Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) Review: Budget Brilliance with a Big Battery
The budget smartphone market is more competitive than ever, and Motorola has long been a strong contender, offering essential features without a hefty price tag. The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024), particularly the Unlocked US model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage in the striking Sage Green color, continues this tradition. It promises 5G connectivity and a capable 50MP camera system, all for a remarkably affordable price. But does this budget handset truly deliver for the everyday user?
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| Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) Review: Budget Brilliance with a Big Battery |
Design and Build: Premium Feel on a Budget
The first thing you notice about the Moto G 5G (2024) is its surprisingly elegant design, especially considering its price point. While the frame is plastic, Motorola has opted for a "vegan leather" finish on the back. This choice instantly elevates the phone, providing a more premium, non-slip texture that is far superior to the glossy plastic typically found in this segment. The Sage Green color is subtle yet stylish.
The phone feels solid and relatively hefty in the hand, suggesting good build quality and durability. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, is responsive and fast. Motorola has also thoughtfully retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for audio enthusiasts.
Display: Smooth, but Lacking Resolution
The Moto G 5G (2024) features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display. Its most impressive feature is the 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel incredibly fluid—a significant upgrade for a budget phone.
However, a notable compromise is the resolution: it's only HD+ (1612 x 720 pixels). On a 6.6-inch screen, this lower resolution means that clarity is not as sharp as a Full HD+ panel. While most users may not be bothered during casual use, those who consume a lot of high-definition video might notice the difference. Furthermore, the display is not particularly bright, which can make outdoor visibility a challenge on sunny days.
Performance and Software: Handling the Essentials
Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD).
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is an entry-level processor, and the performance reflects that. For basic daily tasks—texting, browsing social media, and light multitasking—the phone is perfectly adequate, aided by Motorola's well-optimized software. The experience is generally smooth, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate. However, pushing the phone with graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking will introduce noticeable lag and stutters. The inclusion of 128GB storage as a standard offering is a definite plus in this price range.
The phone runs on Android 14 with Motorola's light layer of customizations, often referred to as My UX. This clean, near-stock Android experience, coupled with useful Moto Gestures (like the classic "chop-chop" for the flashlight), is one of the phone's strengths.
Camera: A 50MP Sensor with Caveats
The camera setup is headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by a largely negligible 2-megapixel macro lens. The front-facing camera is an 8-megapixel shooter.
In good daylight, the 50MP main camera utilizes pixel-binning technology to produce decent 12.5MP photos. These shots are generally vibrant and suitable for social media sharing. Details are acceptable for the price.
However, the camera performance quickly deteriorates in challenging conditions. Low-light photos are soft and murky, lacking detail and dynamic range. The included 2MP macro sensor is essentially useless for practical photography. As with many budget phones, the Moto G 5G (2024) is a capable point-and-shoot camera for well-lit scenarios, but it won't replace a more sophisticated camera system.
Battery Life: A True Champion
One area where the Moto G 5G (2024) truly shines is battery life. With a massive 5,000mAh battery, the phone easily lasts for a day and a half of moderate to heavy use, and can often stretch to two full days for lighter users. This outstanding endurance is perhaps its most compelling feature, especially for users who prioritize longevity.
Charging is handled by an 18W TurboPower wired charging solution. While 18W isn't the fastest charging speed available, it's a solid rate that gets the large battery topped up in a reasonable amount of time.
Verdict: Excellent Value for the Price
The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) is a fantastic value proposition for the budget-conscious consumer. It makes smart compromises to hit its low price point while excelling in the most important areas for an everyday phone.
The compromises are clear: a lower resolution display and a camera that struggles in poor lighting. However, the phone's strengths—the premium vegan leather design, the supremely smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the presence of a 3.5mm jack and NFC, and its class-leading battery life—make it a strong contender in the sub-$200 unlocked market.
If you are looking for an affordable, reliable, unlocked 5G phone for the US market that you can depend on to last all day (and more) on a single charge, the Moto G 5G (2024) is a highly recommendable choice.
| Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) Key Specifications | |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB / 128GB (Expandable) |
| Display | 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720p, 120Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 2MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 18W Charging |
| Color | Sage Green |
| Connectivity | 5G, NFC, 3.5mm Jack |