Moto G96 5G Review-The Moto G96 5G has officially entered India’s competitive mid-range segment, and it’s already turning heads for all the right reasons. Priced under ₹15,000, this phone delivers a powerful package — a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8GB RAM, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 108MP triple camera setup. Motorola’s reputation for clean Android software and reliability adds the final layer of polish.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Moto G96 5G stand out, and whether it truly deserves the crown of the best 5G smartphone in its price range.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Moto G96 5G |
| Display | 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB RAM / 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 108MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) |
| Front Camera | 32MP AI selfie camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 68W TurboPower charging |
| Operating System | Android 14 (MyUX) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C |
| Price in India | ₹14,999 (introductory offer) |
Design: Slim, Stylish, and Premium to Hold
Motorola has been refining its design language over the years, and the Moto G96 5G is perhaps one of its best-looking phones yet. The back panel sports a matte gradient finish that resists fingerprints and gives a premium, soft-touch feel. The rectangular camera island is subtle but elegant, with a smooth metallic outline and a raised middle lens that adds character.
At 8.1mm thickness and 180g weight, the phone strikes a sweet balance between portability and durability. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as a power button and works instantly. The frame is polycarbonate but feels sturdy, and the curved edges ensure a comfortable grip during extended use.
Color options like Electric Indigo, Stellar Silver, and Charcoal Blue give it an edge over competitors — classy without being flashy. Even in a crowded sub-₹15K market, the Moto G96 5G stands out for its understated sophistication.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with 120Hz Smoothness
The display is easily one of the biggest highlights of the Moto G96 5G. It features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, offering crisp visuals, punchy colors, and smooth transitions.
Watching videos or gaming feels immersive thanks to thin bezels and a centered punch-hole camera. The panel delivers deep blacks and bright whites, with a peak brightness of around 1000 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility.
Content streaming on Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video looks stunning, and HDR10 support adds depth and richness to every frame. For a phone under ₹15,000, this kind of display quality is a rare treat. The Moto G96 5G clearly proves that budget doesn’t have to mean compromise.
Performance: Power That Matches the Price
Under the hood, the Moto G96 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 6nm architecture — a chip that’s both efficient and capable. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the phone handles multitasking effortlessly. Apps open quickly, animations feel fluid, and switching between tasks is seamless.
In day-to-day use, you won’t experience lags or stutters, even with multiple apps running in the background. Motorola’s MyUX skin, based on Android 14, helps here — it’s bloatware-free, close to stock Android, and optimized for performance.
For gamers, titles like BGMI, COD Mobile, and Free Fire Max run smoothly on medium to high graphics settings with stable frame rates. The phone maintains its temperature well, thanks to a dedicated graphite cooling layer.
Overall, the Moto G96 5G punches above its weight, making it a dependable choice for students, professionals, and gamers alike.
Camera: 108MP Clarity That Delivers
When it comes to photography, Motorola has finally brought a true camera upgrade to its mid-range lineup. The Moto G96 5G features a 108MP primary camera, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro lens.
Daylight shots are rich in detail, with excellent dynamic range and natural color tones. Unlike some competitors that oversaturate colors, Motorola keeps things balanced — greens look real, skies retain texture, and shadows stay controlled.
The ultra-wide lens captures more scene without distortion, and while it’s not flagship-level, it’s very usable. The macro sensor can surprise you with sharp close-up shots, especially in good lighting.
Night photography sees a solid improvement with the Night Vision Mode, which enhances exposure and detail without adding too much noise.
The 32MP front camera delivers crisp, social-media-ready selfies. Portraits have good depth separation, and the AI beautification remains subtle rather than artificial.
In short, the Moto G96 5G camera system feels balanced — powerful enough for enthusiasts, yet simple for everyday users.
Battery and Charging: Dependable Powerhouse
Battery life is another area where the Moto G96 5G impresses. The 5000mAh battery can easily last a full day and a half with moderate use, even with the 120Hz display turned on.
Streaming, gaming, and social media scrolling won’t drain it as quickly as you’d expect, thanks to the power-efficient chipset. When you do need to charge, the 68W TurboPower charger included in the box gets the phone from 0% to 50% in just 25 minutes and a full charge in about an hour.
Motorola’s adaptive charging feature also prevents overcharging overnight, extending battery longevity. Simply put, this phone won’t leave you hunting for a charger midway through the day.
Software Experience: Clean, Smooth, and Reliable
One of the biggest advantages of the Moto G96 5G is its software experience. Running on Android 14 with Motorola’s MyUX, it delivers an interface that’s smooth, intuitive, and free of unnecessary clutter.
There are no ads, no bloatware, and no unwanted notifications — something few brands can claim at this price. Features like Peek Display, Gestures (twist to open camera, chop to turn on flashlight), and Custom Wallpapers make it uniquely Motorola without complicating things.
Motorola has also promised 3 years of security updates and 2 Android OS upgrades, ensuring long-term usability. The combination of stock-like Android and optimized performance makes daily use genuinely enjoyable.
Connectivity and 5G Experience
As the name suggests, the Moto G96 5G is ready for India’s rapidly expanding 5G networks. It supports 13 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with all major service providers. Network handoff between 4G and 5G is seamless, and call quality remains crystal clear.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure faster connectivity and stable pairing with accessories. The USB Type-C port supports OTG connections, and dual-SIM standby works perfectly for those juggling work and personal numbers.
Multimedia and Audio: Loud, Clear, and Immersive
Multimedia performance on the Moto G96 5G is a delight. The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver rich, detailed sound with noticeable depth and clarity. Whether you’re watching YouTube videos, gaming, or playing music, the sound quality feels immersive.
Combine that with the bright AMOLED screen, and you’ve got one of the best entertainment experiences in this segment. The phone even retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, something audiophiles will appreciate.
Real-World Experience: Built for Everyday India
Using the Moto G96 5G in real-world conditions reveals just how well Motorola understands its audience. It feels fast and smooth, takes good photos in most situations, and never feels heavy in the hand.
The battery lasts long enough for a full day of calls, browsing, and media, while the software stays reliable and free of gimmicks. The overall experience is one of effortless reliability — something budget buyers value more than flashy features.
Motorola’s consistency shows here. The Moto G96 5G doesn’t chase gimmicks; it focuses on what actually matters: display, battery, performance, and software. And it nails all four.
Price and Availability
The Moto G96 5G is available in India starting at ₹14,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant. Buyers can grab it from Flipkart, Motorola’s official site, and offline retail outlets.
Early buyers get additional cashback offers and no-cost EMI options, making it even more accessible. Given its premium features and affordable pricing, the Moto G96 5G stands tall as one of the best deals under ₹15K.
Verdict: A Well-Rounded Performer for 2025
The Moto G96 5G is everything a mid-range smartphone should be — fast, reliable, and beautifully designed. With a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, 108MP camera, and 5000mAh battery, it’s a complete package that doesn’t cut corners.
Motorola’s clean Android experience only sweetens the deal, making this phone an easy recommendation for users who value smooth performance and long-term dependability.
If you’ve been searching for the best 5G smartphone under ₹15,000, the Moto G96 5G is a near-perfect contender — a phone that proves great experiences don’t have to come with flagship prices.
FAQs
1. What is the price of Moto G96 5G in India?
The Moto G96 5G is priced at ₹14,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.
2. Does the Moto G96 5G support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 68W TurboPower charging, which can charge 50% in just 25 minutes.
3. What is the camera quality like on Moto G96 5G?
It comes with a 108MP triple camera setup, delivering sharp, balanced photos and strong low-light performance.
4. What version of Android does Moto G96 5G run?
The Moto G96 5G runs Android 14 with Motorola’s MyUX interface and promises two major OS updates.
5. How good is the battery life of Moto G96 5G?
The phone’s 5000mAh battery lasts well over a day and a half on regular use, supported by efficient performance and fast charging.