On July 9, 2025, Motorola launched the Moto G96 5G in India, igniting excitement in the sub-₹20,000 smartphone segment with a device that blends premium features, robust performance, and a stylish design at an unbeatable price of ₹17,999. As the successor to the Moto G85 5G, the G96 5G raises the bar with a segment-first 144Hz 3D curved pOLED display, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, a 50MP Sony Lytia camera, and an IP68-rated build. Available in two variants and four vibrant Pantone-curated colors, this mid-range marvel is set to redefine value in India’s competitive smartphone market.
A Visual Spectacle: Segment-Leading Display
The Moto G96 5G’s standout feature is its 6.67-inch Full HD+ 10-bit 3D curved pOLED display, boasting a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate—a first in its price category. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, 1600 nits peak brightness, and a 300Hz touch sampling rate, the display delivers vibrant visuals and responsive touch, ideal for gaming, streaming, and scrolling. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and HDR10+ support ensure rich, lifelike colors, while Motorola’s Display Color Boost technology enhances visual clarity. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and featuring Water Touch 2.0, the screen remains usable even with wet fingers, making it a practical choice for all conditions. The inclusion of SGS Eye Protection certification further reduces eye strain during extended use, catering to India’s screen-savvy youth.
Premium Design with Durability
Motorola has crafted the Moto G96 5G with a premium vegan leather finish, offering a tactile and sophisticated feel that sets it apart from the plastic-heavy competition. At just 7.93mm thick and 178 grams, its slim and lightweight build ensures comfort during prolonged use. The IP68 dust and water resistance rating—a rarity in this segment—allows the phone to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, adding durability for everyday adventures. Available in four Pantone-validated colors—Ashleigh Blue, Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, and Dresden Blue—the G96 5G combines style with substance, appealing to trend-conscious buyers.
Power-Packed Performance
Under the hood, the Moto G96 5G is driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a 4nm chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.4GHz and an Adreno 710 GPU. This processor, also found in premium devices like the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, ensures seamless multitasking, smooth gaming, and efficient power management. The phone comes in two variants: 8GB LPDDR4x RAM with 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (₹17,999) and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage (₹19,999), with a RAM boost feature extending virtual memory up to 24GB for enhanced performance. Running on Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI, the G96 5G offers a clean, bloatware-free experience, though it promises only one OS upgrade and three years of security updates, a slight drawback compared to competitors.
Photography That Impresses
The Moto G96 5G’s camera system is a highlight, featuring a dual rear setup led by a 50MP Sony LYT-700C primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture. This sensor, also used in flagship models like the Oppo Find X8, captures sharp, detailed images even in low light, making it a standout for photography enthusiasts on a budget. Paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2) that doubles as a macro shooter, the camera offers versatility for landscapes and close-ups. The 32MP front camera with Quad Pixel technology ensures vibrant selfies and crisp 4K video calls. AI-powered features, such as photo editing and Motorola’s Catch Me Up, enhance the user experience, though the lack of wireless charging is a minor miss at this price point.
All-Day Battery and Fast Charging
Powering the Moto G96 5G is a robust 5,500mAh battery, designed to last through a full day of heavy use, from streaming to gaming. While some sources initially speculated 68W TurboPower charging, the final specs confirm 33W wired fast charging, with a charger included in the box—a welcome touch in an era where many brands skip this accessory. The battery’s capacity and charging speed strike a balance between endurance and convenience, ensuring quick top-ups for busy users.
Immersive Audio and Connectivity
The Moto G96 5G delivers a rich audio experience with dual stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support, complemented by Moto Spatial Sound for an immersive soundstage. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including dual nano SIM, 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port. Security features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, Moto Secure, and ThinkShield for mobile, ensuring robust protection for user data.
Pricing and Availability
The Moto G96 5G is priced competitively at ₹17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and ₹19,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model, making it one of the most value-packed options in its segment. Sales begin on July 16, 2025, at 12 PM IST via Flipkart, Motorola’s official website, and select retail stores like Reliance Digital. The pricing undercuts earlier rumors of ₹22,000, positioning the G96 5G as a direct competitor to the likes of the Poco X6, Vivo T4X, and Nothing Phone 3.
Competitive Edge
In India’s crowded sub-₹20,000 market, the Moto G96 5G stands out with its premium pOLED display, IP68 rating, and vegan leather design—features typically reserved for higher-priced models. Compared to the Poco X6, it offers a smoother 144Hz display and a more premium build, though it lags in charging speed (33W vs. 68W). The Vivo T4X boasts a larger battery but uses an LCD panel, while the Nothing Phone 3’s unique design is offset by a higher price. The G96 5G’s Android 15 out-of-the-box and Sony camera give it an edge for users prioritizing software freshness and photography. However, the single OS upgrade commitment is a drawback against brands offering longer software support.
Market Impact and Appeal
Motorola’s G-series has long been a favorite for budget-conscious buyers, and the Moto G96 5G builds on this legacy with segment-leading specs and a focus on style. Its launch comes at a time when Indian consumers demand premium features at accessible prices, and the G96 5G delivers with its vibrant display, durable build, and capable performance. Targeting young professionals, students, and casual gamers, the phone is poised to capture a significant share of the mid-range market. Posts on X reflect enthusiasm for its 144Hz display and competitive pricing, with tech enthusiasts praising its value proposition.
For buyers eager to experience the Moto G96 5G’s brilliance, Motorola’s official website (motorola.in) and Flipkart offer detailed specs and pre-order options. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and affordability, the Moto G96 5G is not just a smartphone—it’s a bold statement in India’s dynamic mobile landscape.
Last Updated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:46 pm by Munnuru Sai Karthik
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