The landscape of the affordable smartphone market currently resembles a vast sea of options, yet it often feels like a challenging quest to find the perfect device. In India, there's an abundance of smartphones available, all priced under the Rs 20,000 mark. However, each of them seems to lack something or another, leaving most of them in the realm of compromise. As tech reviewers, we grapple with this reality daily. For instance, within the confines of our office, we frequently encounter inquiries like, "Hey, tech experts, which phone should we purchase for under Rs 20,000?" Our responses often lead down intricate paths, depending on specific requirements: "If you desire this feature, consider this phone. But if you're after that, then perhaps this alternative would suit you better."
Enter the Motorola Moto G54 5G, a smartphone that, in my view, adeptly addresses this quandary. Priced starting at Rs 15,999, this device presents a compelling proposition. Allow me to elucidate the reasons behind this assertion. It's essential to acknowledge that the Moto G54, while impressive, is not without its imperfections. However, before we delve into its shortcomings, let's cover some fundamental aspects.
The Moto G54 is available in India in two distinct variants, catering to different user preferences. The base model, priced at Rs 15,999, boasts 8GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of storage. On the other hand, the higher-tier variant, retailing at Rs 18,999, elevates the stakes with a commendable 12GB of RAM and a capacious 256GB of storage.
Under the hood, both variants share common core components. Powering the Moto G54 is the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, coupled with a substantial 6000mAh battery. For photography enthusiasts, there's a 50-megapixel primary camera, complete with optical image stabilization. The device is offered in three attractive color options, including two shades of blue and one in green. The standout in this review is the base variant of the G54, which boasts a deep blue hue that Motorola has aptly dubbed "Midnight Blue."
Traditionally, my impressions of Motorola phones have leaned toward the functional yet somewhat uninspiring end of the design spectrum. This perception has persisted since my initial encounter with a Moto G series phone back in 2016. However, a recent glimpse of the Moto G84, which launched in India not long ago, hinted at Motorola's willingness to experiment with more vibrant designs. It exuded a certain jazziness. Nevertheless, the Moto G54, as it graced my desk, seems to revert to the realm of rather mundane design.
Let me clarify that the Moto G54's design is by no means faulty. It's just that the choice of materials and color palette doesn't captivate attention in the same manner as some rival phones, such as those from Realme and iQOO. Nonetheless, Moto phones consistently offer functional designs, and once you look beyond the initial impressions of dullness, the G54 proves to be an ergonomic delight in your hands as you interact with it. The phone embraces a boxy design with gracefully curved edges. Its back is adorned with a rectangular camera island, alongside a SIM tray, and the requisite lock and volume buttons gracefully adorn the sides. The back panel features a polycarbonate construction with a matte finish, which subtly shimmers with a hint of holographic allure when illuminated from various angles. The phone's frame, though composed of plastic, sports a metallic finish.
The build quality of the Moto G54 earns commendation, avoiding the roughness or crudeness that can occasionally mar the experience with some of the more affordable phones in this price range, particularly those from Indian brands. Remarkably, despite housing a substantial 6000mAh battery, the G54 maintains a surprisingly lightweight profile, tipping the scales at a mere 192 grams. This phone's weight distribution in hand makes it feel even lighter than the iPhone 13, my primary device, despite the Apple phone's ostensibly smaller and lighter specifications on paper.
Now, let's pivot our attention to the Moto G54's display. Here, the device presents users with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel that boasts a commendable 120Hz refresh rate—an unexpected inclusion in a smartphone of this price range. Although this LCD screen cannot quite match the vividness and contrast levels of AMOLED panels, which are increasingly prevalent in this price category, it nevertheless delivers a high-quality visual experience. During my usage, I found that the G54's display exhibits vibrant, sharp, and faithfully rendered colors that avoid over-saturation. It excels in portraying natural tones in both photos and videos. Additionally, the panel's brightness levels prove more than sufficient for comfortable usage in both indoor and outdoor environments.
One aspect of the G54's screen that stands out is its fluid refresh rate. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a remarkably smooth display experience. While scrolling, you'll glide through content with a fluidity that enhances the overall user experience, particularly during gaming sessions, where it injects an element of excitement and engagement.
