Motorola Moto G42 review
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that punches above its weight class. With a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, the phone offers impressive visuals for a device in this price range. The spec list leans towards affordability, with a Snapdragon 680 chipset and 4GB of RAM. A 5000mAh battery and 20W fast charging are also notable features. However, the absence of 5G connectivity is a drawback, as is the inclusion of a subpar macro camera sensor.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G42, a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to cater to the needs of those looking for a cost-effective device without compromising on essential features. From its sleek design to its sturdy build quality, I'm impressed by what the Moto G42 has to offer. Out of the box, you'll find the phone accompanied by a default case, which is a thoughtful touch considering the phone's durability. The case not only protects the device but also provides a smooth finish that complements the phone's design. Upon removing the case, you'll notice the phone's slim profile and rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold. The build quality of the Moto G42 is impressive for its price point. The device feels solid in your hand, with a weighty presence that's reassuring without being too heavy. The materials used are of good quality, with no signs of cheapness or creakiness when handling the phone. One aspect where the Moto G42 shines is its display. A 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. While some may find the lack of 5G connectivity a drawback, it's hard to complain about the phone's design and build quality. In terms of design, the Moto G42 has a clean and minimalist aesthetic that should appeal to those who prefer simplicity. The rear camera setup is neatly arranged in a triple-camera configuration, with the main sensor taking center stage. While some may view the inclusion of a 2-megapixel macro lens as unnecessary, it's clear Motorola aimed to include features that would make the phone more appealing at its price point. Overall, the build quality and design of the Motorola Moto G42 are impressive considering its budget-friendly nature. The device feels solid, looks good, and has a display that punches above its weight class. While some aspects may be lacking, the Moto G42 is a commendable effort from Motorola to deliver a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers an impressive 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. However, one of its standout features is the battery life. The device packs a 5000 milliamp hour (mAh) battery, which is surprisingly large considering the phone's slim design. In our usage tests, we found that the Moto G42 easily lasted over a day and a half with moderate use, including browsing the internet, social media, and streaming music. With light use, such as making calls and texting, the battery life could stretch to two full days. The 20-watt charger included in the box also helps top up the battery quickly. Motorola's optimization of the device's hardware and software seems to have paid off in terms of battery efficiency. While the Moto G42's camera capabilities may leave something to be desired, its display and battery life make it a compelling option for those on a budget. With its large battery and efficient charging system, this phone is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a device that can keep up with your daily needs without breaking the bank.
Display
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly phone that caught my attention with its impressive display. For around 200 euros, you get a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. This is a pretty decent display, especially considering the price point. One of the standout features of the Moto G42's display is its high refresh rate and deep blacks. The AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through photos. The display is also relatively bright, with good outdoor visibility. While the specs sheet might not be impressive, the display on the Moto G42 is actually one of its strongest selling points. It's a great feature to have at this price point, especially considering that many mid-range phones often skimp on display quality. The Moto G42's display is also relatively future-proof, with a relatively high refresh rate and decent pixel density. While it may not be as good as some flagship displays, it's certainly a step up from what you'd typically find in a budget phone. Overall, the display on the Motorola Moto G42 is a welcome surprise at this price point. It's a great feature that will appeal to anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone with a high-quality screen.
Camera
The camera system on the Motorola Moto G42 is one of its most interesting features. On paper, it seems decent, with a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. However, in reality, the experience is far from satisfactory. The triple-camera setup sounds impressive at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the macro camera is more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful feature. The sensor's resolution is laughably low for what's supposed to be a dedicated macro lens, and the quality of photos taken with it are abysmal. In fact, even the manufacturer seems to acknowledge this by making it extremely difficult to access the macro mode. It's almost as if they're embarrassed to include such a subpar feature on their device. I had to go out of my way to find the macro camera and even then, capturing decent photos with it was a challenge. To put it simply, the macro camera on the Motorola Moto G42 is an insult to consumers who are being asked to pay good money for this phone. It's a sticker camera that adds nothing but visual clutter to the device's design. The quality of photos taken with it pales in comparison to those captured using the primary sensor or even the ultra-wide-angle lens. In contrast, the 50-megapixel primary sensor and the 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens produce respectable results, especially considering this phone's price point. However, the macro camera's existence is a joke that needs to be addressed. Manufacturers should focus on delivering genuine value to their customers rather than just adding features for the sake of appearances. Overall, the Motorola Moto G42's camera system has some redeeming qualities, but the inclusion of a subpar macro camera is a major letdown. This phone could have been a solid mid-ranger if not for this oversight.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly device that caters to those looking for an affordable smartphone experience. With a price tag around 200 euros, it's hard to expect too much in terms of performance and features. However, this phone manages to surprise in various areas, making it a great value for its price. The display, for instance, is a highlight of the device. The 6.4-inch AMOLED screen offers decent resolution (1080 x 2400) and deep blacks, making it a pleasure to watch videos or browse through apps. Considering the price point, this display is a significant upgrade over what one would expect. The charging speed is also noteworthy, with a 20W charger included in the box. This is a welcome addition, especially considering that some flagships from Samsung come with inferior chargers. The battery life, though not extensively tested, seems adequate given the device's slim profile. However, it's essential to temper expectations when it comes to performance and features. The Snapdragon 680 chipset might feel dated in today's fast-paced tech landscape, and the 4GB of RAM is on the lower side. Additionally, the lack of 5G connectivity might be a significant drawback for some users. Overall, the Motorola Moto G42 offers surprising value for its price. While it may not excel in every area, it manages to provide a solid user experience that's hard to beat at this budget-friendly price point. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone with a good display and charging speed, the Moto G42 is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to provide decent performance at an affordable price point. As I unboxed the device, I was impressed by its sleek design and the inclusion of a 20-watt charger. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 680 chipset, which is a 4G-only processor. While it's not the most powerful chip available, it still provides smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming content. However, with no 5G connectivity on board, users will have to rely on slower 4G networks. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM, which is a bit low considering modern smartphones often come with at least 6GB or more. This may lead to some lag or stuttering when running multiple apps simultaneously or playing demanding games. However, for casual gaming and general use, the Moto G42 should still provide an acceptable experience. One notable aspect of the phone's performance is its display. The 6.4-inch AMOLED screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, which is more than decent considering the price point. The display produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it suitable for watching videos or browsing content. In summary, while the Motorola Moto G42's performance may not be spectacular, it still provides a reliable experience for everyday use. However, with no 5G connectivity and relatively low RAM, users may encounter some limitations when pushing the phone to its limits. Overall, the Moto G42 is a solid choice for those on a budget who want a decent smartphone without breaking the bank.
Pros
1. The phone comes with a nice inclusion, a 20W charger and a Type-C to Type-A cable.
2. The device has a pretty decent display, a 6.4-inch AMOLED display at a resolution of 1080 x 2400, which is great for its price (around €200).
3. The phone's battery size is impressive, with a 5000mAh capacity, making it suitable for heavy users.
4. The charging speed is not bad at all, with a 20W charger that can quickly top up the battery.
5. The display is also quite good in terms of color accuracy and brightness.
6. The device has a triple camera setup, which might appeal to some users.
7. The phone's design is sleek and slim, making it comfortable to hold.
Cons
1. The phone's RAM capacity is on the lower side, with only 4GB available.
2. There is no 5G connectivity, which is a drawback in today's market where most phones already have this feature.
3. The secondary camera (8MP ultra-wide) and macro camera (2MP) are not very impressive and can be considered as 'garbage sensors' by the reviewer.
4. The phone's chipset is a Snapdragon 680, which might not be powerful enough for demanding users.
5. The macro camera's performance is particularly disappointing, with the reviewer unable to take a clear photo even at close range.