In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, Motorola has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the Moto G45 5G.
This latest offering from the venerable brand has stirred quite a buzz in the tech community, particularly in the Indian market where it made its debut on August 28, 2024.
Let’s delve into what makes this device a potential game-changer in the budget 5G segment.
Design and Display: A Visual Treat
The Moto G45 5G doesn’t just perform well; it looks good doing it. Motorola has partnered with Pantone to offer three eye-catching colors: Brilliant Blue, Brilliant Green, and Viva Magenta – the latter being Pantone’s Color of the Year 2023.
The device sports a vegan leather back, adding a premium touch to its affordable price tag.
Measuring 162.7 x 74.6 x 8 mm and weighing a comfortable 183 grams, the G45 5G strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics.
The front boasts a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
While some may argue that an HD+ resolution in 2024 is dated, Motorola compensates with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and improved visual experience.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering decent protection against scratches and minor drops. A punch-hole cutout houses the front camera, contributing to an impressive 84% screen-to-body ratio.
Performance: 5G for the Masses
At the heart of the Moto G45 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset. This 6nm processor features an octa-core CPU configuration with two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz.
The Adreno 619 GPU handles graphics duties, making the device capable of running most day-to-day apps and even some light gaming.
Motorola offers two variants: 4GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage.
The inclusion of a microSDXC slot (using the shared SIM slot) allows for storage expansion, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing Moments
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the G45 5G’s camera setup. The rear sports a dual-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF).
This is complemented by a 2MP macro lens, allowing for close-up shots. While the absence of an ultra-wide lens might disappoint some, the main camera’s performance in various lighting conditions has been praised in early reviews.
For selfies and video calls, there’s a 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.4 aperture. Both front and rear cameras can record 1080p video at 30fps, with the rear camera benefiting from gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother footage.
Battery Life and Charging: Power That Lasts
One of the standout features of the Moto G45 5G is its robust 5000 mAh battery.
This capacity, combined with the power-efficient processor and HD+ display, translates to excellent battery life. Motorola claims the device can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate usage.
When it’s time to recharge, the G45 5G supports 18W fast charging. While not the fastest in its class, it’s a welcome feature at this price point.
The inclusion of a compatible charger in the box adds value to the package.
Software and Features: Clean and Functional
The Moto G45 5G runs on Android 14 out of the box, with Motorola’s minimalist skin on top.
This near-stock Android experience is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with heavily customized UIs. Motorola promises a bloatware-free experience, which should contribute to smooth performance over time.
Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, NFC for contactless payments, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature still appreciated by many users. The device also comes with an FM radio, catering to the preferences of the Indian market.
Connectivity: Future-Ready
As the name suggests, 5G connectivity is a key selling point of the Moto G45 5G. The device supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most 5G networks worldwide.
It also supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and various positioning systems including GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, and QZSS.
Price and Availability: Aggressive Positioning
Motorola has priced the G45 5G aggressively, clearly aiming to disrupt the budget 5G smartphone market.
The base 4GB/128GB variant is priced at ₹10,999 (approximately $130/€117), while the 8GB/128GB model costs ₹12,999 (about $155/€140).
This pricing strategy positions the G45 5G as one of the most affordable 5G-enabled smartphones in the Indian market.
The device went on sale starting August 28, 2024, and is available through Flipkart, Motorola’s official website, and select offline retail stores across India.
Market Impact and Competition
The launch of the Moto G45 5G has sent ripples through the budget smartphone segment. Its combination of 5G connectivity, decent performance, and attractive pricing puts pressure on competitors like Realme, Xiaomi, and Samsung, who have been dominating this price bracket.
However, the G45 5G isn’t without competition. Devices like the Realme 11x 5G and Redmi Note 12 5G offer similar specifications, often with Full HD+ displays.
The success of the G45 5G will likely depend on Motorola’s brand value, after-sales service, and the device’s real-world performance.
Motorola G45 5G : A Compelling Budget 5G Option
The Motorola G45 5G represents a significant step in making 5G technology accessible to a broader audience.
While it makes some compromises, particularly in display resolution, it compensates with a high refresh rate, clean software, and solid overall performance.
For budget-conscious consumers looking to jump on the 5G bandwagon without breaking the bank, the Moto G45 5G presents a compelling option.
Its success could potentially accelerate the adoption of 5G technology in emerging markets like India.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, devices like the Moto G45 5G play a crucial role in democratizing advanced technologies.
Whether it will stand the test of time in a fiercely competitive market remains to be seen, but for now, it has certainly captured the attention of both consumers and industry watchers alike.