Motorola Moto G15 review
The Motorola Moto G15 is an entry-level smartphone that offers decent specs at an affordable price point. Priced around $160-$170, this device comes with 4 or 8GB of RAM and 128-512GB storage options. The Helio G81 Extreme processor powers the device, accompanied by a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. While it's an okay option for those on a tight budget, its price tag feels slightly inflated compared to other competitors in this segment.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G15's build quality is a mixed bag. While the device's overall design is decent, it feels somewhat plasticky in certain areas. The rear panel, for instance, has a bit of give when pressed, which detracts from the phone's otherwise sleek appearance. One positive aspect of the Moto G15's design is its use of Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, which provides a respectable level of protection against scratches and minor drops. However, this does not extend to the rest of the device, with the sides and back being made of plastic. In terms of ergonomics, the phone feels well-balanced in the hand, but its rounded edges may not appeal to everyone's taste. The volume buttons and power button are strategically placed on the right side, making them easy to access without triggering accidental key presses. On the top edge, you'll find a headphone jack, which is a welcome feature for those who still use wired audio gear. Meanwhile, the SIM card tray and charging port reside at the bottom of the device. Overall, while the Moto G15's design doesn't break any new ground in terms of innovation or style, it does get the job done without standing out in a negative way. The phone's dimensions are manageable, making it easy to fit into most pockets or purses. Given its price point, one might have expected a bit more attention to detail in the design department. However, this is not necessarily a deal-breaker for those on a budget who prioritize functionality over style. In any case, the Moto G15's build quality is decent but not exceptional – it simply gets the job done without much flair or excitement.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G15 is an affordable smartphone that promises to deliver a seamless user experience. However, my experience with the device has been marred by its disappointing battery life. While the phone's 5000mAh battery sounds impressive on paper, it fails to live up to expectations in real-world usage. I found myself needing to charge the phone almost daily, even with moderate use. The screen is bright and vibrant, but it consumes a significant amount of power, leaving you scrambling for a charger by the end of the day. In my testing, I was able to squeeze out about 12 hours of use on a single charge, which is decent but not exceptional. Heavy users will likely find themselves needing to top up their battery more frequently. It's worth noting that the Moto G15 also lacks fast charging capabilities, which makes it even more difficult to quickly top up your battery when you're in a hurry. This feels like a missed opportunity for Motorola to provide a convenient and practical feature that would make the phone feel more premium. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G15 is an affordable smartphone with some impressive specs, its battery life falls short of expectations. If you're looking for a device that will last all day without needing a charger, this may not be the best choice.
Display
The display on the Motorola Moto G15 is a mixed bag. On one hand, it features a decent resolution with a pixel density of around 400 PPI, making text and images look relatively sharp. However, the screen size is limited to 6.5 inches, which may feel a bit cramped for some users. The display also lacks any sort of refresh rate or HDR support, which could be a drawback for those who enjoy gaming or watching videos on their phone. The color accuracy is also not great, with colors looking somewhat muted and washed out at times. One notable issue with the display is its lack of Corning Gorilla Glass protection, making it prone to scratches and damage from everyday use. This is particularly disappointing given the otherwise sturdy build quality of the device. In comparison to other budget phones on the market, the Motorola Moto G15's display feels like a step back in terms of features and performance. The Helio G81 processor and 4GB/8GB RAM options are certainly attractive for those on a tight budget, but they can't compensate for the subpar display. For instance, the Nothing Phone (1), which is available at a similar price point, offers an AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, HDR10+ support, and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. This makes it feel like a more premium device in comparison to the Moto G15. If you're considering buying the Motorola Moto G15, it's essential to weigh its pros against its cons, especially when it comes to the display. While it may not be the worst screen out there, it's certainly not the best either. If you can find an alternative with a better display and similar specs for a comparable price, that might be worth considering. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G15 has some redeeming qualities, its display is one area where it falls short of expectations.
Camera
The Motorola Moto G15 camera is a decent offering from the brand, but it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by its competitors in this price range. Firstly, let's talk about the primary camera. The Moto G15 features a 50MP primary sensor, which is a respectable spec for a budget phone. However, the actual image quality is average at best. Photos taken in good lighting conditions are fine, but they lack the detail and punch that some other phones in this price range offer. In low-light conditions, the camera struggles to produce clean images with minimal noise. The 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait mode shots, but even those can look a bit soft at times. The camera app itself is pretty basic, with limited features and settings. There's no support for features like Pro Mode or RAW image capture, which might disappoint some users who want more creative control over their photography experience. On the video front, the Moto G15 can record up to 1080p at 30fps, which is a common resolution in this segment. However, the stabilization and autofocus can be a bit hit-or-miss, leading to shaky footage or soft focus areas in certain situations. One area where the camera excels is in the ultra-wide-angle shots. The Moto G15's 5MP ultra-wide sensor captures a good amount of scene detail and has minimal distortion, making it ideal for group photos or landscapes. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G15 camera is not bad by any means, it's an average performer that doesn't quite set itself apart from other budget phones. If you're primarily using your phone for social media snaps and casual video recording, this camera will likely suffice. However, if you're looking for a more serious photography experience or want to capture better quality videos, there are other options available in the same price range that might be worth considering.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G15 is an underwhelming device that fails to deliver value for its price. Priced around $160-$170, this smartphone seems to be overpriced considering what it offers. The Helio G81 Extreme processor, while decent, is not enough to justify the cost. The device's build quality is another area where Motorola falls short. Made entirely of plastic, with a Gorilla Glass 3 front and a fingerprint sensor that doubles as a power button, the Moto G15 feels cheap. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos branding only adds to the confusion, as there's no indication of what this feature actually does. The availability of either 4 or 8 GB of RAM and storage options of up to 512 GB, along with the ability to expand storage using a Micro SD card, is a minor plus. However, the price point for this device makes it hard to recommend, especially when compared to other options on the market. One such option is the Nothing Phone 1, which offers an AMOLED display, 120 Hz refresh rate, and faster processor at a similar price point of around $200. The camera quality may not be significantly better, but video recording capabilities are superior, with 4K 30fps and 1080p up to 60 fps. Considering the Motorola Moto G15's lackluster performance and overpriced tag, it's difficult to recommend this device to anyone looking for a mid-range smartphone. There are simply better options available in the market that offer more value for your money.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G15 is an entry-level smartphone that aims to provide decent performance without breaking the bank. The device is powered by a Helio G81 Extreme processor, which is also found in its sibling model, the g15 Power. While it's not the most powerful chip available, it gets the job done for everyday tasks and light gaming. In our experience, the Moto G15 handled basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and streaming without any issues. However, when it came to more demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, the phone started to show its limitations. The processor struggled to keep up with demanding apps, leading to some slowdowns and lags. With 4 or 8 GB of RAM, the device can handle a decent number of apps open at once, but anything more than that would cause significant performance issues. Storage-wise, users have the option to expand their storage using a Micro SD card, which is convenient for those who need more space for their files and media. One area where the Moto G15 excels is in its efficient battery life. With a 5000 mAh battery, the device can easily last a day or even two with moderate use. However, when it comes to charging speeds, the phone lags behind, taking around an hour to reach 50% charge. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G15's performance is satisfactory for casual users, power users may find themselves frustrated by the device's limitations. For those who need more from their smartphone, there are better options available in the same price range. Rating: 3/5
Pros
1. The device has a fingerprint sensor that doubles as a power button with volume markers, which is convenient.
2. It comes with either 4 or 8 GB of RAM, with either 128 to 512 GB of storage, making it a good option for those who want more storage space.
3. The device's processor is the same one used in the g15 Power and Helio G81 extreme, which is capable of handling demanding tasks.
4. It has a headphone jack at the top with branding of Dolby Atmos, although the reviewer is unsure where that Dolby Atmos is.
Cons
1. The device's build quality is made out of plastic all around apart from just the front being a corner Gorilla Glass 3, which may not be as premium-feeling as some other devices.
2. It has 4 or 8 GB of RAM, with either 128 to 512 GB of storage, but 4 GB of RAM may be on the lower side for phones these days.
3. The device's processor is the same one used in the g15 Power and Helio G81 extreme, which may not be as powerful as some other devices.
4. It is overpriced for what it offers, with a price point around $160-$170, which is more than some other devices that offer similar specs.