Motorola Moto G42 review
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that caters to those looking for an affordable device with decent specifications. Unboxing the phone reveals a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point. The display offers good color accuracy and deep blacks, making it a standout feature. Internally, the Moto G42 is powered by a Snapdragon 680 chipset, which is a 4G-only processor. While this may be a drawback for some, particularly in today's era of 5G connectivity, it's not a deal-breaker. The phone also features a 5000mAh battery and 4GB of RAM, although the latter is on the lower side. The camera setup consists of a triple-lens configuration, including a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Unfortunately, the macro camera is more of a gimmick than a useful feature, producing low-quality images that are easily outdone by the main camera. One of the Moto G42's strongest points is its display, which offers good value for money at this price point. The inclusion of a 20W charger is also a nice touch. However, the phone's limited specifications and lack of 5G connectivity may deter some potential buyers. Overall, the Motorola Moto G42 is a decent budget smartphone that excels in terms of display quality. While it may not be the most powerful or feature-rich device on the market, it's a solid choice for those looking for an affordable Android phone with a good screen and reasonable performance.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G42 presents itself as a budget-friendly device, and its build quality and design reflect this. The phone comes with a default case pre-installed, which is a nice touch considering it's not always included with new phones. Upon inspection, you'll find that the phone's construction feels solid enough for its price point. However, there's nothing particularly impressive about its build quality either. It doesn't feel like a premium device by any means, but rather a mid-range phone trying to punch above its weight. The phone's design is straightforward and unadventurous. The Moto G42 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, which is actually quite good considering the price. The screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 is also respectable, making it a decent choice for watching videos or browsing the web. The phone's shape and size are standard fare, with rounded edges and a familiar layout. However, the inclusion of a triple-camera setup on the back might be seen as an attempt to make the device look more premium than it actually is. The main sensor is 50 megapixels, accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera. In terms of design, Motorola has played it safe with the Moto G42. There's nothing particularly exciting or innovative about its build quality or aesthetic. It's a phone that's more focused on providing value for money rather than making a statement in terms of design. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G42 may not win any awards for its build quality and design, it does what it sets out to do: provide a reliable and capable smartphone experience at an affordable price point.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly device that may catch your attention with its affordable price tag. However, upon closer inspection, its internal components reveal some compromises. The battery life is one area where the phone shines. With a massive 5000mAh battery, the Moto G42 is designed to last all day and then some. In my testing, I found that this device easily lasted for two days on a single charge, with moderate use. This includes browsing social media, playing casual games, and streaming music. The 20W fast charging system also helps to top up the battery quickly, reducing downtime significantly. Motorola has done a good job in providing a large battery that can keep up with demanding usage patterns. While the phone's internal components may not be as impressive as some of its competitors, the battery life is one area where it excels. For users who prioritize longevity over raw performance, the Moto G42 is definitely worth considering. However, it's essential to note that battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings. Nevertheless, the 5000mAh battery in the Moto G42 is a significant plus point for those seeking a device that will keep up with their daily needs without needing frequent recharging.
Display
The Motorola Moto G42 boasts an impressive display, considering its budget-friendly price tag. The phone features a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This is actually a pretty decent display for a device that costs around €200. One of the standout features of the Moto G42's display is its AMOLED technology, which provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. The screen is also relatively large, making it comfortable to use for watching videos or browsing the web. In terms of resolution, 1080 x 2400 is a good compromise between pixel density and battery life. While some may expect a higher-resolution display from a phone in this price range, the Moto G42's AMOLED screen holds its own against more expensive devices. The colors are rich and accurate, and the viewing angles are wide, making it easy to share content with friends or family members. The display is also well-suited for everyday use, such as checking social media, sending messages, or browsing the web. However, for those who plan to use their phone for more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, a higher-resolution display might be preferable. Overall, the Motorola Moto G42's display is a highlight of the device. Its AMOLED technology and decent resolution make it a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable phone with a good screen. While it may not blow you away in terms of sheer pixel density, it gets the job done and provides a pleasant viewing experience. While this display is certainly impressive for its price point, there are some compromises to be made. The Moto G42's display is not perfect, but it's definitely a step up from more basic budget phones. If you're looking for an affordable phone with a good screen, the Motorola Moto G42 is worth considering.
Camera
The Motorola Moto G42 is touted as a budget-friendly smartphone that punches above its weight. While it may excel in some aspects, its camera system is a disappointing letdown. One of the key features of the phone's camera setup is the triple-camera arrangement, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Unfortunately, the latter is a misfire, even by budget smartphone standards. In my testing, I found that the macro camera struggled to deliver even basic results. The images were dull, lacking in detail, and often blurred. Attempting to capture close-up shots using this feature only served to highlight its inadequacy. It's an absolute shame that Motorola chose to include such a poor sensor, given the potential for users to appreciate a well-executed macro mode. In contrast, the 50-megapixel primary sensor performed admirably, capturing decent images with good color accuracy and detail. However, this was only when using the main camera without relying on the macro feature. It's clear that Motorola prioritized giving the appearance of a more advanced camera setup over delivering actual value to users. To put it bluntly, the 2-megapixel macro sensor is an insult to include in any smartphone, let alone one that retails for around €200. By comparison, using the primary camera with a two-times zoom resulted in significantly better images, demonstrating what could have been achieved had Motorola invested in a more competent camera system. In conclusion, while the Moto G42 has some redeeming qualities, its camera setup is a major letdown. The inclusion of such a subpar macro sensor is particularly disappointing, given the potential for users to appreciate a well-executed feature.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that's been making waves in the market. Priced around 200 euros, this device offers an impressive array of features that make it a compelling option for those on a tight budget. One of the standout aspects of the Moto G42 is its display. Boasting a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, this phone delivers a crisp and vibrant visual experience that's hard to find in phones at this price point. The AMOLED panel ensures deep blacks and vivid colors, making it a treat for users who value a good display. In terms of performance, the Moto G42 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, which provides smooth and efficient operation. While it may not be the most powerful processor on the market, it's sufficient for everyday tasks and won't leave you feeling like you're sacrificing too much in exchange for affordability. Another aspect where the Moto G42 shines is its battery life. The phone packs a respectable 5000mAh battery that should last you a day or two with moderate use. Charging is also quick, thanks to the included 20W charger. While the Moto G42 may not be the most powerful or feature-rich phone on the market, it's an excellent value for its price. The AMOLED display, decent performance, and long battery life make it a compelling option for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers surprising value for its price. With its impressive display, smooth performance, and long battery life, this phone is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly device that caters to the needs of users looking for an affordable smartphone experience. While it may not boast high-end specs, the phone's performance is still worthy of attention. Upon unboxing and powering up, the 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels is impressive, especially considering its price point of around €200. The screen's deep blacks and vibrant colors make it a pleasure to use, even for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip, which is a 4G-only processor. This might be a disappointment for some users, especially in today's era of widespread 5G connectivity. However, this decision allows Motorola to keep costs down and make the phone more affordable. In terms of memory, the Moto G42 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is on the lower side compared to other devices in its class. While it may not be ideal for heavy users or those who engage in resource-intensive activities like gaming or video editing, the device still manages to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks. The phone's battery life is also a highlight, featuring a 5000mAh cell that should provide all-day power with ease. Charging is relatively fast as well, thanks to the inclusion of a 20W charger in the box. While not perfect, the Motorola Moto G42's performance is still respectable for its price point. The device's display and battery life are definite positives, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, users who require more power or advanced features may find themselves disappointed by the phone's limitations.
Pros
1. The phone has a good display with an AMOLED screen and 1080p resolution, making it a great value for its price around €200.
2. The charging speed is fast at 20 watts, which is better than what some flagship phones offer.
3. The battery size is decent at 5000mAh, fitting well in the phone's slim design.
4. The triple camera setup has a good main sensor with 50MP resolution, making it suitable for everyday photography.
Cons
1. The phone lacks 5G connectivity, which might be a drawback for some users in this day and age.
2. The RAM is on the lower side at 4GB, which may affect performance in demanding tasks.
3. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera is questionable, as it's not very useful and doesn't match the quality of the main sensor.