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Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£230
RAM capacity: 8 GB
Internal storage: 256 GB
Screen size: 6.67 inches
Main camera megapixels: 50 MP & 8 MP

Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.

7.9

Very good

7.8

Very good

8.8

Excellent

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Available versions:

8GB + 256GB8GB + 128GB £?

Other versions:

Verdict

The Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) is a mid-range smartphone known for its stylish and slim design, featuring a 6.67-inch Full HD+ pOLED curved display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and an IP68 water-resistant rating. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor and running a clean, near-stock Android 15, the phone offers a fluid user experience and handles daily tasks and mid-level gaming well. A large 5500mAh battery provides reliable all-day (or more) endurance, with 33W TurboPower charging support. Camera highlights include a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 32MP front camera, both capable of 4K video recording. Key pros include the vibrant 144Hz pOLED screen, excellent battery life, the premium feel of the eco-leather back, and a generally smooth software experience. Cons often mentioned in reviews include the performance lagging behind some competitors in raw benchmarks or heavy multitasking, a less-than-impressive 8MP ultrawide camera, and the limitation of only one major Android OS update promised by Motorola.

Technical Specifications of smartphone Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB)

Overall score

7.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.

When it matters: When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.

Performance & Hardware

7.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand under which the smartphone is marketed and sold.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Motorola

Processor model

What it is: The central System-on-Chip (SoC) that houses the CPU, GPU, modem, and other core processing components.

When it matters: When you want to know the specific engine powering your device's speed and features.

Importance: HIGH

RAM capacity

What it is: The amount of volatile memory available for running apps and multitasking.

When it matters: When you use multiple apps at once or want smoother multitasking without reloads.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >12 GB

Internal storage

What it is: The total built-in space available for apps, media, and files.

When it matters: When you keep large libraries of photos, videos, and apps directly on your device.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >256 GB

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The maximum speed the processor can achieve temporarily under heavy load.

When it matters: When you run demanding apps or games that require short bursts of peak performance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >3.2 GHz

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Software

8.6

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Operating system

What it is: The primary system software that manages the smartphone's hardware and software resources.

When it matters: When you have a preference for the user interface and app ecosystem.

Importance: HIGH

Android version

What it is: The specific generation number of the Android operating system installed on the device.

When it matters: When you want to ensure app compatibility and access to the latest software features.

Importance: LOW

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Direct OS updates

What it is: Indicates whether the device receives operating system updates directly from the manufacturer or Google, ensuring timely security and feature updates.

When it matters: When you want the fastest access to new features and security patches.

Importance: HIGH

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Open-source OS

What it is: Shows whether the device’s operating system is based on open-source code, allowing community contributions and greater transparency.

When it matters: When you value transparency and potential community-driven modifications.

Importance: LOW

Dark mode

What it is: A display option that uses dark backgrounds to reduce eye strain and save battery on OLED screens.

When it matters: When you want to reduce eye strain at night or save battery on OLED screens.

Importance: LOW

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Camera

7.7

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Multi-lens main camera

What it is: Indicates that the rear camera system includes multiple lenses (e.g., wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) for versatile shooting options.

When it matters: When you want versatility to shoot wide landscapes, standard shots, and zoomed details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Main camera megapixels

What it is: The resolution of the primary rear camera sensor, measured in millions of pixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.

When it matters: When you want to capture high-resolution images that can be cropped or printed large.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >50 MP

Main camera aperture

What it is: The size of the lens opening (f-stop) that controls light entry. A lower f-number indicates a wider aperture, allowing better low-light shots.

When it matters: When you want better low-light performance or a natural background blur effect.

Importance: HIGH

Main camera sensor area

What it is: The total physical surface area of the camera sensor (calculated by multiplying the number of megapixels by the square of the individual pixel size). A larger area captures more light, resulting in better night photos and less digital noise.

When it matters: When you want to capture clear, detailed photos in low-light conditions with minimal grain and achieve a natural, professional-looking background blur for portraits.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >60

Main camera pixel size

What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.

When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: ≥1.2 µm

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Connectivity

7.4

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Number of SIM slots

What it is: The number of physical SIM cards or eSIM profiles the device can support simultaneously.

When it matters: When you need to manage two different phone numbers or travel internationally with a local SIM.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: ≥2

Cellular module

What it is: The hardware component capable of connecting to mobile cellular networks for voice and data.

When it matters: When you need to stay connected to calls and internet away from Wi-Fi.

Importance: LOW

5G connectivity

What it is: Support for the fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering significantly faster data speeds and lower latency.

When it matters: When you need the fastest possible mobile data speeds for streaming and downloading on the go.

Importance: MEDIUM

LTE support

What it is: Support for Long-Term Evolution (4G) networks, providing high-speed mobile data.

When it matters: When you need reliable mobile internet coverage in areas where 5G isn't available.

Importance: HIGH

Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: The ability to connect to wireless local area networks for internet access and local networking.

When it matters: When you want to save mobile data and connect to home or public networks.

Importance: HIGH

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Display

7.9

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Screen size

What it is: The physical diagonal measurement of the display area, usually expressed in inches.

When it matters: When you choose between a compact phone for one-handed use or a large screen for media.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: ≥6.6 inches

Screen resolution

What it is: The total number of pixels displayed on the screen, expressed as width x height, determining sharpness.

When it matters: When you want crisp text and sharp details in photos and videos.

Importance: HIGH

Pixel density

What it is: The concentration of pixels on the display, measured in pixels per inch (PPI), affecting image clarity.

When it matters: When you want the image to look perfectly smooth with no visible pixels.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >400 ppi

Display type

What it is: The specific technology used for the screen panel (e.g., OLED, IPS LCD), influencing contrast, color, and efficiency.

When it matters: When you care about vibrant colors, deep blacks, and battery efficiency.

Importance: HIGH

Refresh rate

What it is: The number of times per second the display updates the image, measured in Hertz (Hz); higher rates offer smoother motion.

When it matters: When you want scrolling to feel fluid and games to look smoother.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: ≥120 Hz

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Battery

7.0

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Battery capacity

What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >5000 mAh

Charging speed

What it is: The maximum power input supported for wired charging, measured in Watts (W).

When it matters: When you are in a rush and need to top up your battery quickly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >60 W

Fast charging

What it is: In the context of modern electronics, "Fast Charging" refers to any technology that delivers power significantly higher than the traditional USB baseline. While the industry standard for a basic charger is 5W (5V at 1A), a charger is generally classified as a fast charger if it provides at least 18W of power.

When it matters: When you want to minimize the time your phone spends tethered to a wall outlet.

Importance: MEDIUM

GSMArena full wired charge time

What it is: The time taken to charge the battery from 0% to 100% using the bundled or recommended charger, as measured by GSMArena.

When it matters: When you want to know exactly how long it takes to charge from 0 to 100% in real-world tests.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <45 min

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Wireless charging

What it is: The ability to charge the battery without cables by placing the device on a compatible charging pad.

When it matters: When you prefer the convenience of dropping your phone on a pad without fumbling with cables.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Audio

8.1

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Stereo speakers

What it is: A setup involving two or more speakers to create a left-right audio separation for immersive sound.

When it matters: When you watch videos or play games without headphones and want immersive sound.

Importance: MEDIUM

3.5 mm headphone jack

What it is: A standard analog audio port for connecting wired headphones or auxiliary cables.

When it matters: When you prefer using traditional wired headphones without dongles or adapters.

Importance: LOW

Number of microphones

What it is: The total count of microphones on the device, used for audio recording, noise cancellation, and voice isolation.

When it matters: When you want clear audio recording and better noise cancellation during calls.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: ≥3

FM radio

What it is: A built-in receiver allowing users to listen to local FM radio stations using wired headphones as an antenna.

When it matters: When you want to listen to local radio stations without using mobile data.

Importance: LOW

aptX Lossless

What it is: A Bluetooth technology designed to deliver CD-quality audio without data loss during transmission.

When it matters: When you demand CD-quality audio over Bluetooth with no loss of detail.

Importance: LOW

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Design

8.2

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Height

What it is: The vertical dimension of the device.

When it matters: When you are concerned about whether the phone will fit in your pocket or purse.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <162 mm

Width

What it is: The horizontal dimension of the device when held in portrait orientation.

When it matters: When you care about how easy the phone is to grip and use with one hand.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <75 mm

Thickness

What it is: The depth of the device profile, excluding the camera bump unless specified.

When it matters: When you prefer a sleek, slim profile that slides easily into tight pockets.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <8 mm

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the smartphone, affecting how heavy it feels in the hand.

When it matters: When you want a phone that feels light in your pocket or substantial in your hand.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <190 g

Device volume

What it is: The calculated total volume of the device's physical body.

When it matters: When you want to understand the overall physical bulk of the device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <98cm³

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Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

Why is Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) better than the average smartphone?

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Has optical image stabilization
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
What it is: A hardware mechanism that physically moves the camera lens or sensor to counteract hand shakiness and reduce blur in photos and videos.
When it matters: When you want to reduce blur in photos and shake in videos, especially in low light.
Importance: HIGH
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
81.8% higher screen brightness
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1,200 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
What it is: The highest sustained brightness level the screen can achieve to remain visible under direct sunlight.
When it matters: When you need to read your screen clearly under direct sunlight.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1,200 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.1200 nits vs 660 nits
20% higher refresh rate
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
What it is: The number of times per second the display updates the image, measured in Hertz (Hz); higher rates offer smoother motion.
When it matters: When you want scrolling to feel fluid and games to look smoother.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.144 Hz vs 120 Hz
Supports HDR10 support
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
What it is: Compatibility with the HDR10 format for displaying high dynamic range video content.
When it matters: When you stream compatible movies and want to see richer colors and dynamic contrast.
Importance: MEDIUM
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
Supports HDR10+ support
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 21.9% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
What it is: Enhanced HDR format support that uses dynamic metadata to optimize brightness and contrast scene by scene.
When it matters: When you want the best possible picture quality with scene-by-scene optimization in supported video.
Importance: LOW
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 21.9% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
37.3% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (14,809 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
What it is: A performance benchmark for Android developed by UL Solutions. It simulates everyday tasks such as web browsing, photo editing, and document writing to measure how well a device handles common productivity workloads.
When it matters: When you use your phone for productivity tasks like document editing and data manipulation.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (14,809 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.14,809 vs 10,783
10% larger battery capacity
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.5500 mAh vs 5000 mAh
Higher on-device AI tier
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
AI Photo Enhancement Engine, Horizon Lock, Shot Optimization, Auto Smile Capture, Google Gemini, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur
What it is: This level indicates how advanced the phone's on-device AI processing is, from basic assistance to more autonomous agentic tasks. A higher level usually enables faster, more private features such as live translation, writing help, and smarter photo edits without relying entirely on cloud processing.
When it matters: When you travel or work in multiple languages and want instant translation, summarization, or writing help even with weak signal, this level determines how capable those on-device AI tools are.
Importance: MEDIUM
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.productivity vs fundamental
37.3% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (14,809 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
55.3% higher PassMark benchmark
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) achieves a higher PassMark score than the average smartphone (6,814 vs 4,389). The average smartphone PassMark score is 4,389.
Higher CPU base clock speed
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.95 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
14% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (2,887 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
7.2% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,010 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
Higher on-device AI tier
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
Supports desktop mode
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.5% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
Supports fast boot
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports fast boot, the average smartphone does not. 22.4% of smartphones include fast boot capabilities.
Has optical image stabilization
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
56.3% larger main camera sensor area
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
Supports RAW photo capture
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
Has a dual-tone LED flash
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
Higher front camera megapixels
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
Supports 360° panorama
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) can capture 360° panoramas, the average smartphone cannot. 25.1% of smartphones support 360° panoramas.
Allows manual shutter speed
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.7% of smartphones include this.
0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
Supports optical tracking
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports optical tracking, the average smartphone does not. 12.2% of smartphones include optical tracking.
Supports motion tracking
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports motion tracking, the average smartphone does not. 21.9% of smartphones offer motion tracking capabilities.
20% higher refresh rate
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
81.8% higher screen brightness
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1,200 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
Supports HDR10 support
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
Supports HDR10+ support
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 21.9% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
Higher contrast ratio
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (2000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
600 nits higher peak brightness
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1,600 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
25% higher touch sampling rate
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (300 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
Has a curved display
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.4% of smartphones have curved screens.
10% larger battery capacity
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
Supports aptX Adaptive
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.3% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
Has FM radio
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 33.7% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
9.3% lighter
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) is lighter than the average smartphone (178 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
2.74 mm narrower
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) is narrower than the average smartphone (73.3 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
Better IP rating
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
0.37 mm thinner
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) is thinner than the average smartphone (7.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
1.74 mm shorter
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) is shorter than the average smartphone (161.9 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
15.9% smaller volume
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a smaller device volume than the average smartphone (82,271 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97,800 cm³.

Performance & Hardware

Why is Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) worse than the average smartphone?

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42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
22.4% slower memory speed
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
1.1% slower GPU clock
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (940 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
Lacks app tracking protection
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.3% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
No battery health monitoring
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.5% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
Lacks multi-user mode
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average smartphone does. 96.4% of smartphones allow multiple user profiles.
Narrower main camera aperture
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
No NFC
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
1 fewer external displays supported
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports fewer external displays than the average smartphone (0 vs 1). The average smartphone supports 1 external displays.
16.9% lower PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) scores lower in PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark than the average smartphone (653 min vs 786 min). The average smartphone scores 786 min.
42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
What it is: The highest amount of RAM that the device’s chipset or architecture can support, regardless of how much is actually installed.
When it matters: When you are considering the long-term potential of the hardware platform.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.8 GB vs 14 GB
No NFC
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
What it is: Near Field Communication technology that enables contactless payments, quick pairing, and data exchange over short distances.
When it matters: When you want to make contactless payments or quickly pair with compatible accessories.
Importance: MEDIUM
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
Lacks app tracking protection
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.3% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
What it is: A system-level feature that limits how apps track user behavior across other apps and services.
When it matters: When you want to stop apps from following your activity across other companies' apps and websites.
Importance: MEDIUM
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.3% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
No battery health monitoring
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.5% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
What it is: A system that tracks and reports the battery's condition, capacity degradation, and overall health over time to help users understand performance changes.
When it matters: When you want to know if your battery is degrading and needs replacement.
Importance: LOW
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.5% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
Narrower main camera aperture
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
What it is: The size of the lens opening (f-stop) that controls light entry. A lower f-number indicates a wider aperture, allowing better low-light shots.
When it matters: When you want better low-light performance or a natural background blur effect.
Importance: HIGH
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
22.4% slower memory speed
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
What it is: The rate at which the device’s RAM can transfer data, measured in MHz or GB/s.
When it matters: When you need faster app loading times and snappier overall system responsiveness.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.2133 MHz vs 2750 MHz
16.9% lower PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) scores lower in PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark than the average smartphone (653 min vs 786 min). The average smartphone scores 786 min.
What it is: A synthetic benchmark that measures battery life by simulating continuous productivity tasks until depletion.
When it matters: When you want to compare battery endurance under continuous productivity workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) scores lower in PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark than the average smartphone (653 min vs 786 min). The average smartphone scores 786 min.653 min vs 786 min
Lacks multi-user mode
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average smartphone does. 96.4% of smartphones allow multiple user profiles.
What it is: The ability to create and manage separate user profiles on the same device, useful for sharing while maintaining privacy.
When it matters: When you share your device with family members or keep work and personal profiles separate.
Importance: LOW
Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average smartphone does. 96.4% of smartphones allow multiple user profiles.

Performance & Hardware

Graphic comparison of Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB) and other smartphones

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: March 2026)

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: March 2026)

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: March 2026)

What customers like about Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB)?

Sleek, slim, and lightweight design with a premium vegan leather finish and sturdy build quality, including Gorilla Glass 5 protection and an IP68 water/dust resistance rating.
Beautiful and smooth 6.67-inch curved pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, and good brightness for outdoor use.
Reliable and long-lasting 5,500mAh battery that can easily last a full day or more with moderate usage.
Good quality 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) that captures detailed and vibrant photos in both daylight and low light conditions.
Clean, functional, and nearly stock Android software (Android 15) with useful Moto gestures and no bloatware or ads.
Decent stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, offering loud and clear audio for multimedia consumption.
Support for 5G connectivity and a capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor suitable for daily tasks and light to moderate gaming.
A 33W fast charger is included in the box.

What customers dislike about Motorola Moto G96 5G (8GB + 256GB)?

Performance can lag or stutter when multitasking heavily or running demanding graphic-intensive games, falling short of competitors in raw performance.
Only one major Android OS upgrade is promised, which is less than what many competing phones offer, limiting software longevity.
No MicroSD card expansion slot for additional storage.
No 3.5mm headphone jack or NFC support.
The ultra-wide and selfie cameras perform poorly in low light and can produce soft images at times.
Video quality can be inconsistent, with some focus hunting issues and noise visible in low-light recordings.
The curved display, while attractive, offers no additional functionality and can incur minor scratches easily without a pre-applied screen protector.

Expert reviews

mymobileindia.com

11/07/2025

Summary of the review

Moto G96 5G Review - A Solid Under-20K Smartphone Would you like a breakdown of the specific pros and cons identified across these reviews to help wit...

The Motorola Moto G96 5G is a mid-range smartphone under ₹20,000 featuring a 6.67-inch, 144Hz 3D curved pOLED display and a lightweight, premium design with a vegan leather finish. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, it offers capable daily performance and runs on the clean "Hello UI" based on Android 15. Key highlights include a 5500mAh battery, 33W charging, and a 50MP main camera with OIS that supports 4K video recording. Pros include the stylish, durable design (IP68), excellent display, and solid camera performance, while cons focus on limited long-term software support, lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and average gaming performance. Despite these, the device offers a premium experience for its price point.

gadgetbytenepal.com

25/12/2025

Summary of the review

Motorola G96 5G Review, A balanced phone with a minimal design

According to a review by GadgetByte Nepal, the G is a balanced mid-range phone praised for its premium design, rating, -inch pOLED Hz refresh rate, although the curved screen can cause accidental touches and it lacks HDR support on some platforms. It offers good battery, mAh cell MP MP main rear camera, but performance chip is not suitable for hardcore gaming, the software update policy is poor with only one major OS upgrade, MP ultra-wide camera is weak.

indianexpress.com

25/08/2025

Summary of the review

Motorola G96 Review - The Indian Express

The Indian Express review highlights the Motorola G96 as a mid-range phone prioritizing a premium feel with a lightweight vegan leather design, vibrant 144Hz pOLED display, and an IP68 rating, featuring a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip and clean Android 15-based Hello UI. While its 50MP camera performs well in daylight and the 5,500mAh battery offers good longevity, cons include occasional UI jitters, limited software support (one major update), and relatively slow 33W charging compared to competitors.

deccanherald.com

18/08/2025

Summary of the review

Motorola Moto G96 Review: Reliable mid-range phone with slim design

The Motorola Moto G96 is presented as a strong mid-range contender, praised for its slim, lightweight design, premium Pantone finishes, vibrant 144Hz pOLED curved display, and reliable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 performance. It features IP68 water and dust resistance, a 50MP main camera, and a 5,500mAh battery offering solid endurance. Key drawbacks include the absence of expandable storage via Micro SD card, lack of HDR support for streaming apps, and a limited software update policy with only one major Android OS upgrade promised.

republicworld.com

29/07/2025

Summary of the review

Moto G96 5G Review: Great Looks, Useful Performance All for Less Than 20K

The Republic World review describes the Moto G96 5G as a premium-feeling "daily driver" with standout features including a Pantone-certified vegan leather back and a 6.67-inch curved pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It highlights the 50MP primary camera with OIS as capable for daylight shots and notes pros like stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and a 5,500mAh battery, while listing cons such as a struggling 8MP ultrawide lens in low light, an aggressive selfie camera effect, 33W charging speed, and limited software longevity.

xiaomitoday.it

09/07/2025

Summary of the review

Moto G96 official with SD 7s Gen 2 and 144Hz OLED screen

The Moto G96 5G distinguishes itself with a premium design featuring a vegan leather back, IP68 water resistance, and a vibrant 6.67-inch 144Hz curved pOLED display. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, it delivers reliable daily performance and solid imaging from its 50MP Sony sensor with OIS. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of 4K video recording, a mediocre 8MP ultrawide camera, and the absence of a headphone jack or microSD slot. The device shines with a large 5,500mAh battery, though it faces criticism for having only one promised major OS update, limiting long-term software support.

Video reviews

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