Motorola Moto G54 Review

Motorola Moto G54 Review: Budget Bliss with Surprising Features

In the fast-paced world of smartphones, it seems like Motorola is dominating the budget segment with another addition to its lineup, the Moto G54. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this device stand out, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, and more. Is it the perfect budget smartphone or just another contender in the crowded market? Let’s find out. Check out the latest price of Motorola Moto G54

Design:

The Moto G54 may not flaunt the vibrant, bold designs seen in some of Motorola’s recent releases, such as the G84 and Edge 40 Neo, but it still manages to impress with a sleek and conventional finish.

The phone supports reasonably slim bezels, a flat 6.5-inch 120Hz display, and a matte plastic back available in a few color options. The flat edges and minimal camera chassis protrusion add to the phone’s aesthetics, ensuring it sits comfortably on any surface.

Despite the absence of a bundled case, the matte plastic finish does a commendable job of resisting fingerprints and maintaining a clean appearance. It’s a well-designed phone that doesn’t scream budget, and its water-repellent feature adds a layer of durability.

Display & Audio:

The Moto G54 features a 6.5-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it may not be an OLED panel, the display offers wide viewing angles, reasonably vibrant colors, and a crisp Full HD+ resolution. The contrast is not as deep as OLED displays but notes that it’s hardly noticeable unless directly compared.

One of the pleasant surprises in this budget device is the inclusion of stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. While not the loudest, the clarity at high volumes remains intact, and the presence of a headphone jack is an added bonus. The Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio further, giving users the option to fine-tune the sound to their liking.

Android & Features:

One of the standout aspects of Motorola smartphones, even in the budget category, is the near-stock Android experience. The Moto G54 runs on Android 13, with a promised update to Android 14, although this will likely be the only major OS upgrade. However, Motorola compensates for this with a commitment to three years of security updates, ensuring the device remains secure and functional.

The Moto app, a staple in Motorola phones, offers a range of customization options, including theme colors, icon shapes, and layout preferences. The app also includes handy features like gestures, audio tools, and a gaming mode. Despite some pre-installed apps, most of them can be easily removed.

Impressively, the Moto G54 comes with a generous 256GB of internal storage, and the ability to expand it further using a MicroSD card in the second SIM slot—something not commonly found in budget smartphones.

 

Performance & Gaming:

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 and backed by 8GB of RAM, the Moto G54 promises smooth everyday performance. The apps load quickly, and the phone handles daily tasks with ease. Gaming performance is commendable for a budget device, with the ability to play titles like Genshin Impact, although at lower graphics settings. The inclusion of a gaming mode with various tools adds to the overall gaming experience.

Battery Life & Charging:

One of the consistent strengths of Motorola’s budget-friendly devices is the impressive battery life, and the Moto G54 is no exception. With a 5,000mAh battery combined with the energy-efficient Dimensity platform and stock Android, the device easily lasts a full day with plenty of screen-on time.

Charging, labeled as Turbo Power, is capped at 15W. While not the fastest in the market, it’s reasonable for the budget category. The full charge requires a few hours but deems it acceptable given the affordable price.

Camera:

Equipped with a dual-camera setup—a 50MP primary shooter with OIS and a macro lens—the Moto G54 offers a respectable camera experience for its price. As well as the inclusion of AI smarts in the camera app, which suggests modes like portrait when suitable.

Sample shots reveal decent performance in various conditions, with acceptable indoor shots and the added benefit of a night vision mode. The inclusion of a pro mode for enthusiasts who want more control over their shots is a noteworthy feature. While the video capabilities are limited to Full HD, it’s considered adequate for everyday use.

Pros of Motorola Moto G54:

Impressive Storage Capacity: The Moto G54 comes with a generous 256GB of internal storage, a rare feature in its budget category. This allows users to store a vast amount of apps, photos, and files without worrying about running out of space.

Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s commitment to a near-stock Android experience ensures a clean, user-friendly interface. This can be appealing to users who prefer a minimalist and bloatware-free environment.

Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers is a standout feature in a budget device, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption and gaming.

Expandable Storage: In addition to the ample internal storage, the Moto G54 allows users to expand their storage further using a MicroSD card, a feature not commonly found in budget smartphones.

Long Battery Life: Backed by a 5,000mAh battery and energy-efficient hardware, the Moto G54 promises impressive battery life, making it a reliable choice for users who prioritize endurance.

Decent Camera Performance: Considering its price range, the Moto G54’s camera system, featuring a 50MP primary shooter with Optical Image Stabilization, delivers respectable performance in various conditions.

Gaming Capabilities: The device, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 and 8GB of RAM, can handle gaming reasonably well, even supporting titles like Genshin Impact at lower graphics settings.

Water Repellent Design: The water repellent feature adds a layer of durability, protecting the device from minor water exposure.

Cons of Motorola Moto G54:

Limited OS Updates: While the Moto G54 ships with Android 13, it is only guaranteed one major OS update, which may disappoint users who prefer having the latest Android versions.

Average Charging Speed: The Turbo Power charging, capped at 15W, might feel relatively slow compared to some competitors, requiring a few hours for a full charge.

No 4K Video Recording: The device lacks 4K video recording capabilities, limiting video enthusiasts who seek higher resolution footage.

IPS Display Instead of OLED: The IPS display, while good for the price range, falls short of the deep blacks and vibrant colors offered by OLED displays.

Single Major OS Update: Users might feel restricted by the promise of just one major Android OS update, potentially making the device outdated sooner compared to some competitors.

Basic Video Mode: The video recording capabilities are basic, limited to Full HD resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. This may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize video quality. Check out the latest price of Motorola Moto G54

 

Reasons to Buy Motorola Moto G54:

  • Budget-Friendly with Premium Features: The Moto G54 offers a plethora of features typically found in more expensive smartphones, making it an excellent choice for users on a budget.
  • Ample Storage for the Price: With 256GB of internal storage and the option to expand further, the Moto G54 caters to users who demand a vast amount of storage without breaking the bank.
  • Stereo Speakers for Media Consumption: The inclusion of stereo speakers enhances the audio experience, making the Moto G54 an attractive option for users who prioritize media consumption and gaming.
  • Long Battery Life: For users who need a smartphone that can last all day with regular use, the Moto G54’s impressive battery life is a compelling reason to consider this device.
  • Decent Camera Performance: Despite its budget status, the Moto G54’s camera system delivers respectable performance, making it suitable for users who prioritize photography but don’t require flagship-level capabilities.
  • Near-Stock Android Experience: Users who prefer a clean and uncomplicated user interface will appreciate the near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Get it here: Motorola Moto G54.

Final Verdict: A Budget Contender Worth Considering

In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G54 appears to be a compelling option for those on a tight budget. Packed with features rarely seen in this price range, such as stereo speakers, expandable storage, and a headphone jack, it aims to deliver a well-rounded user experience. The near-stock Android experience, combined with Motorola’s enhancements, ensures a smooth and customizable interface. While the camera may not compete with flagships, it’s deemed respectable for the budget category.

The Moto G54’s strengths lie in its impressive battery life, reliable performance, and thoughtful features. However, it still has some limitations, such as the single major OS update and the absence of cutting-edge camera capabilities. Despite these, the Moto G54 stands out as a budget contender that offers exceptional value for its affordable price tag.

Whether you’re a Motorola enthusiast or simply seeking a reliable smartphone on a budget, the Moto G54 is worth considering. As always, individual preferences and priorities will play a role in the decision-making process, but for those looking for a cost-effective device with a surprising array of features, the Moto G54 might just be the budget bliss you’ve been searching for. Check out the latest price of Motorola Moto G54

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Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.