Moto g04: Motorola’s new moto g04 struts onto the scene, dethroning the moto e13 and inaugurating the fresh g0x series. Packed with upgrades like a smooth 90Hz display, a sleek design, and the latest Android 14, it boasts of being the ultimate budget 4G smartphone. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the review and find out!
Unboxing the Essentials:
Inside the box, you’ll find the moto g04 in its Sea Green glory, a 10W charger, a USB cable, a SIM ejector tool, a protective case, and the usual manuals.
Display and Design: Striking a Balance
The g04 flaunts a 6.56-inch HD+ 90Hz LCD display. Compared to other budget offerings, the screen quality is impressive, delivering vibrant colors and decent brightness. While it lacks HDR support, the peak brightness of 537 nits ensures good sunlight legibility.
The punch-hole selfie camera keeps things modern, and the bezels are minimal (except for the slightly thicker bottom one, which is understandable at this price point).
Performance: Capable, Not a Champion
Powered by the UniSoC T606 processor, the g04 handles routine tasks smoothly. The 8GB RAM version we tested multitasks efficiently without hiccups. However, don’t expect to conquer graphic-intensive games – the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU isn’t built for heavy lifting. The phone gets a tad warm during extended gaming sessions, especially on 4G.
Camera: Snapshots on a Budget
The g04 packs a single 16MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. Daylight shots come out decent with good dynamic range, but low-light performance is average. While it lacks an ultra-wide or dedicated macro lens, it can manage decent portrait shots.
Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, with EIS providing some stabilization. If you’re a casual photographer, the camera setup will suffice, but shutterbugs might seek more versatile options.
Software: Stock Android, Clean Experience
The g04 runs stock Android 14, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience. You get the usual My UX features like Ambient Display and Moto-specific gestures for added convenience. The phone promises 2 years of security updates, a welcome assurance in the budget segment.
Battery Life: Powerhouse Performance
The 5000mAh battery is the g04’s hero. It easily lasts a full day on heavy use and even longer with moderate usage. While it supports 15W fast charging, the included 10W charger takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes for a full charge.
Verdict: A Worthy Contender, But Not the Undisputed King
At a starting price of Rs. 6,999, the moto g04 offers a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers. The 90Hz display, decent performance, clean software, and long battery life are its key strengths. However, the average camera and lack of a powerful GPU hold it back from being the absolute champion.
Who should buy it?
If you’re looking for a stylish, well-performing phone with a smooth display and long battery life on a budget, the g04 is a strong contender. However, if you prioritize photography or crave top-notch gaming performance, you might want to explore other options.
