Moto G96 5G: Introduction – Mid-Range Phone With Flagship Ambitions
The Moto G96 5G has arrived in the crowded mid-range market with a very bold pitch: flagship-style features at a price that still feels pocket-friendly. From a 108MP camera and 12GB RAM to a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display and fast charging, the Moto G96 5G is clearly designed for users who want almost everything in one phone without jumping to premium-flagship prices.
| Feature | Moto G96 5G Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7-series 5G chipset |
| Rear Camera | 108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP selfie camera |
| RAM | Up to 12GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS storage, expandable |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 67W fast charging |
| OS | Android 15 based MyUX |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Motorola has been slowly rebuilding its position in India’s 5G smartphone space, and the Moto G96 5G feels like a key part of that strategy. Instead of relying only on raw specs on paper, the brand is pushing a package where design, software experience, performance and camera all try to come together in a balanced way. If you have been waiting for a phone that can handle gaming, social media, photography and heavy multitasking together, the G96 5G is trying to get your attention.
Premium Design And In-Hand Feel Of The Moto G96 5G
Motorola has clearly focused on design this time. The Moto G96 5G comes with a slim profile, slightly curved edges and a satin-matte finish on the back that resists fingerprints surprisingly well. The camera island at the back is large but neatly integrated, giving the phone a modern and slightly premium look.
Despite packing a big 5000mAh battery, the phone tries to maintain a balanced weight distribution. The Moto G96 5G does not feel overly heavy or bulky for day-to-day usage, whether you are holding it in one hand while commuting or using it for long scrolling sessions. The frame has a metallic finish, and the buttons have a solid, satisfying click.
Motorola has also added a splash-resistant design, which gives a little more peace of mind against accidental spills or light rain. While it is not a flagship-grade waterproof rating, the Moto G96 5G still feels ready for real-world daily use without you constantly worrying.
Display Experience – 120Hz AMOLED On The Moto G96 5G
The front is dominated by a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This is one of the biggest highlights of the G96 5G. Colors look punchy, blacks are deep, and overall contrast is impressive, making it ideal for OTT content, YouTube, reels and casual gaming.
The higher refresh rate makes day-to-day interactions feel snappy. Scrolling through social media feeds, switching between apps or browsing feels smooth, and once you get used to 120Hz on the Moto G96 5G, it is hard to go back to a standard 60Hz panel. Brightness levels are adequate for indoor and most outdoor scenarios, and text remains readable even in strong sunlight, especially when the brightness slider is pushed towards the higher side.
Motorola has also included options in display settings to tweak colour temperature and saturation. So whether you like slightly saturated colours for movies or a more natural tone for reading, the Moto G96 5G lets you tune the experience according to your preference.
Performance And Hardware – Snapdragon Power Inside
Under the hood, the Moto G96 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 7-series 5G chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. On paper, this combination is more than enough for daily users as well as enthusiasts who keep multiple apps running at once.
In actual day-to-day use, the G96 5G is likely to feel quick and responsive. App launches are fast, switching between multiple social media apps, Chrome tabs, photo editing and messaging feels seamless, especially on the 12GB RAM variant. Heavy apps like photo editors or bigger games take a little longer to load, as expected, but once they are running, the Moto G96 5G handles them without major stutters in this segment.
Thermal management is also an important factor for modern phones. The Moto G96 5G aims to keep temperatures under control during long usage sessions. While you can expect a bit of warmth during extended gaming or navigation, it is not the kind of heating that makes the device uncomfortable to hold in normal usage.
Software Experience – Clean UI On The Moto G96 5G
Motorola’s software experience has always been a strong point for many users, and the Moto G96 5G continues that approach. The phone runs Android 15 with MyUX on top, which stays close to stock Android styling. The UI feels clean, familiar and is largely free from heavy bloat.
MyUX on the G96 5G adds Moto-specific gestures and features such as the classic chop-chop to turn on the flashlight, twist to open the camera, and other small tweaks that genuinely improve usability. These gestures might sound like a small thing on paper, but in daily life they are exactly the kind of shortcuts that you end up using regularly.
The promise of updates is another important area. The Moto G96 5G is positioned in a segment where users expect at least a couple of Android version upgrades and security patches for a few years. For long-term buyers, this matters almost as much as the hardware specs, and Motorola will likely highlight their update policy strongly for this device.
Camera System – 108MP Main Sensor Leads The Line
Cameras are often the deciding factor for many buyers, and the Moto G96 5G is clearly using its 108MP main camera as a headline feature. The large high-resolution primary sensor is joined by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro lens, giving a decent amount of flexibility in how you shoot.
In good lighting, the Moto G96 5G should deliver detailed shots with punchy colours, especially from the 108MP sensor. You can expect crisp textures in landscapes, buildings and close-ups, while skin tones in human subjects aim to stay natural rather than overly filtered. The ultra-wide camera is handy for capturing group photos, architecture or travel shots where you want more of the scene in a single frame.
The Moto G96 5G also focuses on low-light performance through night mode. While mid-range phones still cannot fully match flagship camera performance in very dark scenarios, night mode tries to brighten the scene, control noise and hold on to as much detail as possible.
On the front, the 32MP selfie camera handles selfies and video calls. Social media creators and reel makers will appreciate the fact that the Moto G96 5G provides a sharp front camera that works well under decent lighting, making Instagram, Snapchat and video calls look clear and vibrant.
Battery Life And Charging – All-Day Use On The Moto G96 5G
Battery life can make or break the everyday experience, and the Moto G96 5G comes with a sizeable 5000mAh battery. For a typical user who mixes social media, streaming, messaging, browsing and a bit of gaming, the phone is aimed to comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
Heavy users who game for long sessions, shoot a lot of video or keep mobile data and hotspot running for extended periods may need a top-up in the evening, but the 67W fast charging support on the Moto G96 5G makes this less of an issue. With the bundled fast charger, a quick coffee-break charge can take the battery from low to usable levels quite rapidly.
The combination of efficient Snapdragon chipset, AMOLED display and battery optimization features in software all work together to give the Moto G96 5G a balanced battery performance that supports both casual and power users.
5G, Connectivity And Audio Features
As the name clearly suggests, the Moto G96 5G supports multiple 5G bands, allowing you to grab high-speed data where networks are available. For many Indian users who are now shifting to 5G plans, this is an important part of future-proofing. Even on 4G networks, the Moto G96 5G benefits from a solid modem, giving stable data speeds and call quality.
Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC and USB Type-C. The addition of NFC can be particularly useful for users who like tap-based payments and quick pairing accessories.
Motorola has also continued its tradition of focusing on audio. The Moto G96 5G features stereo speakers with support for Dolby-enhanced audio, offering a more immersive sound stage for movies, games and music. For those who still love wired audio, having a good USB-C audio output and compatible dongle support becomes important.
Gaming And Multimedia Performance On The Moto G96 5G
For many younger buyers, gaming is now a big part of the smartphone story, and the Moto G96 5G is clearly targeting this audience as well. The Snapdragon 7-series chipset and 12GB RAM combination means that popular titles like BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt should run smoothly at medium to high settings depending on optimization.
The 120Hz AMOLED display adds to the gaming experience by delivering fluid animations and quick touch response. The Moto G96 5G is not a hardcore dedicated gaming phone with heavy RGB or shoulder triggers, but as a balanced daily driver that can handle serious gaming sessions, it stands strong.
For movies and shows, the combination of AMOLED display, stereo speakers and 5G streaming support turns the Moto G96 5G into a capable entertainment device. Long OTT binges in bed, music playback during travel, or casual YouTube streaming – everything feels well-supported here.
Storage, RAM Variants And Expandability
The Moto G96 5G is expected to come in multiple storage and RAM variants, with options like 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 12GB RAM with 256GB storage. This gives users some flexibility in choosing the right configuration based on their budget and usage.
The presence of expandable storage via microSD card is another practical advantage, especially for those who shoot a lot of photos and videos, or store offline movies and songs. With more apps and heavy games taking up significant space today, the expandability on the Moto G96 5G gives it a long-term advantage.
Price And Availability – Where The Moto G96 5G Fits In The Market
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Moto G96 5G is its pricing. Motorola is aiming to position this device as a “shockingly priced” phone considering the 108MP camera, 12GB RAM and 120Hz AMOLED display it offers. It is clearly taking on popular mid-range champions from other brands that dominate the sub-₹30,000 and sub-₹25,000 segments in India.
If Motorola manages to keep the base variant of the Moto G96 5G aggressive and the top variant still within a reasonable premium, the phone can attract both performance enthusiasts and mainstream buyers who want a good-looking, powerful and dependable daily driver.
Availability through online platforms as well as offline stores will further decide how easily people can get their hands on the Moto G96 5G, especially in smaller towns where offline retail still plays a huge role.
Who Should Buy The Moto G96 5G?
The Moto G96 5G is clearly targeting a wide audience. Power users who multitask heavily, gamers who want a smooth display, content creators who need a capable 108MP camera and regular buyers who simply want a reliable all-rounder – all of them can consider this device.
For those who prefer a clean, near-stock Android experience without too much bloat or ads, the Moto G96 5G becomes even more attractive. If you have been using older 4G phones or entry-level smartphones and are now ready to upgrade to a stylish 5G phone with strong performance, the Moto G96 5G comfortably fits that role.
Moto G96 5G: Final Verdict
In a segment filled with options, the Moto G96 5G stands out by offering a thoughtful mix of design, performance, camera capability and clean software. The 108MP primary camera, 12GB RAM, 120Hz AMOLED display and fast charging all help it feel like a “mini flagship” at a mid-range price.
It may not try to be the absolute highest-spec gaming monster or camera benchmark leader, but the Moto G96 5G focuses on getting the basics very right and polishing the daily experience. For many users, that matters more than chasing only one standout feature.
If you are searching for a 5G phone that looks stylish, performs reliably and offers a mature software experience with genuinely useful features, the Moto G96 5G is certainly a strong contender to put on your shortlist.
Moto G96 5G FAQs
Is the Moto G96 5G good for gaming?
Yes, the Moto G96 5G is well suited for gaming in its price range. The Snapdragon 7-series chipset, combined with up to 12GB RAM and a 120Hz AMOLED display, ensures that popular games run smoothly at decent settings. While it is not a specialised gaming phone, most casual and mid-core gamers will be satisfied with the performance and visuals offered by the Moto G96 5G.
How is the camera quality of the Moto G96 5G?
The Moto G96 5G uses a 108MP main camera alongside an ultra-wide and macro lens, giving it a flexible camera setup. In good lighting, the primary camera can capture detailed and vibrant photos, suitable for social media, travel shots and everyday photography. Night mode helps in low-light conditions, and the 32MP selfie camera ensures sharp selfies and video calls.
Does the Moto G96 5G have good battery life?
The 5000mAh battery on the Moto G96 5G is designed to comfortably last a full day for most users. With a mix of social media, browsing, calls, streaming and some gaming, you can expect reliable endurance. Even if you manage to drain the battery faster with very heavy use, the 67W fast charging support helps you quickly refill the battery and get back to using the phone.
What about software updates for the Moto G96 5G?
The Moto G96 5G runs on Android 15 with Motorola’s MyUX on top, which stays close to stock Android and avoids heavy bloat. Motorola generally promises a set number of Android version upgrades and regular security patches for their mid-range phones, so buyers of the Moto G96 5G can expect a decent update cycle that keeps the device secure and smooth over time.
Is the Moto G96 5G worth buying compared to other phones in its segment?
If you are looking for a mid-range 5G phone with a strong all-round package, the Moto G96 5G is definitely worth considering. It offers a premium design, 108MP camera, 120Hz AMOLED display, 12GB RAM option, clean software and fast charging, all at a competitive price. For users who value a balanced mix of performance, camera quality and software experience, the Moto G96 5G can easily stand shoulder to shoulder with other popular phones in its segment.