Motorola G96 5G A Mid-Range Contender with Premium Touch

Motorola’s G series has long aimed to deliver balanced features in the mid-range segment, and the Motorola G96 5G is the latest step in that direction. It brings together a high refresh rate curved pOLED display, capable cameras, and solid internals, all wrapped in a stylish design. Let’s take a closer look at what the G96 5G offers and where it stands in 2025.

Key Specs: Motorola G96 5G at a Glance

FeatureSpecification
Display6.67-inch pOLED curved, FHD+, 144 Hz refresh rate
ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM / Storage8 GB RAM + up to 256 GB storage
Rear Cameras50 MP main (Sony LYTIA 700C, OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide/macro combo
Front Camera32 MP selfie camera
Battery5,500 mAh
Charging33 W wired charging
Build & DurabilityVegan leather back, Gorilla Glass 5, IP68 rating
Dimensions & Weight161.86 × 73.26 × 7.93 mm, 178 g
Software / OSAndroid 15 with Motorola Hello UI
ExtrasStereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Water Touch 2.0

Design & Display

One of the most striking features of the Motorola G96 5G is its 3D curved pOLED display that refreshes at 144 Hz. This high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and an immersive viewing experience. With strong brightness levels and vivid color reproduction, the display performs well indoors and outdoors.

Motorola has also given attention to build quality and aesthetics. The back panel features vegan leather finishes, offering both a premium look and better grip. The phone is slim at just 7.93 mm and lightweight at 178 g, making it comfortable to hold. Durability is enhanced by Gorilla Glass 5 protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Performance & Software

At the core, the G96 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, paired with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of internal storage. This setup ensures smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and stable performance for day-to-day tasks.

For software, it runs on Android 15 with Motorola’s clean and minimal Hello UI. The interface remains close to stock Android, with added Motorola features like edge gestures and Water Touch 2.0, which take advantage of the curved display edges. Overall, the software experience is clean, responsive, and easy to navigate.

Camera Capabilities

The Motorola G96 5G is equipped with a 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C primary camera with optical image stabilization. This sensor ensures crisp and stable shots, even in low light. Supporting it is an 8 MP ultrawide/macro camera, providing flexibility for wide landscapes and close-up photography.

On the front, a 32 MP camera caters to selfies and video calls, delivering sharp and detailed images. The device supports 4K video recording from the main camera, making it suitable for casual creators and vloggers. AI enhancements like night mode and HDR further improve image quality in varied conditions.

Battery & Charging

The G96 5G packs a 5,500 mAh battery, which is larger than many competitors in its class. This ensures all-day usage, even with heavy apps, gaming, or video streaming. Charging is handled by 33 W TurboPower fast charging, which can refill the battery in a reasonable time.

While the charging speed is not the fastest compared to some rivals, it balances efficiency and battery longevity. Wireless charging support is absent, but that’s typical in this price range.

Strengths & Trade-offs

Strengths

  • Premium 144 Hz curved pOLED display
  • Solid main camera with OIS for stable photography
  • Large 5,500 mAh battery for extended usage
  • Stylish vegan leather design with IP68 durability
  • Clean and user-friendly software experience

Trade-offs

  • 33 W charging is decent but not class-leading
  • Performance is strong for everyday use but not aimed at heavy gamers
  • No wireless charging support
  • Limited versatility in secondary cameras

Verdict

The Motorola G96 5G stands out in the mid-range segment by offering features often reserved for premium devices, such as a curved 144 Hz display and an OIS-equipped main camera. Combined with a large battery, sleek design, and durable build, it provides excellent value for users looking for a refined yet affordable smartphone.