Motorola Moto G54 review
The Motorola Moto G54 is one of the better sub-20 budget phones available in the market. It boasts an impressive amount of storage for its price point, making it ideal for users who want to store multiple files and apps on their device. In terms of performance, the phone runs smoothly with a stock Android experience, thanks to its energy-efficient MediaTek platform. The battery life is also commendable, lasting throughout the day even with heavy usage. However, recharging may take around 2 hours due to the 15W turbo power charging feature. The camera setup on the Moto G54 includes a dual-camera system with a 50-megapixel primary shooter and a macro shooter for extreme close-ups. The AI-powered camera app also offers various modes, including night vision, portrait mode, and pro mode. While the camera performance is decent in bright light conditions, it may struggle in low-light situations. The front-facing camera on the phone is a 16-megapixel selfie snapper that can shoot full HD resolution video. Audio quality during video calls is clear, making it suitable for casual video chatting with friends and family. Other notable features of the Moto G54 include a respectable IPS display, stereo speakers, expandable storage via microSD card, and a headphone jack. While these features are not uncommon in budget phones, they add to the overall value proposition of the device. One major drawback of the phone is that it will only receive one Android OS upgrade, which may become outdated soon after its release. However, users can still expect regular security updates to keep their device protected. Overall, the Motorola Moto G54 offers impressive value for its price point, making it a great option for those who want a reliable and feature-packed budget phone.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G54's build quality and design are well-executed for a budget-friendly device. The phone's plastic back feels sturdy and has a textured finish that provides a decent grip in the hand. While it may not be as premium-feeling as some other devices on the market, it's still a solid construction that should withstand daily use without any issues. The design of the Moto G54 is unassuming but functional. The phone's rectangular shape and rounded corners make it easy to hold and pocket, while its compact size (around 6 inches in length) makes it suitable for most hands. The phone's front face is dominated by a 6-inch display, with a relatively small notch at the top housing the selfie camera and various sensors. One of the standout features of the Moto G54's design is its expandable storage capabilities. With a dedicated microSD card slot, users can easily add more storage to their device as needed, which is particularly useful for those who need to store large media collections or extensive photo libraries. In terms of build quality, the phone feels solid and well-put-together, with no noticeable creaking or flexing when subjected to gentle pressure. The buttons, including the power button and volume rockers, are responsive and clicky, making it easy to navigate through menus and perform tasks without any issues. Overall, while the Motorola Moto G54's build quality and design may not be revolutionary, they're certainly adequate for a budget-friendly device. The phone's sturdy construction, functional design, and expandable storage capabilities make it a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
One aspect that truly shines in the Motorola Moto G54 is its battery life. This smartphone boasts an impressive 5,000mAh capacity cell, making it a great companion for extended periods without needing to be plugged into a power source. My experience with the Moto G54's battery has been nothing short of exceptional. I've managed to get through full days of heavy usage, including screen-on time, gaming, and camera use, with the battery still having enough juice left to last until bedtime. The combination of Motorola's energy-efficient platform and stock Android experience has undoubtedly contributed to this stellar battery life. I recall using my Moto G54 extensively over a weekend, engaging in various activities such as photography, gaming, and video streaming, yet it still managed to hold on for an impressive 2-3 days without needing a recharge. While turbo power charging is available, it's not particularly speedy, requiring around 2 hours to fully charge the battery when drained. However, this is hardly surprising given the phone's budget-friendly nature. For those seeking a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles or simply want a reliable companion for extended periods without worrying about running out of power, the Motorola Moto G54's battery life is certainly something to be considered. Its impressive endurance and long-lasting capabilities make it an excellent choice in this department.
Display
The Motorola Moto G54 boasts an impressive IPS display that is worthy of attention. The screen measures in at a decent size, offering a clear and vibrant visual experience. The colors are rich and accurate, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your favorite websites. One of the standout features of the display is its brightness. Even in well-lit environments, the screen remains easily visible, thanks to its high level of luminescence. This makes it an ideal choice for those who plan on using their phone outdoors or in areas with harsh lighting conditions. In terms of resolution, the Moto G54's display is sufficiently detailed, with a crisp and sharp image that is pleasing to the eye. However, it falls short of being truly high-resolution, which may be a drawback for some users. The display also handles various viewing angles quite well, maintaining its color accuracy and brightness even when viewed from the side. This is a testament to the quality of the IPS technology used in this device. While not the most advanced or high-end display on the market, the Motorola Moto G54's screen is certainly above average for a budget-friendly smartphone. Its balance of price and performance makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed device without breaking the bank. In summary, the display on the Motorola Moto G54 is a solid addition to this phone's overall package. While it may not be the most impressive or cutting-edge screen available, its combination of brightness, color accuracy, and handling of various viewing angles make it a worthwhile consideration for anyone in the market for a budget smartphone with a decent display.
Camera
One of the most notable features of the Motorola Moto G54 is its camera setup. While it may not be the most advanced or feature-rich camera system, it delivers decent results in a variety of lighting conditions. The primary shooter on the Moto G54 is a 50-megapixel lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps to reduce camera shake and blur. In good light, this camera produces sharp and detailed images, capturing even the smallest details. The AI-powered camera app also does a great job in identifying scenes and suggesting the best settings. In low-light conditions, the camera struggles to produce clear and noise-free images. However, the night vision mode helps to brighten up the scene and reduce graininess. It's worth noting that while this feature is useful for capturing shots at night, it can sometimes oversaturate colors, resulting in unnatural-looking images. The macro shooter on the Moto G54 allows for extreme close-up shots of small objects or details. This feature is particularly useful for capturing intricate patterns or textures. While the camera on the Moto G54 may not be the strongest aspect of this device, it's certainly decent and capable of producing good results in a variety of conditions. The image stabilization feature helps to reduce blur and camera shake, making it easier to capture sharp images. The video capabilities on the Moto G54 are relatively basic, with 1080p resolution at either 30 or 60 frames per second. While this is sufficient for casual video recording and sharing with friends and family, it's not ideal for more demanding users who want to shoot high-quality footage. The front-facing camera on the Moto G54 is a 16-megapixel lens that produces decent results in good light conditions. However, it struggles to capture clear images in low-light conditions or with moving subjects. Overall, the Motorola Moto G54's camera system is a mixed bag. While it has some notable strengths, such as its OIS feature and AI-powered camera app, it also has some significant weaknesses, including poor performance in low light and limited video capabilities.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G54 is an impressive sub-£200 budget smartphone that punches well above its weight in terms of value for money. Priced at around £150, this device offers an exceptional blend of features, performance, and affordability. One of the standout aspects of the Moto G54 is its generous storage capacity. With up to 128GB of internal storage, users can enjoy ample space for their apps, photos, music, and videos without needing to rely on cloud storage or external memory cards. This is particularly impressive considering the phone's affordable price tag. In terms of camera capabilities, the Moto G54 boasts a dual-lens setup featuring a 50-megapixel primary shooter with optical image stabilization. While not the most advanced camera system in its class, it still delivers decent results in various lighting conditions. The addition of a macro lens and AI-powered camera features further enhance the photography experience. Another notable feature is the phone's display. The Moto G54 sports a respectable IPS panel that offers good color accuracy and brightness. It may not be as vibrant or detailed as some pricier smartphones, but it's still an enjoyable viewing experience for casual users. The battery life on the Moto G54 is also commendable, with a 5000mAh capacity cell providing all-day juice even with moderate to heavy usage. While charging times might take a little longer than expected due to the phone's 15W turbo power charging feature, it's still a welcome addition in this price range. Ultimately, the Motorola Moto G54 is an exceptional value proposition that outshines many pricier smartphones in its class. With its impressive storage capacity, capable camera system, and respectable display, this budget smartphone offers an unbeatable combination of features at an affordable price.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G54's performance is a notable aspect of its overall package. The device runs on a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which provides a smooth user experience despite some occasional stutters. The phone's stock Android experience helps to optimize performance, making it responsive and snappy. In terms of gaming, the Moto G54 holds its own with moderate graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty: Mobile running smoothly. However, more demanding titles like PUBG may experience some frame rate drops. Motorola's simple but satisfactory gaming mode is a welcome addition, offering features like performance boost, screen recording, and do not disturb style notifications blocking. Battery life on the Moto G54 is impressive, with a 5,000mAh battery providing all-day usage without any issues. The phone's energy-efficient MediaTek Helio G85 platform contributes to its excellent power management. With moderate use, including gaming and camera usage, it was possible to get through an entire weekend without needing a charge. Charging the device is relatively quick thanks to Motorola's Turbo Power charging feature, which supports 15W fast charging. However, filling up the battery completely can take around two hours when it's drained. Overall, the Moto G54 offers reliable performance that won't leave users disappointed, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag. The camera technology on this phone is decent for its price point and will satisfy casual users. However, it's worth noting that there are some limitations in terms of Android OS upgrades, with only one upgrade promised (to Android 14). Despite this, the Moto G54 still deserves consideration for those seeking a capable mid-range device without breaking the bank.
Pros
1. Packing insane amounts of storage for this sort of price (a respectable 5,000mAh capacity cell)
2. A fairly decent IPS display that's perfect for casual use
3. Stereo speakers that produce great sound quality
4. Expandable storage via microSD card
5. A headphone jack - a feature that's sadly missing on many modern phones
6. Respectable camera performance with Optical image stabilization and macro mode
7. Turbo Power charging (15W) for fast recharging
8. Stock Android experience that's easy to use and customize
Cons
1. Only one Android OS upgrade, so it'll get Android 14 but then that'll be it
2. Camera app is a bit more Bare Bones compared to more expensive Moto phones
3. Video mode only records at full HD resolution (no 4K support)
4. Night vision mode sometimes oversaturates colors and can produce blurry photos