By Anushka verma | Published on 13 september, 2025
In an era where smartphones are no longer just communication devices, but an extension of our lifestyle, the search for a phone that balances performance, design, camera quality, and price has become more challenging. Enter the Motorola G96, a mid-range marvel that promises to deliver premium features at an accessible price point. Priced at ₹22,999 for the 128GB variant, the G96 offers a robust camera system, long-lasting battery, high-refresh-rate display, and durable design — all ingredients that make it a contender in the mid-range segment.
This review dives deep into every aspect of the Motorola G96, exploring its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, connectivity, and overall user experience. We also compare it with competitor devices to understand its true value proposition.
Market Context: Why Motorola G96 Matters
The mid-range smartphone segment is one of the most competitive markets in India. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, and Poco have aggressively launched devices priced between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000. In this segment, consumers demand a premium look and feel, powerful cameras, smooth performance, and long battery life, all within a reasonable budget.
Motorola, a brand with decades of experience in mobile phones, has traditionally focused on delivering reliable and user-friendly devices. With the G96, the brand attempts to bridge the gap between mid-range affordability and flagship-level features.
Design: A Sleek and Durable Build
First Impressions
The Motorola G96 impresses with its modern design. The front features Gorilla Glass 5, offering protection against scratches and minor drops. The back panel has an eco-leather finish, providing a comfortable grip while exuding a premium look. Unlike glossy plastic backs prone to fingerprints, the G96’s texture is both stylish and functional.
Weighing only 178 grams, it is lightweight, yet solid. Users can hold it comfortably for hours, whether gaming, watching videos, or browsing.
Durability
The IP68 rating makes the G96 resistant to dust and water, a feature typically found in higher-end smartphones. Whether caught in light rain or accidentally spilling water on the phone, users have peace of mind. The device is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity.
Colors and Variants
The Motorola G96 is available in Pantone Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, and Dresden Blue, catering to different tastes. The variety in colors combined with the eco-leather back ensures users feel stylish and individualistic.
Design Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 (Front), Eco-leather (Back) |
| Weight | 178 grams |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 |
| Colors | Pantone Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, Dresden Blue |
Display: Immersive Visual Experience
The Motorola G96’s 6.67-inch P-OLED display is one of its strongest selling points. Supporting 1 billion colors, it delivers vivid and lifelike visuals. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, responsive gaming, and fluid animations.
Brightness and Outdoor Usability
With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, the screen is easily visible under bright sunlight. Users can enjoy videos or games outdoors without squinting or adjusting angles. The display’s color reproduction and contrast ratio make photos and videos look stunning, enhancing the multimedia experience.
Touch and Responsiveness
The touchscreen is highly responsive, with accurate touch detection. Gamers will notice minimal lag, making it suitable for fast-paced games. Combined with P-OLED technology, the screen offers deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors, elevating entertainment and productivity alike.
Display Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | P-OLED |
| Size | 6.67 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Brightness | 1600 nits peak |
| Color Support | 1 billion colors |
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
The Motorola G96 is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor and runs on Android 15. The combination ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and seamless gaming experiences.
Memory and Storage
Users can opt for 8GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, expandable via microSD. This setup allows ample room for apps, photos, and videos, while RAM ensures lag-free multitasking.
Gaming and Intensive Tasks
For gamers, the G96 performs admirably. High-end games like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, and Genshin Impact run at medium to high settings without stuttering. The Adreno 730 GPU delivers smooth graphics rendering, while the 144Hz display enhances visual fluidity.
Software Experience
Running Android 15, the Motorola G96 provides a clean and bloat-free interface, which is a hallmark of Motorola devices. Users enjoy speedy updates, minimal pre-installed apps, and a smooth user interface, making the device highly user-friendly.
Performance Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB |
| OS | Android 15 |
| GPU | Adreno 730 |
| Performance | Smooth multitasking, Gaming-ready |
Camera: Capture Life’s Moments
Primary Camera
The 50MP main camera is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp and stable shots even in motion. Whether capturing landscapes or low-light photos, the G96 delivers crisp and detailed images.
Ultra-Wide and Selfie Camera
An 8MP ultra-wide lens allows for group shots and expansive landscapes, adding versatility. The 32MP front camera records 4K video, making it ideal for vlogs and high-quality selfies.
Camera Features
The Motorola G96 includes multiple shooting modes:
- Night Mode: Enhanced low-light performance
- Portrait Mode: Professional-looking depth-of-field effects
- HDR: Balanced exposure in high-contrast scenes
- AI Enhancements: Scene detection for optimized shots
Camera Scenarios
- Outdoor Photography: Sharp details with natural color reproduction
- Indoor Photography: Accurate lighting and minimal noise
- Video Recording: Smooth 4K video with stabilization
- Selfies: Crisp, vibrant, and detailed images
Camera Specifications
| Camera | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Primary | 50MP (OIS) |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP |
| Front | 32MP (4K video) |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps |
| Features | Night Mode, Portrait, HDR, AI Enhancements |
Battery and Charging
The 5500mAh battery ensures all-day usage, whether for gaming, streaming, or browsing. With 30W fast charging, the device powers up quickly, reducing downtime.
Audio Experience
The G96 offers stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, enhancing media consumption. While it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, wireless audio solutions provide crisp and immersive sound, perfect for movies, music, and games.
Battery & Audio Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 5500mAh |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charge |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos |
| Headphone Jack | Not included (supports wireless audio) |
Connectivity and Security
The G96 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Smart Connect 2.0, ensuring fast and reliable connections. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds convenience and security, complemented by face unlock.
Connectivity Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Security | In-display fingerprint sensor |
| Other | Smart Connect 2.0, Face Unlock |
Comparison with Competitors
| Device | Price | Display | Processor | Camera | Battery | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola G96 | ₹22,999 | 6.67” P-OLED 144Hz | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 50MP + 8MP + 32MP selfie | 5500mAh | Value for money |
| Samsung Galaxy M33 | ₹21,999 | 6.6” LCD 120Hz | Exynos 1280 | 50MP + 5MP | 6000mAh | Slightly lower display quality |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro | ₹23,499 | 6.67” AMOLED 120Hz | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | 108MP + 8MP | 5000mAh | High-res camera, slightly less battery |
From this comparison, the G96 balances design, display, performance, and camera capabilities better than most rivals in this segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium design with eco-leather back
- High-refresh-rate P-OLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor
- 50MP OIS camera with 4K front camera
- Long-lasting 5500mAh battery with fast charging
- IP68 dust & water resistance
Cons:
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Slightly higher price than some competitors
- No wireless charging
Pricing and Value
The Motorola G96 128GB model is priced at ₹22,999, while the 256GB variant costs around ₹24,999. Considering the premium design, powerful camera system, smooth performance, and durable battery, it offers excellent value for money.
For consumers seeking a well-rounded smartphone capable of handling photography, gaming, multitasking, and entertainment, the G96 emerges as a top choice in the mid-range segment.
Conclusion
The Motorola G96 successfully delivers a blend of style, performance, and practicality. Its sleek design, vibrant display, high-performing processor, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery make it an ideal smartphone for a wide range of users.
For anyone looking for a premium feel without premium pricing, the Motorola G96 is an excellent choice. Its combination of features and affordable price point ensures it is competitive in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.
Whether you are a casual user, photographer, gamer, or content creator, the G96 offers everything you need in a reliable and stylish package.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Specifications, features, and prices may change over time. Verify details from official Motorola sources or local stores before making a purchase.
