Introduction:
In a market teeming with mid-range smartphones, where each device vies for a sliver of the consumer’s attention, Motorola has consistently held its ground with the Moto G series. Known for striking a delicate balance between affordability and performance, the series has earned its stripes among budget-conscious users.
The latest in this lineage, the Moto G64 5G, promises to uphold this legacy with the inclusion of 5G connectivity and a feature set designed to meet everyday needs. But the question looms—does it truly stand out, or is it merely a spec bump over its predecessor, the Moto G54? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect the Moto G64 5G’s design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
The Rise of the Moto G64 5G
Design and Build Quality: A Modern Aesthetic
A Subtle Evolution in Design
At first glance, the Moto G64 5G doesn’t veer too far from the design language set by its predecessor. It’s familiar, perhaps even a bit understated, but its simplicity is elegant. The Black color option has been swapped out for livelier choices like Ice Lilac, Mint Green, and Pearl Blue. These new hues inject youthful energy into the device, making it an appealing choice for those who want a splash of personality in their pocket.
The rear of the device sports a glossy plastic finish that catches the light in interesting ways, though it does attract fingerprints like a magnet. The camera module, a slightly protruding rectangular setup on the top left, adds a touch of flair, though it does cause the phone to wobble when placed on a flat surface. It’s a minor inconvenience, one that’s easily overshadowed by the device’s overall aesthetics.
Ergonomics and Durability
Holding the Moto G64 5G, you’ll notice how it fits comfortably in your hand despite its sizeable 6.5-inch display. The curved edges and balanced weight—192 grams to be exact—make it easy to maneuver, even with one hand. The plastic frame, housing all the necessary buttons and ports, feels solid, with no give or creak when pressure is applied. Add to this an IP52 rating, and you’ve got a device that can withstand a bit of dust and the occasional splash, though you’d be wise to keep it clear of heavy rain.
Display: Visuals That Impress
Display Specifications
The Moto G64 5G features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It’s not AMOLED, so you won’t get the inky blacks or punchy colors of more expensive displays, but what you do get is a screen that performs admirably in day-to-day use. The colors are accurate, the details sharp, and for most tasks—whether you’re streaming, browsing, or gaming—it gets the job done.
120Hz Refresh Rate and User Experience
Where the display truly shines is in its 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a feature that elevates the user experience, making everything from scrolling through apps to navigating menus feel smooth and responsive. Gaming, too, benefits from this higher refresh rate, with fast-paced action feeling fluid and immersive, a rare treat at this price point.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
The display’s peak brightness of 560 nits is adequate for most indoor settings, though you may find it struggling a bit under direct sunlight. Nevertheless, with a bit of tweaking, the screen remains usable outdoors. A blue light filter is also on hand to reduce eye strain, making those late-night browsing sessions a little easier on the eyes.
Performance: Powering Through the Day
Processor and Everyday Performance
Under the hood, the Moto G64 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 SoC, a mid-range processor paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM. This combination ensures that the device can handle everyday tasks with relative ease, from web browsing to video streaming. It’s not a powerhouse, but for its intended audience, it offers a smooth, lag-free experience.
During our testing, the device performed reliably in various scenarios, and the 256GB UFS 2.2 storage ensures quick access to files and apps. Whether you’re multitasking or running more resource-intensive apps, the Moto G64 5G holds its own without breaking a sweat.
Gaming Performance and Graphics
For gamers, the Moto G64 5G offers a decent, if not extraordinary, experience. The IMG BXM-8-256 GPU is capable enough to run popular titles like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings. Hardcore gamers might notice the limitations in more graphically demanding games, but for casual players, the performance is more than satisfactory. Plus, the device manages heat well, even during extended gaming sessions—a testament to Motorola’s attention to detail in thermal management.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one area where the Moto G64 5G excels. Its 6,000mAh battery easily powers through a full day of heavy use, and with moderate use, you might even stretch it into a second day. In our tests, the phone managed about 16 hours of screen-on time during an HD video loop, a commendable feat. Charging, while not the fastest, is respectable with the 33W fast charger, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes to go from 0 to 100%.
Software: A Clean Android Experience
Android 14 and My UX
The Moto G64 5G runs on Android 14, overlaid with Motorola’s My UX. The experience is close to stock Android, which means minimal bloatware and a smooth, uncluttered interface. However, there are a few pre-installed apps—nothing too intrusive—and these can be removed if desired.
Motorola’s My UX adds a few nifty features like Moto Actions, allowing you to perform gestures for tasks like turning on the flashlight or launching the camera. These gestures are intuitive, adding convenience without feeling like gimmicks.
Software Updates and Security
Motorola has committed to one major update (Android 15) and three years of security patches. It’s a decent offer, though not as generous as some competitors. Still, you can expect your device to remain secure and up-to-date for the next few years, which is reassuring in this price bracket.
Camera: A Decent Shooter for the Price
Rear Camera Setup
The Moto G64 5G sports a dual-camera setup on the back, led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). It’s joined by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera that doubles as a macro shooter. In good lighting, the main camera produces vibrant, detailed shots, though there’s a tendency for colors to be oversaturated—a trait that some may love and others may find a bit over the top.
Ultra-Wide and Macro Performance
The ultra-wide camera, while useful, doesn’t quite match the main camera in terms of color accuracy and detail. It does, however, offer a wider perspective and can double as a macro lens, though results are mixed. Some shots come out sharp, while others lack the detail you’d expect from a macro camera.
Front Camera and Selfies
The 16-megapixel front camera does a solid job with selfies, particularly in well-lit conditions. Portrait mode is available and does a decent job of creating a pleasing bokeh effect, though edge detection can sometimes falter. Low-light performance is where the front camera struggles, with noise creeping into shots.
Night Mode and Low-Light Photography
Low-light photography is a challenge for the Moto G64 5G. While the main camera’s Night mode helps brighten images, the results are often noisy and lack detail. The ultra-wide camera performs even worse in low light, producing images that are washed out and grainy.
Connectivity and Additional Features: A Well-Rounded Package
5G Connectivity and Network Performance
As its name suggests, the Moto G64 5G supports 5G connectivity, offering faster data speeds and more reliable network performance. During testing, the device consistently delivered strong 5G speeds, making it a solid choice for those who need quick downloads and smooth streaming on the go.
Audio Quality and Multimedia
Audio performance is another area where the Moto G64 5G shines. The stereo speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, provide a rich sound experience that’s great for media consumption. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, especially as it becomes increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Biometrics and Security Features
Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button, which is both quick and reliable. Face unlock is also available, though it’s less secure and struggles in low light, making the fingerprint scanner the preferred option.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Moto G64 5G?
The Moto G64 5G is a capable mid-range device that offers solid performance, long battery life, and a clean software experience. While it doesn’t bring any groundbreaking innovations, it’s a reliable choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G connectivity.
However, if you’re expecting a significant upgrade from the Moto G54 or are a photography enthusiast, you might want to explore other options. For everyone else, the Moto G64 5G is a dependable device that gets the basics right without breaking the bank.
