This $150 Smartphone might be All You Need.

Hardware Canucks

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

Introduction and Price Comparison

0:00 - 37 sec

The reviewer introduces the Motorola G Play and compares its price to the Galaxy s24 Ultra.

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

Initial Unboxing and Comparison

1:09 - 27 sec

The reviewer unboxes the Motorola G Play and notes features such as the included charger.

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

Acquiring the Correct Model

1:40 - 36 sec

The reviewer obtains the 2024 Motorola G Play from Best Buy.

The reviewer obtains the 2024 Motorola G Play from Best Buy.

  • The correct 2024 model of the Motorola G Play is found at Best Buy, and the reviewer makes the exchange.
  • The new phone is fully unlocked, avoiding any restrictions or unlocking process.

Chapter 4

Second Unboxing and Design Impressions

2:16 - 1 min, 23 sec

The reviewer unboxes the 2024 Motorola G Play and shares impressions on its design and build quality.

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

Display and Audio Quality

3:42 - 1 min, 37 sec

The reviewer discusses the phone's display and audio features.

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

Performance and User Experience

5:19 - 2 min, 46 sec

The performance and user experience of the Motorola G Play are evaluated.

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

Storage and Expandability

8:06 - 29 sec

Storage options and expandability of the Motorola G Play are reviewed.

Storage options and expandability of the Motorola G Play are reviewed.

  • The phone comes with 64 GB of storage and includes a micro SD card slot for expansion up to a terabyte.
  • A 256 GB micro SD card is suggested as an affordable way to increase storage.

Chapter 8

Gaming and Software Experience

8:35 - 1 min, 24 sec

The gaming capabilities and software experience of the Motorola G Play are explored.

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

Android Updates and Security Concerns

9:59 - 47 sec

Concerns regarding the lack of updates to Android 14 and potential security vulnerabilities are addressed.

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

Battery Life and Charging

10:47 - 1 min, 4 sec

The battery life and charging capabilities of the Motorola G Play are reviewed.

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

Camera Performance and Simplicity

11:51 - 1 min, 41 sec

The camera system of the Motorola G Play is analyzed for its performance and simplicity.

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

Final Thoughts and Value Proposition

13:32 - 1 min, 48 sec

The reviewer provides final thoughts on the value proposition of the Motorola G Play.

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.