Moto G96 5G: Motorola’s G-series has long been a favorite for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable smartphones with solid features. Launched in India on July 9, 2025, the Moto G96 5G continues this tradition, offering a compelling mix of premium design, modern hardware, and an affordable price tag starting at ₹17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and ₹19,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model. With a 144Hz curved pOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, 50MP OIS camera, and a massive 5500mAh battery, the Moto G96 5G aims to stand out in the competitive under-₹20,000 segment. This review compiles the latest specifications, first impressions, and expert insights to provide a comprehensive overview, noting that full hands-on reviews with detailed performance tests are still forthcoming.
Moto G96 5G Design and Build
The Moto G96 5G impresses with its sleek and elegant design, featuring a 3D curved pOLED display and a premium vegan leather back. Available in four Pantone-curated colors—Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, Ashleigh Blue, and Dresden Blue—the phone exudes a sophisticated aesthetic. Measuring 161.86mm x 73.26mm x 7.93mm and weighing just 178 grams, it’s slim and lightweight, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The device is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, a rare feature in this price range, ensuring durability against splashes and submersion. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the display, while Water Touch 2.0 technology allows seamless operation with wet hands. The vegan leather finish not only enhances grip but also adds a touch of luxury, setting it apart from plastic-backed competitors.
| Design Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.86 x 73.26 x 7.93 mm |
| Weight | 178 grams |
| Build Material | Vegan leather back, Gorilla Glass 5 front |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Colors | Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, Ashleigh Blue, Dresden Blue |
Moto G96 5G Display
The Moto G96 5G’s 6.67-inch Full HD+ (1080×2400 pixels) curved pOLED display is a standout feature, offering a 144Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a high brightness mode (HBM) of 1200 nits, the display remains legible even in bright sunlight. It supports a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and 10-bit color depth (1.07 billion colors), delivering vibrant and accurate visuals ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing. The 92.77% screen-to-body ratio (claimed) and 90.58% (calculated) ensure an immersive experience, while the in-display optical fingerprint sensor adds convenience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and features like SGS Low Blue Light and SGS Low Motion Blur certifications enhance eye comfort during extended use.
| Display Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Curved pOLED |
| Size | 6.67 inches (16.94 cm) |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 pixels (FHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1600 nits |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 90.58% (calculated), 92.77% (claimed) |
Moto G96 5G Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, the Moto G96 5G delivers efficient and reliable performance. The octa-core CPU, with four Cortex-A78 cores at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.95 GHz, paired with an Adreno 710 GPU, handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming with ease. The phone comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB (UFS 2.2), with no microSD card slot for expansion. Motorola’s RAM Boost feature extends virtual RAM up to 24GB, enhancing multitasking capabilities. While detailed benchmark scores are not yet available, early impressions from sources like Mobigyaan suggest the device performs smoothly for its price range, making it suitable for casual gamers and productivity users alike.
| Performance Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SM7435 |
| CPU | Octa-core (2.4 GHz Quad Cortex-A78 + 1.95 GHz Quad Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.2 |
| Expandable Storage | No |
Moto G96 5G Camera
The Moto G96 5G features a dual rear camera setup, led by a 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.88 aperture. This is paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2, 118.6° FOV) that doubl
es as a macro camera. The front camera is a 32MP shooter with an f/2.45 aperture and Quad Pixel technology for improved low-light performance. The camera system supports advanced features like Quad Phase Detection Autofocus, All Pixel Focus, and Moto AI enhancements, including Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and AI Photo Enhancement. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, and 720p at 240fps, with features like Dual Video Recording, Slow Motion, and Audio Zoom.
While comprehensive camera tests are pending, initial reports from My Mobile India and Mobigyaan indicate that the main sensor captures sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions, with OIS aiding low-light photography. The ultra-wide lens is expected to perform adequately for landscapes and group shots, though it may struggle in dim lighting. The front camera is likely to deliver clear selfies and video calls, suitable for social media enthusiasts.
| Camera Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, OIS, Sony LYT-700C) + 8MP (f/2.2, Ultra-Wide/Macro) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, Quad Pixel) |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps |
| Features | OIS, Quad PDAF, Moto AI (Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, etc.) |
Moto G96 5G Battery and Charging
The Moto G96 5G is equipped with a 5500mAh battery, which Motorola claims can last up to 42 hours on a single charge. This large capacity, combined with the efficient 4nm Snapdragon chipset, suggests excellent battery life for heavy users engaging in streaming, gaming, and browsing. The phone supports 33W TurboPower fast charging, and a charger is included in the box, a welcome addition in an era where many brands omit chargers. While exact charging times and battery endurance tests are not yet available, the combination of a large battery and moderate charging speed should provide a full day’s usage with quick top-ups.
| Battery Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5500mAh |
| Charging | 33W TurboPower |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Moto G96 5G Software
Running Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI (also referred to as MyUX), the Moto G96 5G offers a clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Motorola promises one major OS upgrade (to Android 16) and three years of security updates, ensuring the device remains secure through mid-2028. The software includes value-added features like Family Space 3.0 for parental controls, Moto Secure 3.0 for privacy, and ThinkShield Protection 3.0 for enterprise-level security. Moto AI features, such as Catch Me Up (daily summaries), Pay Attention (real-time voice transcription), and Remember This (contextual reminders), enhance productivity. Smart Connect enables seamless integration with other Motorola devices, making it a versatile choice for ecosystem users.
| Software Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 15 (Hello UI/MyUX) |
| OS Upgrades | 1 (to Android 16) |
| Security Updates | 3 years |
| Features | Moto AI, Family Space 3.0, Moto Secure 3.0, ThinkShield 3.0, Smart Connect |
Moto G96 5G Audio and Security
The Moto G96 5G features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive audio for music, movies, and games. Hi-Res Audio certification ensures high-quality sound output, though the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on USB Type-C for audio. Security is robust, with an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and face unlock for quick access. Moto Secure and ThinkShield for mobile provide enterprise-grade protection against threats, making the device suitable for users prioritizing data security.
| Audio & Security Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Speakers | Stereo with Dolby Atmos |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-display (optical) |
| Security Features | Face unlock, Moto Secure, ThinkShield |
Moto G96 5G Connectivity
The Moto G96 5G supports 5G across multiple bands (FDD N1/N3/N5/N7/N8/N20/N26/N28, TDD N38/N40/N41/N77/N78), ensuring fast data speeds in supported regions. It also offers 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS. While some sources mention NFC, others do not, so its availability may vary by region. The phone supports dual nano-SIMs and includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
| Connectivity Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | 5G, 4G VoLTE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) |
| Bluetooth | v5.2 |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | Unconfirmed |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
Moto G96 5G Price and Availability
The Moto G96 5G is priced at ₹17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and ₹19,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model. It became available for purchase starting July 16, 2025, through Flipkart, Motorola’s official website, and select offline retail stores in India. As of July 10, 2025, the phone is listed as out of stock on some platforms like 91mobiles, indicating high initial demand.
| Price & Availability | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹17,999 (8GB + 128GB), ₹19,999 (8GB + 256GB) |
| Availability | From July 16, 2025, via Flipkart, Motorola.in, offline stores |
| Status | Out of stock on some platforms |
Early Impressions and Verdict
Based on first impressions from sources like Mobigyaan and My Mobile India, the Moto G96 5G appears to be a strong all-rounder in the under-₹20,000 segment. Its premium design, vibrant display, and robust feature set make it a compelling choice for budget buyers seeking a near-flagship experience. The 144Hz pOLED display, IP68 rating, and 5500mAh battery are standout features, while the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset ensures reliable performance. The camera system, bolstered by OIS and Moto AI, is expected to perform well for casual photography, though detailed tests are needed to confirm its capabilities.
However, there are some uncertainties. The lack of expandable storage may disappoint users needing more space, and the 33W charging speed is modest compared to competitors offering 65W or higher. Additionally, the promise of only one OS upgrade may limit long-term software support compared to brands like Samsung or Google. Full reviews with performance benchmarks, camera samples, and battery life tests are still pending, so real-world performance remains to be fully validated.
In conclusion, the Moto G96 5G is likely a top contender for budget smartphone buyers, offering a premium design, modern hardware, and a clean software experience at an attractive price. Those seeking a feature-rich device with a focus on display quality and durability should consider this phone, but it’s worth waiting for comprehensive reviews to confirm its performance across all aspects.
Since the Moto G96 5G was launched recently (July 9, 2025), detailed hands-on reviews with performance benchmarks, camera samples, and battery life tests are not yet widely available. This review is based on official specifications, first impressions from trusted sources, and expert insights. For the latest updates, refer to Motorola’s official website or reputable tech review platforms.
