Is it Worth the Price?

Moto G45 5G Review: Budget-friendly 5G with a long-lasting battery, clean Android 14, and decent cameras. Is the HD+ display and low-light photography a dealbreaker? Find out in this in-depth review!

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the budget segment has become increasingly competitive. Motorola’s Moto G series has consistently offered compelling options in this category, and the Moto G45 5G is no exception. With its promise of 5G connectivity, future-proof software, and a well-rounded set of features, the Moto G45 5G aims to be a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. In this review, I will share my experiences with the Moto G45 5G after using it extensively for several months.

Design and Display

I recently picked up the Moto G45 5G and I’ve been spending some quality time with it. Right off the bat, I was struck by its modern look. The hole-punch display gives it that current flagship vibe, and the back panel is clean and sleek. While the phone is mostly plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. I also appreciate the IP52 rating – it’s not full waterproofing, but it’s nice to know it can handle a bit of rain or accidental spills.

The 6.5-inch screen is a good size for watching videos or playing games. Scrolling and animations are buttery smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and the touch response is snappy. Honestly, the only thing I’m not completely sold on is the HD+ resolution. It’s not bad, but I’m used to sharper screens. Colors look great though, they’re nice and vibrant. I did notice that the screen can be a bit hard to see in bright sunlight, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the Moto G45 5G. It looks good, feels solid, and the performance is smooth. If you’re not too fussed about having the absolute highest resolution display, this phone is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Moto G45 5G is packing the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset. In my day-to-day use, it’s been handling everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat. Apps open quickly, scrolling is smooth, and I can even play some casual games without any major hiccups. The 8GB of RAM definitely helps with keeping things running smoothly, especially when I’m jumping between multiple apps.

Storage-wise, the 128GB onboard is plenty for me right now. I store a lot of photos and videos, and I still have plenty of space left. Plus, it’s great to have the option to add more storage with a microSD card if I need it down the line.

One thing I really love about this phone is the software. It’s running near-stock Android 14, which means it’s clean and bloatware-free. It’s just a really pleasant experience to use. And the fact that Motorola is promising an upgrade to Android 15 and three years of security updates gives me peace of mind knowing my phone will stay up-to-date and secure for a good while.

Camera

Let’s talk about the cameras on this Moto G45 5G. On the back, you’ve got a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel macro lens. In good lighting, the main camera does a decent job. Photos come out with good detail and the colors look pretty accurate. But when the lights go down, things get a bit tricky. Low-light shots tend to be a bit noisy and lack some detail. The macro lens is fun to play with for close-ups, but the 2-megapixel resolution means you’re not going to get super sharp images.

Flipping to the front, the 16-megapixel selfie camera is solid. Selfies come out looking good, and there’s a beauty mode if you want to smooth things out a bit. The camera app itself is pretty straightforward and has a few different modes to try out, like portrait mode, night mode, and panorama.

The cameras on the Moto G45 5G are fine for everyday use. You’ll get good results in daylight, but don’t expect miracles in low light.

Battery Life

Let’s talk battery life. The Moto G45 5G has a 5,000mAh battery, and I’ve been really impressed with it. On a typical day with moderate use – you know, checking emails, browsing social media, streaming some music – I can easily get through the whole day without needing to plug in. Even on days when I’m pushing it a bit harder with some gaming or watching videos, I still make it well into the evening before I need to recharge.

Now, it doesn’t have the absolute fastest charging out there, but the 20W wired charging is still pretty decent. It’ll give you a good boost in a relatively short amount of time. So, if you forget to charge overnight, you can still top it up quickly in the morning and be good to go for the day.

Overall, I’m really happy with the battery life on this phone. It’s reliable, and I don’t have to constantly worry about running out of juice. It’s definitely a big plus for me.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Moto G45 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. It also offers a range of other connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, and NFC. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired headphones.

The phone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable. It also supports face unlock, which works well in most lighting conditions. The stereo speakers offer a decent audio experience, and the Dolby Atmos support enhances the sound quality further.

Price

Finally, let’s talk about the price. The Moto G45 5G starts at Rs. 10,999 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Considering all the features you’re getting – the modern design, the smooth performance, the decent cameras, the long-lasting battery, and the clean software experience – I think it’s a pretty good value for the money. It’s definitely a phone worth considering if you’re on a budget but still want a solid all-around device.

Conclusion

The Moto G45 5G is a solid budget smartphone that offers a good balance of features and performance. Its strengths lie in its 5G connectivity, future-proof software, long-lasting battery, and decent camera performance in good lighting. However, the display’s resolution and low-light camera performance could be better.

Overall, the Moto G45 5G is a good value for money proposition. If you’re looking for a 5G-enabled smartphone with a clean software experience and long-term software support, the Moto G45 5G is worth considering.

After using the Moto G45 5G for an extended period, I can confidently say that it is a reliable and capable mid-range smartphone. While it may not excel in every area, it offers a well-rounded package that is sure to satisfy most users. If you’re in the market for a 5G phone that won’t break the bank, the Moto G45 5G is definitely worth considering.

FAQs about the Moto G45 5G

Q: How is the overall performance of the Moto G45 5G?

A: The Moto G45 5G, powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks smoothly and can even manage some light gaming. Multitasking is a breeze, and the 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD, provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos.

Q: What about the software experience on the Moto G45 5G?

A: It runs on a near-stock Android 14, offering a clean and bloatware-free interface. Motorola’s commitment to providing an upgrade to Android 15 and three years of security updates ensures the phone stays current and secure.

Q: How does the Moto G45 5G’s camera perform?

A: The 50MP main camera captures decent photos with good detail and color accuracy in well-lit conditions. Low-light photography is not its strongest point, resulting in some noise and loss of detail. The 2MP macro camera is fun for close-ups, but its low resolution limits its usefulness. The 16MP front camera takes satisfactory selfies.

Q: Can the Moto G45 5G last a full day on a single charge?

A: Yes, the 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate usage. Even with heavy usage, including gaming and video streaming, you can expect a good part of the day’s battery life. The 20W fast charging support allows for relatively quick top-ups.