Motorola Moto G53 review
The Motorola Moto G53 is an affordable smartphone that offers a pure Android experience without the bloat of unnecessary software. Priced at £189, it's a budget-friendly option for those who want a hassle-free device with decent specs. The phone boasts a 5,000mAh battery, which provides more than a day of use, and a 50MP primary camera with a 2MP macro sensor. While the display may not be top-notch, the Moto G53's strengths lie in its efficient performance, snappy interface, and reliable battery life.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G53's build quality and design are solid, if unremarkable. The phone's construction feels sturdy and well-made, with no obvious creaks or flexes when held or manipulated. The plastics used are of a decent quality, and the device's overall weight is comfortable. One notable aspect of the phone's design is its minimalist aesthetic. Gone are the days of bold colors and flashy patterns; instead, the Moto G53 sports a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to its external appearance. This may not appeal to those who like their phones to make a statement, but for those seeking a functional device that doesn't draw attention away from its internal capabilities, it's a commendable design choice. The phone's dimensions and weight are reasonable, making it easy to hold and pocket. The rounded corners and flat edges contribute to a smooth, comfortable feel in the hand. While not particularly striking, the Moto G53's exterior is pleasant enough that one wouldn't be put off by its appearance. In terms of build quality specifics, the phone features a relatively large bezel above and below the display, giving it a slightly dated look compared to some modern smartphones. However, this does provide ample space for the front-facing camera and other sensors. Overall, while not exactly thrilling in terms of design or build quality, the Motorola Moto G53 presents itself as a reliable, no-frills option that's unlikely to disappoint in these areas.
Battery Life
In an era where smartphone manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and features, one aspect that often gets overlooked is battery life. However, the Motorola Moto G53 proves to be a refreshing exception, boasting an astonishing battery life that will surely delight users. The device is powered by a massive 5,000mAh capacity cell, which translates into easily a full day's usage, with some breathing room to spare. I've been testing the Moto G53 for several days now, and I'm pleased to report that it has consistently delivered on its promise of impressive battery life. During my testing period, I subjected the device to heavy use, including playing games like Call of Duty, streaming YouTube videos, and taking numerous photos. Despite this intense usage, the battery life has remained remarkably stable, with a mere 25% drop after an entire day of use. The energy-efficient Snapdragon 480+ chipset and stock Android experience also contribute to the device's impressive power management. This means that you can expect the Moto G53 to last for at least two days on a single charge, assuming moderate usage. While some users might find the 10W charging speed to be somewhat slow, it's hard to complain about the overall battery life of this device. The Motorola Moto G53 has set a new standard in terms of endurance, making it an excellent choice for those who value long-lasting power in their smartphones.
Display
The Motorola Moto G53's display is a mixed bag, falling short of expectations in certain aspects. The 6.5-inch HD+ screen offers decent colors and brightness, but it's not the sharpest or most vibrant we've seen. The display resolution is only HD+, which might make it feel a bit dull compared to other smartphones that offer Full HD or even higher resolutions. Additionally, the screen's refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, which can result in some noticeable motion blur during fast-paced content. On the plus side, the Moto G53's display does get reasonably bright, making it suitable for indoor use. However, outdoor visibility is average at best, and we experienced some issues with glare on sunny days. One area where the display shines is its responsiveness. It's perfectly flat and reacts quickly to touch inputs, making it a pleasure to use. Overall, while the Moto G53's display won't blow anyone away, it gets the job done. For casual users who don't demand top-notch visual quality, this screen should suffice. However, for those who crave sharper images or faster refresh rates, you might want to look elsewhere. In conclusion, while not a standout display, the Moto G53's screen is serviceable and won't disappoint in everyday use. Its decent brightness and responsiveness make it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, even if it doesn't quite live up to expectations in terms of sharpness or color accuracy.
Camera
The camera on the Motorola Moto G53 is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's easy to use one-handed, with major toggles accessible by dragging down with a single thumb in photomod mode. The default 50-megapixel primary sensor produces respectable results, with good color reproduction and detailed snaps in strong daylight conditions. In ideal lighting, the camera delivers fine results, but things start to fall apart in lower light or ambient shots. The shutter speed is slow, resulting in blurry images of moving subjects. This was a common issue during my testing, with many photos coming out unclear due to the low-light conditions. The 50-megapixel ultra-res mode is only effective in strong daylight, and even then, it produces 12.5-megapixel picks by default. The camera's inability to shoot clear images in lower light or ambient conditions is a significant drawback. Additionally, there's no optical image stabilization (OIS) on the primary sensor, which can lead to shaky images when hand-held. The macro camera is equally underwhelming, with only a 2-megapixel sensor that struggles to capture fine details. Video recording is available in full HD resolution, but unfortunately, it's capped at 1080p, with no 4K option available. The audio pickup is respectable unless the environment is too windy, in which case the sound quality suffers significantly. Up front, you'll find an 8-megapixel selfie camera that takes basic snaps. It's decent for casual use, but don't expect high-quality results. A screen flash feature helps illuminate your face at night, and full HD resolution video recording is available with this camera as well. In conclusion, the camera on the Motorola Moto G53 is a middle-of-the-road performer. While it's easy to use and produces good results in ideal lighting conditions, its inability to handle lower light or ambient shots, combined with the lack of OIS and macro capabilities, makes it feel like a step back from other phones in this price range. Overall, if you're looking for a phone with great camera performance, the Moto G53 might not be the best choice. However, for casual users who don't need top-notch camera capabilities, it's still a solid option to consider.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G53 is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch without breaking the bank. Priced at £189, this device offers an impressive set of features that make it a great value for money. One of the standout aspects of the Moto G53 is its price. At under £200, it's one of the most affordable smartphones on the market, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget. Considering its specs and performance, this device offers incredible value for money. While it may not boast top-of-the-line features like some more expensive devices, the Moto G53 has a solid set of specs that will satisfy most users' needs. It's got a decent camera setup, a large battery, and a smooth performance that makes it easy to use. In terms of price and value, the Moto G53 is a clear winner. Its affordable price tag and impressive features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly device that won't compromise on performance, the Moto G53 is definitely worth considering. Overall, the Motorola Moto G53 offers exceptional value for its price. It's a solid mid-range smartphone that packs a punch and won't burn a hole in your pocket.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G53's performance is a mixed bag, veering between decent and disappointing. While it handles everyday tasks with ease, it falls short in demanding scenarios. On the plus side, the phone's Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset provides smooth performance in basic apps like social media, messaging, and web browsing. The interface also feels snappy, making navigation a breeze. However, when it comes to more intensive activities like gaming or video editing, the Moto G53 starts to struggle. Despite its limitations, the phone's performance during gaming is still respectable. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at higher graphics settings, although frame rates may dip slightly in intense moments. The display's flatness and responsiveness also make for a comfortable gaming experience. However, the absence of an optical image stabilizer (OIS) and a 4K resolution option for video capture is a notable oversight. This results in subpar performance when recording or playing back high-quality content. On the bright side, the Moto G53's massive 5,000mAh battery provides more than enough juice to last through a day and a half of moderate use. Even with intense gaming sessions and video streaming, I managed to squeeze in nearly two days of usage on a single charge. While the Motorola Moto G53's performance is decent for everyday tasks, it falls short when pushed to its limits. While gaming is still possible without major issues, the phone's limitations become apparent in more demanding scenarios. Battery life, however, remains a strong point, making this device worth considering if you prioritize long-lasting battery performance. Overall, the Moto G53's performance is average, making it an okay choice for those who don't require a powerhouse device but still want a smooth Android experience.
Pros
1. The phone offers a gloriously stock vanilla Android experience
2. You've got some pretty decent specs, display is unfortunately nothing tried home about but the battery life absolutely bloody wonderful
3. The camera is easy to use one-handed and you can drag down all the major toggles with a single thumb like sir in photomod by default
4. You've got lots of other bonus camera modes you can play around with, like some portrait modes, a dedicated night vision board, and a 50 megapixel Ultra res mode
5. The battery life is absolutely bloody wonderful, easily giving you a full day of play, most likely two days of use between charges
6. You've got that energy efficient Snapdragon 480 plus chipset and the stock Android Vibe as well
Cons
1. The display is unfortunately nothing tried home about
2. There's no Optical image stabilization in the camera, making it less reliable in low-light conditions
3. The macro effort is a bit of a disappointment with only a 2 megapixel sensor
4. The charging speed is a bit slow at 10 watts, which can take ages to fill up that 5 000 milliamp hour capacity cell
5. The camera struggles in lower light conditions and HDR situations, producing blurry or gritty images
6. You might want to look at the likes of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones if you're after absolutely Tip-Top performance at this sort of price point