The Motorola G96 5G is designed to bring premium-like features into the mid-range segment. With a curved 144 Hz display, capable camera system, reliable performance, and durable build, it offers an impressive mix of style and substance for its price point.
Key Highlights: Motorola G96 5G Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch pOLED curved, FHD+, 144 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB RAM + up to 256 GB storage |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP main (Sony LYTIA 700C with OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide/macro combo |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 5,500 mAh |
| Charging | 33 W wired fast charging |
| Build & Durability | Vegan leather back, Gorilla Glass 5, IP68 rating |
| Dimensions & Weight | 161.86 × 73.26 × 7.93 mm, ~178 g |
| Software | Android 15 with Motorola Hello UI |
| Extras | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Water Touch gestures |
Design & Display
The curved pOLED 6.67-inch display makes the G96 5G feel more premium than many of its rivals. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz, scrolling, animations, and gaming feel extra smooth. The display also offers rich colors, strong contrast, and high brightness for outdoor visibility.
The back uses a vegan leather finish, which adds both grip and elegance, while the front panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. With IP68 water and dust resistance, it’s built to withstand real-world challenges. Measuring under 8 mm thick and weighing only ~178 g, it’s slim, light, and comfortable to hold.
Performance & Software
At its core, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 provides reliable mid-range performance. Paired with 8 GB RAM and up to 256 GB storage, it handles multitasking, streaming, and gaming with ease.
On the software side, the phone runs Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI. The interface remains clean and close to stock Android, with thoughtful extras like gesture controls, edge interactions via Water Touch, and display enhancements. The result is a user-friendly, responsive experience with minimal bloat.
Camera System
The 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C sensor with OIS is the highlight of the rear camera setup. It delivers sharp, well-balanced shots in daylight and performs decently in low-light thanks to optical stabilization.
The secondary 8 MP ultrawide/macro combo offers flexibility for group shots, landscapes, and close-ups. While useful, it doesn’t match the clarity or low-light ability of the main sensor.
On the front, a 32 MP selfie camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls. For video, the main sensor supports 4K recording, delivering stable and usable content for casual creators and social media.
Battery & Charging
The 5,500 mAh battery is one of the strong points of this phone. It provides enough juice for a full day of heavy usage and often stretches into the next day with moderate use.
Charging is handled by 33 W wired fast charging, which isn’t the fastest in the market but is still practical. It allows useful top-ups throughout the day, ensuring the large battery never feels like a limitation. Wireless charging isn’t included, which is expected at this price level.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Strengths
- Premium curved 144 Hz pOLED display
- Slim and lightweight yet durable with IP68 rating
- Solid 50 MP main camera with OIS
- Long-lasting 5,500 mAh battery
- Clean and near-stock Android software experience
Trade-offs
- 33 W charging is decent but slower than some rivals
- Secondary ultrawide/macro lens is basic in quality
- No wireless charging support
- Thermal limits may appear under extended heavy gaming
Verdict
The Motorola G96 5G delivers an excellent balance of features in the mid-range category. Its curved 144 Hz display, reliable main camera, long battery life, and durable build make it stand out from the competition. While it doesn’t push boundaries in charging or camera versatility, it nails the essentials and adds a touch of premium polish.
