.png "blank Coverage")
The Moto G54 5G by Motorola represents a marked improvement from its predecessor, the G53. The overarching goal of delivering an enhanced mobile experience at an affordable price remains, but the G54 seems to have successfully achieved it. In contrast to the compromises found in the G53, the G54 impresses with fewer faults.
Motorola has executed a commendable shift, offering a more affordable smartphone with enhanced features compared to its predecessor. Surprisingly, the G54 is priced lower than the G53, a commendable move by the company.
While the G54 may not compete with the flagship models in the four-figure range, it poses a potential threat to mid-range phones. For those seeking an affordable device, the G54 stands out. The screen now boasts full HD+, the processor delivers decent performance (though caution is advised for intense gamers), and the camera produces noticeably improved images compared to the previous model. The design is also praised for its aesthetics, challenging preconceptions about what a 'budget' phone should look like.
The availability of Motorola devices remains inconsistent globally. In the UK, the G54 is priced at £180, £10 less than its predecessor. In Australia, it receives a AU$30 discount, coming down to AU$299. Unfortunately, the G54 is not available in the US under the same model name. The Moto G Power 5G is suggested as the closest equivalent in the US, priced at $199.99 at the time of the review.
Motorola's decision to reduce the price of an already affordable phone is deemed impressive. Given the improvements and lower cost, the G54 receives a perfect value score of 5/5.
Moving to the specifications, the G54 features a 6.5-inch full HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage (256GB in the UK) with microSD expansion up to 1TB power the device. Running on Android 13, the G54 sports a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 16MP front camera. The 5,000mAh battery supports 15W wired charging.
The design of the G54 is noted for its changes, although it adheres to the typical budget-friendly phone aesthetics. The vegan leather material in the Indigo Blue color variant adds a touch of premium feel. The device is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, though some ergonomic issues are raised regarding the placement of the volume rocker.
The display, a significant drawback in the G53, sees notable improvement in the G54. The shift to full HD+ resolution results in a much sharper and vibrant display. The 120Hz refresh rate and excellent color reproduction contribute to an outstanding visual experience for a budget phone.
The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro sensor, with the addition of optical image stabilization. While an improvement, the camera performance is considered not exceptional, especially in comparison to higher-end smartphones.
The G54 runs on Android 13, and its performance is notably improved over its predecessor. The Mediatek Dimensity 7020 processor, coupled with 8GB RAM, handles everyday tasks well. Gaming performance is decent, although extended and graphically intense gaming sessions may generate heat.
Audio performance is satisfactory, with Dolby Atmos audio processing enhancing the sound experience. The speakers' volume is appreciated, and the default Smart Audio setting is recommended for overall audio quality.
Battery life, a consistent strength in Motorola phones, continues to impress with the 5,000mAh battery easily lasting over a day. The introduction of 15W TurboPower charging, an improvement over the G53, reduces charging time, though wireless charging is not supported.
In summary, the Moto G54 5G receives positive evaluations across various aspects, including design, display, performance, and battery life. The improvements over the G53, coupled with the lower price, position the G54 as an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with commendable features.
