Tag: Stock android

  • Motorola Moto G73 5G

    The Moto G73 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was one of the first phones with MediaTek's Dimensity 930, and Motorola positioned it as a clean, no-nonsense 5G phone for buyers tired of ad-filled software from rivals like the Redmi Note 12 and Realme 10 Pro.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. It is sharp and responsive but lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels common at this price. The Dimensity 930 offers decent everyday performance, while Motorola's near-stock Android 13 keeps the phone feeling quick. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a headphone jack, microSD expansion and IP52 splash protection add practical value.

    The 50 MP main camera and 8 MP ultrawide produce acceptable daylight photos but struggle in low light, and the 16 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day with 30W charging. Against the Redmi Note 12 and Galaxy M34, it wins on software cleanliness but loses on display quality and camera performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 930
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Lucent White

    What we like

    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Weak low-light camera
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, reliable 5G phone with good battery life and no software clutter.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Lava Agni 2 5G

    The Lava Agni 2 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was the most ambitious phone from the Indian brand at the time, and the first to use MediaTek's Dimensity 7050. Lava built its pitch around clean software, a premium curved design and home-grown credentials, alongside a free at-home service offer.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, and the matte glass back in Viridian green gives it a premium feel. The Dimensity 7050 delivers steady performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The software is near-stock Android 13 with no bloatware or ads, a real differentiator against Realme and Xiaomi rivals at the time.

    The quad camera has a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP depth and a 2 MP macro lens. Daylight results are respectable, low light less so. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 66W charging fills it quickly. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 11 5G, it stands out for its clean software more than its cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursViridian

    What we like

    • Clean Android without ads or bloatware
    • Premium curved AMOLED
    • Fast 66W charging
    • Indian brand with home service

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Filler 2 MP lenses
    • Single colour option

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, ad-free Android experience from an Indian brand at a mid-range price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G34 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G34 5G in India in January 2024 at Rs 10,999 for 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. At that price it was among the most affordable ways to get 5G with a respected chipset, and it was aimed at first-time smartphone buyers and anyone wanting a reliable secondary phone.

    The Snapdragon 695 was a proven mid-range chip by then, and in a phone this cheap it delivers smoother performance than the entry-level MediaTek parts in many rivals. The 6.5-inch LCD runs at 120Hz but is only HD+ in resolution, so text looks slightly soft. Motorola includes stereo speakers, a headphone jack, microSD expansion and IP52 splash protection.

    Cameras are basic: a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP macro lens, with a 16 MP selfie camera. Daylight photos are usable, but low light is a struggle. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day and a half, and the clean Android 14 build is a real advantage over ad-heavy budget skins from some rivals like the Redmi 13C 5G.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 10,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM4 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursCharcoal Black, Ocean Green, Ice Blue

    What we like

    • Very affordable 5G phone
    • Snapdragon 695 is capable for the price
    • Clean software without ads
    • Stereo speakers and headphone jack

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution only
    • Weak low-light camera
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone buyers who want 5G and clean software at the lowest possible price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G54 5G

    The Moto G54 5G landed in India in September 2023 at Rs 15,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and it focused on stamina and clean software. A 6000 mAh battery, near-stock Android and a generous memory configuration made it a sensible pick against the Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy M34 in the crowded under-Rs 20,000 space.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution; it lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels on rivals but is sharp and smooth. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is a modest performer built for efficiency. Motorola kept practical extras such as a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD expansion, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and IP52 splash protection.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, unusual at this price, which helps in low light and video, while the 8 MP ultrawide is basic. Charging is 30W, so refilling the large battery takes a while, but a full charge comfortably lasts two days. Its main weakness is the LCD, which looks dull next to the Galaxy M34's Super AMOLED.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Mint Green, Pearl Blue

    What we like

    • 6000 mAh battery lasts two days
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot

    What could be better

    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • 30W charging is slow for the battery size
    • Modest chipset

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise battery life and clean software over display quality.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G64 5G

    The Moto G64 5G arrived in India in April 2024 at Rs 14,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. It was a successor in spirit to the G54, and kept the same recipe: a large battery, clean software and a few useful hardware touches that budget phones often drop, such as OIS, stereo speakers and a headphone jack.

    The 6.5-inch full HD LCD runs at 120Hz. It is sharp and fluid but lacks the depth of the AMOLED screens on the Redmi Note 13 and Galaxy M35, and that is the main area where rivals pull ahead. The MediaTek Dimensity 7025 offers steady everyday performance and good efficiency, which pairs well with the 6000 mAh cell.

    On the back, a 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by an 8 MP ultrawide, and the front has a 16 MP shooter. Battery life is the standout, easily stretching to two days for moderate users, with 33W charging. Android 14 with Motorola's light skin is uncluttered, though the update promise is shorter than Samsung offers on its M and F series.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 14,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMint Green, Pearl Blue, Ice Lilac

    What we like

    • Excellent two-day battery life
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Clean Android 14

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Average ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Students and heavy users on a tight budget who value battery life above everything else.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.