Moto G96 5G is the latest addition to Motorola’s popular G-series lineup, designed to deliver next-generation connectivity, reliable performance, and feature-rich specifications—all at an affordable price. With the increasing demand for 5G smartphones in the mid-range segment, Motorola aims to capture budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on speed, design, or battery life. In this article, we explore the Moto G96 5G in detail, covering its design, display, performance, camera system, battery, software, and overall value.
Design & Build Quality – Sleek Yet Sturdy
Moto G96 5G sports a sleek and contemporary design with a smooth matte finish at the back that resists fingerprints and provides a firm grip. The curved edges make it comfortable to hold, while the slim profile gives it a premium in-hand feel, uncommon in this price segment.
- Dimensions: Lightweight and slim (~8.5 mm thick)
- Build Material: Polycarbonate back with matte texture
- Colors Available: Midnight Blue, Forest Green, and Graphite Grey
- Fingerprint Scanner: Side-mounted (embedded in power button)
- Water Resistance: IP52 splash resistance
Motorola has clearly paid attention to ergonomics and aesthetics, making the Moto G96 5G a stylish device that doesn’t look or feel cheap.
Display – Smooth and Immersive
The phone features a 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering fluid scrolling and a responsive touch experience. The punch-hole cutout at the top center keeps the display immersive while maximizing screen real estate.
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Brightness: ~600 nits (peak)
- Aspect Ratio: 20:9
- Protection: Panda Glass / Gorilla Glass 3 (varies by region)
Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or browsing social media, the Moto G96 5G’s screen is vivid and smooth, making it a delight for multimedia consumption.
Performance – Powered by Snapdragon & 5G
At the heart of the Moto G96 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD. The Snapdragon 695 is a tried-and-tested chipset that offers a great balance between power efficiency and performance.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 695 (6nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz & 6×1.7 GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM/Storage Options: 6GB+128GB / 8GB+128GB
- 5G Bands: Supports multiple sub-6GHz 5G bands
Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or video editing, the Moto G96 5G handles daily tasks effortlessly and stays cool under pressure.
Camera System – Capable and Smart
The Moto G96 5G features a dual rear camera setup that performs surprisingly well, especially in daylight conditions. Motorola has fine-tuned its software to deliver sharp and vibrant images.
- Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 with Quad Pixel Technology
- Depth Sensor: 2MP, f/2.4
- Front Camera: 16MP punch-hole selfie shooter
- Video Recording: 1080p at 30fps (front and rear)
- Camera Features: Night Mode, HDR, Portrait Mode, Pro Mode, Dual Capture
Although it’s not a camera-centric phone, the Moto G96 5G captures detailed and balanced photos, making it suitable for casual photographers and social media users.
Battery Life – Built to Last All Day
Motorola equips the Moto G96 5G with a 5000mAh battery, capable of easily lasting more than a day on a single charge. Whether you’re streaming content, gaming, or browsing the web, battery anxiety won’t be a concern.
- Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 30W TurboPower fast charging
- Charger Included: Yes, in-box
- Battery Life Estimate: Up to 2 days on moderate use
The phone intelligently manages background apps and power-hungry tasks to preserve battery life throughout the day.
Software – Clean, Fast, and Up-to-Date
Moto G96 5G runs Android 14 out of the box with Motorola’s clean MyUX interface. Unlike many competitors that load their phones with bloatware, Motorola’s software is near-stock Android with minimal customizations.
- OS: Android 14 (with 1 major Android upgrade promised)
- UI: MyUX
- Special Features: Gestures (chop for flashlight, twist for camera), Game Mode, Peek Display
Motorola promises regular security updates and a smooth software experience with minimal lag or ads.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Excellent 120Hz display
Reliable Snapdragon 695 performance
5G connectivity
Long battery life
Clean Android experience
Cons:
No ultra-wide camera
LCD instead of AMOLED
No stereo speakers
Price & Availability
The Moto G96 5G is expected to launch at a price of ₹14,999–₹16,999 (~$180–$210), making it one of the most competitive 5G smartphones in the budget segment. It will be available through online platforms like Flipkart and Motorola’s official website.
Final Verdict
The Moto G96 5G offers great value for its price. With a smooth 120Hz display, solid battery life, reliable Snapdragon 695 processor, and clean software experience, it ticks nearly all the boxes for a mid-range buyer. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, 5G-ready smartphone under ₹17,000, the Moto G96 5G should be high on your list.
