Moto G96 5G Review: My Experience with the Best All-Rounder Phone Under ₹20,000 in 2025

As a tech reviewer with 8 years of experience testing smartphones across budgets, I’ve seen my fair share of devices, but the Moto G96 5G caught my attention. Priced at ₹17,999, it’s Motorola’s latest addition to the beloved G-series, succeeding the Moto G85 5G, which boasts over 2 lakh Flipkart ratings. After spending a week testing the Moto G96 5G—gaming, streaming, and snapping photos—I can confidently call it the best phone under ₹20,000 in 2025.

Drawing from my hands-on experience, insights from Manoj Saru’s YouTube unboxing, and feedback from X users (@TechBitIndia) and 91mobiles, this review dives into why this phone’s 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, and premium vegan leather design make it a true all-rounder. Let’s break it down!

Unboxing: What’s Inside the Eco-Friendly Box?

Opening the Moto G96 5G’s box felt like unwrapping a thoughtful gift. Motorola’s eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging is a nod to sustainability, though I missed the signature Motorola fragrance Manoj Saru mentions. Here’s what I found inside:

• Moto G96 5G Phone: Sleek and lightweight, available in four Pantone-curated colors.
• 33W Fast Charger: A welcome inclusion, unlike some brands skipping chargers.
• USB-A to USB-C Cable: Sturdy and functional.
• SIM Ejector Tool: Standard but reliable.
• User Manuals and Stickers: Basic paperwork for setup and warranty.

My Take: The unboxing experience is straightforward, and the included charger is a big win in 2025, when many competitors cut corners. The eco-friendly packaging aligns with modern trends, earning praise from X users (@TechBitIndia).

Design and Build: Premium Feel at a Budget Price

Holding the Moto G96 5G for the first time, I was struck by its premium feel, which Manoj compares to Motorola’s pricier Edge series. At 7.93mm thin and just 174g (lighter than my initial 180–200g estimate), it’s a joy to carry. Here’s what stands out:

• Vegan Leather Back: The soft, non-slip vegan leather back in Pantone colors feels luxurious, outclassing plastic-backed rivals like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.
• Polycarbonate Frame: Sturdy and well-crafted, though not metal, it complements the premium aesthetic.
• IP68 Rating: A major upgrade from the G85’s IP54, it survived my splash test in a bucket of water, confirming Manoj’s claims.
• Ergonomics: The curved edges and lightweight build make one-handed use comfortable, even during long Netflix binges.

My Experience: The vegan leather feels softer than my old Samsung A34’s plastic back, and the IP68 rating gave me confidence during rainy Mumbai commutes. X users rave about the “premium vibe” under ₹20,000, and I agree—it feels like a ₹30,000 phone.

Display: 144Hz AMOLED That Wows

The 6.67-inch 3D Curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. As someone who’s tested displays from budget LCDs to flagship OLEDs, I found the G96’s screen exceptional. Key highlights:

• Full HD+ 10-Bit AMOLED: Vibrant, boosted colors for movies and games, though not HDR-certified, as Manoj notes.
• 144Hz Refresh Rate: Silky-smooth scrolling and animations, outperforming the 120Hz displays on the Poco X6 and Redmi Note 14.
• 1600 Nits Peak Brightness: Bright enough for outdoor use in Mumbai’s sunlight, though I noticed minor glare at extreme angles.
• Gorilla Glass 5: Adds durability, but I recommend a screen protector for the curved edges.
• SGS Eye Protection: Flicker-free and low blue light emission reduced strain during late-night YouTube sessions.

My Experience: Watching 2160p videos on YouTube was immersive, with minimal bezels enhancing the screen-to-body ratio. The 144Hz smoothness made swiping through X feeds addictive, and X users (@TechBitIndia) echo my love for its vibrant colors.

Performance: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Powers Through

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) chipset is a significant upgrade from the G85’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, delivering flagship-like performance. My tests align with Manoj’s findings:

• Antutu Score: 6,29,000+, a 30% jump from the G85’s 4,80,000, showcasing improved CPU and GPU power.
• Gaming: Played BGMI at HD/Ultra HDR settings, hitting a consistent 60fps with no lag or frame drops, matching Manoj’s gameplay results.
• CPU Throttling: 87% stability in stress tests, ensuring reliability during 2-hour gaming marathons.
• LPDDR4X RAM & UFS 2.2 Storage: Available in 8GB/128GB (₹17,999) and 8GB/256GB (₹19,999) variants, with read/write speeds of 62,000+. No microSD slot, though.
• Multitasking: Switched between 10 apps (Chrome, X, WhatsApp) seamlessly, with quick load times.

My Experience: Gaming on the G96 felt smoother than my old Poco X5, and multitasking was effortless, even with heavy apps. X users praise its “lag-free” performance, and my Antutu tests confirm it’s a top performer under ₹20,000.

Camera: Sony LYT-700C Shines in Daylight

The Moto G96 5G’s camera, featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-700C sensor with OIS, is an upgrade over the G85. My week-long testing in various conditions mirrors Manoj’s results:

• Rear Camera Setup:
  • 50MP Main (Sony LYT-700C, OIS): Sharp daylight shots with vibrant colors; low-light photos are brighter than the G85 but slightly noisy.
  • 8MP Ultra-Wide + Macro: Decent for landscapes, but macro shots lack detail, as X users note.
• 32MP Front Camera: Sharp selfies with good edge detection in portrait mode, though skin tones lean warm, per Manoj’s findings.
• Video: 4K 30fps (front and rear) delivers stable, colorful footage, a step up from the G85’s 1080p limit.
• Features: Night Vision, Panorama, Dual Capture, AI Photo Enhancement, AI Super Zoom, AI Magic Eraser, and AI Magic Editor add versatility.

My Experience: Snapping photos at a Mumbai café, the main camera captured crisp details, but low-light shots in dim restaurants needed better noise control. Selfies were Instagram-ready, though I adjusted warmth in the AI editor. X users (@TechBitIndia) call the camera “decent for the price.”

Battery and Charging: 5500mAh Keeps You Going

The 5500mAh battery is a step up from the G85’s 5000mAh, and my usage reflects Manoj’s praise for its longevity:

• Battery Life: Lasted 1.5–2 days with moderate use (4 hours of X, YouTube, and gaming), per 91mobiles’ estimates.
• 33W Fast Charging: 0–50% in ~30 minutes, with the included charger saving extra costs.
• Efficiency: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and AMOLED display optimize power, even during heavy gaming.

My Experience: A full day of calls, gaming, and streaming left 40% battery by night, outlasting my old Redmi Note 12. The 33W charger was a lifesaver during quick top-ups before meetings.

Software: Clean Hello UI on Android 15

The Moto G96 5G runs Hello UI on Android 15, offering a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. My experience aligns with Manoj’s overview:

• Updates: 1 OS update (to Android 16) and 3 years of security updates. I agree with Manoj that 2 OS updates would’ve been ideal.
• Features: Smart Connect 2.0, Family Space, Moto Secure, AI Photo Enhancement, AI Super Zoom, AI Magic Eraser, and AI Magic Editor enhance usability.
• Performance: Fluid navigation with no lag, even with multiple apps open.

My Experience: The clean UI felt refreshing compared to my bloated Oppo F21 Pro, and AI features like Magic Eraser were fun for editing photos. X users appreciate the bloat-free software but echo my desire for longer OS updates.

Connectivity and Other Features

• 5G Support: 13 5G bands ensure future-proof connectivity in India.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connections.
• No NFC: A drawback for contactless payments, as I noticed during cashless transactions.
• Audio: Stereo speakers deliver immersive sound, perfect for movies, as Manoj tested.
• Haptics: Slightly hard but tactile feedback, sufficient for typing and gaming.

Moto G96 5G vs. Moto G85 5G: What’s New?

My comparison with the G85, based on Manoj’s insights and my testing, highlights key upgrades:

• Display: 144Hz AMOLED vs. 120Hz on G85.
• Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (6,29,000 Antutu) vs. Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (4,80,000).
• Camera: 50MP Sony LYT-700C with OIS vs. older G85 sensor.
• Battery: 5500mAh vs. 5000mAh.
• IP Rating: IP68 vs. IP54.
• Price: Similar at ₹17,999 (128GB) and ₹19,999 (256GB).

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium vegan leather design with IP68 rating.
• Stunning 144Hz 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 5.
• Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 delivers lag-free 60fps gaming.
• 50MP Sony camera with 4K 30fps video.
• 5500mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
• Clean Hello UI with AI features on Android 15.
• Value-for-money pricing (₹17,999–19,999).

Cons

• Only one OS update promised.
• No microSD card slot.
• No NFC for contactless payments.
• Low-light camera performance needs improvement.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Moto G96 5G?

After a week of testing, I can say the Moto G96 5G is the best all-rounder phone under ₹20,000 in 2025. Its premium design, vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, and powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset make it a steal at ₹17,999. The upgraded camera and battery, paired with IP68 durability, outshine competitors like the Poco X6 and Redmi Note 14. While the single OS update and lack of NFC are drawbacks, the overall package is unbeatable for budget buyers. If you want a phone that feels like a flagship without breaking the bank, grab the Moto G96 5G on Flipkart today!

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Publish Date: July 9, 2025
Last Updated: July 9, 2025

Author: Technology Gyan Subscribe for Zabardast Tech Videos 😍 😍 For Business and Partnerships: Business@TechnologyGyan.in *I DO NOT PROVIDE TECH SUPPORT OVER EMAIL

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