This $150 Smartphone might be All You Need.
Hardware Canucks
15 min, 22 sec
A comprehensive look at the Motorola G Play, evaluating its value, features, and performance compared to high-end smartphones.
Summary
- The Motorola G Play is priced at $150 Canadian, roughly $100 US, and is compared to the reviewer's previous Galaxy s24 Ultra which costs significantly more.
- The G Play comes with a charger in the box, unlike the s24 Ultra that only includes a phone and cable.
- A mistake leads to the purchase of the 2023 model instead of the 2024 model which has better specs, leading to a store exchange.
- The 2024 G Play has a Snapdragon 684 G CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, greatly improving performance over the previous model.
- The phone's camera offers a simple point-and-shoot experience, with a 50 megapixel sensor and straightforward software.
Chapter 1
The reviewer introduces the Motorola G Play and compares its price to the Galaxy s24 Ultra.
- The Google Pixel 8 was the last smartphone reviewed, and a link is provided for those interested.
- The Galaxy s24 Ultra is the current phone in use by the reviewer, with a long-term review expected in a few months.
- The cost of the Galaxy s24 Ultra is compared to the Motorola G Play, emphasizing the vast price difference.
Chapter 2
The reviewer unboxes the Motorola G Play and notes features such as the included charger.
- Unboxing the Motorola G Play, the reviewer is surprised to find a charger included given the phone's low price point.
- A mistake is realized when the 2023 model is unboxed instead of the 2024 model, necessitating a return and exchange.
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
The reviewer unboxes the 2024 Motorola G Play and shares impressions on its design and build quality.
- The 2024 Motorola G Play lacks a power adapter in the box, unlike the previous year's model.
- The phone's design, including its form factor, plastic construction, and minimal camera bump, is praised.
- Features such as a fast fingerprint sensor and headphone jack are highlighted, along with the phone's water-repellent capability.
Chapter 5
The reviewer discusses the phone's display and audio features.
- The display is a 6.5-inch IPS HD screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, offering solid color reproduction and sufficient sharpness.
- Despite its 720p resolution, it provides good visibility outdoors and has two speakers delivering a nice stereo sound stage.
Chapter 6
The performance and user experience of the Motorola G Play are evaluated.
- The 2023 Moto G Play model experiences performance issues, leading to UI freezes and a need to delete apps for space.
- The 2024 model, with improved specs, shows better performance with occasional hiccups that can be remedied by closing and reopening apps.
- Suggestions are given to enhance performance, such as removing widgets and changing animation speed settings.
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
The gaming capabilities and software experience of the Motorola G Play are explored.
- The phone handles popular games well but isn't designed for high-end gaming.
- The software experience is similar to the Google Pixel 8 with minimal pre-loaded apps, offering a seamless transition for users.
Chapter 9
Concerns regarding the lack of updates to Android 14 and potential security vulnerabilities are addressed.
- The phone runs on Android 13 with no commitment from Motorola to update to version 14, raising concerns about security and performance in the future.
- The discussion points out that premium flagship devices from other brands receive longer support for updates.
Chapter 10
The battery life and charging capabilities of the Motorola G Play are reviewed.
- The phone has exceptional battery life with a 5,000 mAh battery, offering 6 to 7 hours of screen on time.
- While wireless charging is not included, the phone supports 15-watt wired charging.
Chapter 11
The camera system of the Motorola G Play is analyzed for its performance and simplicity.
- The phone features a single 50 megapixel camera sensor, avoiding the complexity of multiple lenses and software enhancements.
- While the camera is not aimed at enthusiasts, it provides a satisfactory experience for everyday use and has decent video quality.
Chapter 12
The reviewer provides final thoughts on the value proposition of the Motorola G Play.
- The Motorola G Play is considered a practical and affordable phone that offers a reliable experience.
- While it lacks the advanced features of high-end smartphones, it covers the essential needs of most users effectively.
- The phone represents a gateway to the digital world without a significant financial investment.