – ₹19,999
- First Sale: July 16 via Flipkart, Motorola India site, and select offline stores
- Launch Offer: ₹1,000 off on Flipkart’s first sale day, making the effective price even sharper
Competitive Context: At this price, the Moto G96 5G competes with the Realme 12, Samsung Galaxy M35, Redmi Note 14 series, and iQOO Z12—outpacing many with its feature-set and user promises.
2. Design & Build: Stylish, Slim, and Seriously Premium
- 3D Curved pOLED Display: The front greets you with a vivid curve-edge panel that looks and feels flagship-worthy—no flat, bland screen here.
- Vegan Leather Back: The rear panel uses a vegan leather finish—a rare luxury in this segment. Not only does it ooze refinement, it’s grippy, fingerprint-resistant, and feels soft in hand.
- Colors: Pantone-curated shades show off Motorola’s trendy, premium design language—each with precise hue calibration.
- IP68 Certified: True water and dust resistance, so you needn’t worry about rain, spills, or dust—very unusual at this price.
- Build Stats: Just 7.93mm thick, 178g light—a pleasure for extended holding, or single-handed use.
- Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers drop/scratch defense; the whole build feels solid and secure.
Summary: The G96 shames rivals with its sophisticated finish, Panther-like curves, and light, pocket-friendly frame.
3. Display: Curve into the Future
- Size: 6.67-inch
- Resolution: Full HD+ (2400 x 1080)
- Panel: pOLED (Plastic OLED), curved for immersive experience
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz—ultrasmooth scrolling and gaming, best-in-class for the price
- Peak Brightness: 1600 nits—outdoor readability is superb, sun glare is no problem
- Additional Features:
- HDR10 support: Superior dynamic range for streaming, gaming, and images.
- Water Touch: Unique Motorola tech lets you use the screen with wet fingers—great in rain or kitchen messes.
First Impression: A visual delight—sharp, vibrant, fluid, with edge-to-edge real-estate that puts even pricier phones on notice.
4. Performance: Power for All You Do
4.1. Processor & Graphics
- Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm, octa-core)
- Why it’s strong: New-gen architecture ensures high efficiency; improved AI, better gaming, and zippy multitasking.
- GPU: Adreno 710—for smooth graphics in demanding games and apps
- RAM/Storage: 8GB LPDDR4x, up to 256GB UFS 2.2; microSD expansion is absent, but most won’t run out of space
- Thermal Management: Motorola’s smart cooling keeps the phone cool when gaming or shooting video for long durations.
4.2. Software
- OS: Android 15 with Hello UI
- Motorola’s Promise: 1 guaranteed Android version upgrade (to Android 16) and 3 years of regular security updates—excellent support for the segment.
- UI: Clean, near-stock Android experience—no bloatware, ads, or lag; signature Moto gestures
- AI features: Adaptive system, smart suggestions, battery/power usage optimizations
Benchmarks: With an AnTuTu score (in class) rivaling more expensive phones and real-world performance that never feels slow, the G96 is suitable for power users, students, and pros.
5. Camera System: High-End Photography on a Budget
5.1. Rear Cameras
- Main sensor: 50MP Sony Lytia 700C, with f/1.8 aperture and OIS (optical image stabilization)
- Photos: High-res, low noise, stable in shaky hands or challenging light.
- Night Vision Mode: Better night/low-light performance, with crisp edges and color.
- AI Photo Enhancement: Scene recognition, automatic color/contrast tuning, background blur, and more.
- Secondary sensor: 8MP ultra-wide + macro combo
- Uses: Wide landscape shots, creative close-ups for food, macros, flowers, etc.
5.2. Front Camera
- Selfie camera: 32MP with punch-hole design
- Resolution: One of the highest in segment
- Features: 4K video, AI beautify, portrait/blur adjustment, Horizon Lock (keeps horizons level in landscape selfies/videos)
- Social-Friendly: Ready for Instagram/TikTok/Reels with accurate color, natural look, and super clarity
5.3. Video
- 4K supported on front and back
- Pro video features: HDR, stabilization, slow-motion, AI Night video
Verdict: For users who live on selfies, vlogs, or want sharp, stable shots, the Moto G96 offers unparalleled value in its price class.
6. Battery and Charging: Designed For All-Day Warriors
- Capacity: 5,500mAh (bigger than most rivals)
- Endurance: Up to 2 days with intelligent power adjustments; 1.5 days even with heavy use
- Charging: 33W TurboPower charging—goes from 0–100% in under 80 minutes
- Experience: No charging anxiety; a 20-min top-up can last the whole evening for most users.
Power users, travelers, gamers, and video streamers will appreciate the mix of longevity and fast recharging.
7. Connectivity and Audio Experience
- Dual SIM Slots: 5G ready (all major Indian bands)
- Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, WiFi: Ready for modern connectivity, app payments, navigation
- USB Type-C port
- Dual Stereo Speakers: Powered by Dolby Atmos, offering solid stereo separation and bass—great for films, gaming, and music
- 3.5mm headphone jack: Still present—a fading but valuable feature for wired audio lovers
8. Security: Modern & Convenient
- In-display fingerprint sensor: Quick and accurate unlocking, unlocks via a gentle tap
- Face unlock: AI-powered, quick in all lighting conditions
Motorola’s Hello UI privacy toolkit also adds app-lock, secure folders, and system-level privacy controls.
9. Additional Features
- Water Touch Display: Use it with wet hands—a real solution for India’s kitchens and monsoons.
- IP68 Dust & Water Resistance: No fear of rain, accidental splashes, or dust—unmatched in the segment.
- Pantone Certified Colors: Carefully calibrated for style, personality, and modern taste.
10. Size, Handling, and User Experience
- Weight: 178g—very light for the size and battery
- Thickness: 7.93mm—slimmest in class with a curved back for ergonomic comfort
- Feel: The vegan leather panel, curved glass, minimal bezels, and refined corners make it feel significantly more expensive
Users report the phone to be comfortable even on prolonged one-handed use, or when holding for hours during movies/Gaming/scrolling.
11. Software Experience and Updates
- Clean, fast interface: Close to stock Android, no intrusive ads, regular software patches
- Unique Moto Features: Chop-chop flashlight, twist to open camera, attentive display, and peak display for notifications—all inherited from past Moto icons
- Longevity: With 3 years of security patches and a major OS upgrade promised, the phone isn’t obsolete anytime soon
12. Competition: How Moto G96 5G Measures Up
| Model | SoC/Performance | Camera Setup | Display Specs | Battery | Unique Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moto G96 5G | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 50MP+8MP, 32MP selfie | 6.67” FHD+ 144Hz pOLED | 5,500mAh | IP68, vegan leather | ₹17,999-19,999 |
| Realme 12 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | 108MP+2MP, 16MP selfie | 6.72” 120Hz LCD | 5,000mAh | Mini Capsule, IP54 | ₹18,999 |
| Redmi Note 14 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | 50MP+2MP, 8MP selfie | 6.67” 120Hz OLED | 5,000mAh | Ultra-slim, 33W fast | ₹17,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy M35 | Exynos 1280 | 50MP+8MP+2MP, 13MP | 6.6” Super AMOLED 120Hz | 6,000mAh | Knox security | ₹19,499 |
The Moto G96 matches or beats rivals on camera (esp. selfie/video), display smoothness, build, battery, and daily usability.
13. Who Should Buy Moto G96 5G?
- Selfie, video, and content creators – 32MP selfie cam, 4K video, and steady OIS rear camera make it a vlogging champ.
- Gamers and streamers – 144Hz display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, excellent cooling, and long battery deliver ultra-smooth performance.
- Young professionals – Looks premium, is reliable, and is feature-rich in calls, emails, productivity, and entertainment.
- Heavy users and travelers – Massive battery, fast charge, IP68 protection, and Motorola’s longevity & UI polish.
- Anyone wanting a flagship look and feel, on a sub-₹20,000 budget – You get durability, comfort, and the pride of a premium-styled phone.
14. Pros, Cons, and User Tips
Pros
- Best-in-segment 144Hz pOLED curved display
- Premium vegan leather, IP68, and ultra-slim, light body
- Flagship-level 32MP selfie, 4K video, OIS rear camera
- Powerful, efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
- Clean UI, strong software update policy
- Fast battery, charging, and great dual speakers
Cons
- No expandable microSD slot
- No wireless charging (uncommon in this segment)
- Plastic midframe, not full aluminum
- Dual rear cams (vs triple, but AI/macros compensate)
User Tip: For lowest price, buy on launch day (₹1,000 off), use bank deals, and trade in older phones for extra discount. Always update to latest software out of the box for better battery and stability.
15. Final Verdict: Is Moto G96 5G the Best Sub-₹20,000 All-Rounder?
With industry-leading camera tech, a truly vibrant curved display, modern yet accessible design, flagship-level dust and water protection, and new-gen Snapdragon power, the Moto G96 5G is tailor-made for Indian users who care about style, substance, and daily confidence—all below ₹20,000.
It isn’t just a “budget 5G phone”—it’s a thoughtfully crafted, comfort-focused, and forward-looking device. If you want a phone that excels in selfies, gaming, display, endurance, and design—with the backing of Motorola’s reliable UI and support—this is the year’s must-check option.
Bottom Line:
For shoppers seeking the golden mix of price, premium build, reliable power, and next-level cameras in the mid-segment, Moto G96 5G is a front-runner that punches well above its price tag.