If you’ve been following Motorola over the last couple of years, you know they’ve been on a roll with their G-series phones. It feels like every few months, there’s a new launch in the lineup — and this time it’s the Motorola Moto G96. Priced under 20,000, it promises a balanced mix of design, display, battery, and camera power.
I got my hands on the phone a few days ago, and after using it as my primary device, I can say — this phone is a lot better than I expected. It’s not perfect, but it brings a few refreshing touches that make it feel premium for its price range. Let’s talk about everything in detail, starting with what’s inside the box.
Unboxing Experience: Simple yet premium
When you open the Moto G96 box, you’re greeted with the essentials — a 33W fast charger, a USB Type-C cable, and the usual documentation. What surprised me is that Motorola has skipped the case this time, which used to be standard with their phones.
The packaging feels compact and clean, and the phone immediately stands out when you first hold it. I have the Orchid shade, a subtle mix of pink and beige tones that looks classy without being flashy. The texture is vegan leather, and it feels soft in hand — like something you’d expect from a much costlier phone.
Design and Build Quality: Familiar yet refined
Motorola has been following a consistent design language for the past two years, and the Moto G96 continues that tradition. Some might say it’s getting repetitive, but honestly, the curved edges and soft matte finish still look elegant.
The phone weighs around 177 grams, which is quite light considering it packs a 5500mAh battery. It feels surprisingly comfortable to hold, even during long calls or video sessions. The curved display gives it a premium touch, and the in-hand feel is easily one of the best in this price segment.
Ports are placed conveniently — Type-C port, speaker grille, SIM tray, and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom. There’s also Dolby Atmos support with stereo speakers, so sound quality is loud and clear for watching videos or listening to music.
Display: Bright, fluid, and immersive
One of the major highlights of the Moto G96 is its 6.67-inch FHD+ 3D curved display. It supports up to 144Hz refresh rate, which makes everything from scrolling to gaming buttery smooth.
The 1600 nits peak brightness ensures that even under strong sunlight, the screen stays visible. Watching movies or playing games feels immersive thanks to the curved edges and thin bezels. Whether you’re bingeing a web series or scrolling Instagram, this display doesn’t disappoint.
Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the Moto G96’s core specs —
| Feature | Details |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| Display | 6.67-inch FHD+ Curved AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate |
| Battery | 5500mAh with 33W fast charging |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB RAM (LPDDR4X) / 128GB & 256GB (UFS 2.2) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-700H (Primary) + 8MP Ultra-wide/Macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP Selfie Camera |
| Operating System | Hello UI based on Android 15 |
| Weight | Around 177 grams |
| 5G Bands | 13 5G Bands |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 + IP68 rating |
Performance: Smooth but not a powerhouse
The Moto G96 runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which is decent for day-to-day use. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels smooth, and you can even do light gaming without heating issues.
During my testing, BGMI ran at 60FPS consistently, though if you push graphics too high, you’ll notice slight frame drops. For casual gamers, it’s perfectly fine.
In benchmarks, the phone scored around 6.5 lakh on AnTuTu, which puts it comfortably among mid-range performers. But more than the score, what matters is that the phone feels stable and responsive for regular use — from video calls to social media to watching Netflix.
Battery Life: Big power in a light body
Motorola has increased the battery size this time from last year’s model, and the 5500mAh unit does a solid job.
On moderate usage — calls, WhatsApp, YouTube, and a bit of camera — I easily got a full day and a half of battery life. With heavy gaming or long 4K recording sessions, it still lasted a full day.
The 33W charger takes it from 0 to 100% in about 80 minutes, which is fair considering the battery size. I’d say it’s a dependable all-day performer.
Software: Hello UI on Android 15 feels clean and modern
This is one area where Motorola continues to shine. The Moto G96 runs on Hello UI, which is based on Android 15, and it’s as close to stock Android as it gets.
There are almost no ads or bloatware, except for a few pre-installed apps that you can easily remove. Motorola has also added useful features like Moto Secure, Family Space, and AI-based photo tools.
You get one major OS update and three years of security updates. Honestly, I wish they offered at least two OS upgrades, but overall, the experience is still smoother than most custom UIs out there.
Camera: Surprising quality under 20K
Now let’s talk about the most exciting part — the camera. Motorola has done a great job here. The Moto G96 features a 50MP Sony LYT-700H primary sensor, and you can immediately see the improvement in photo quality.
Images come out crisp, with natural colours and well-balanced contrast. Skin tones look pleasant — not overprocessed like some phones in this range. The 8MP ultrawide lens also doubles up for macro shots, and they look surprisingly detailed.
The 32MP selfie camera produces bright, clear selfies even in indoor lighting. Portraits have accurate edge detection and good background blur.
In terms of video, you can shoot up to 4K at 30FPS using all sensors — a feature rarely seen under 20K. Stabilization is decent, and sound pickup from the dual microphones is clean. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable camera phone under ₹20K, the Moto G96 deserves a serious look.
Multimedia and Connectivity: Great everyday performer
With stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the multimedia experience is one of the best in its price range. Whether it’s Spotify, YouTube, or OTT platforms, sound feels immersive and full.
Connectivity is also sorted — dual 5G SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Carrier Aggregation are all included. There’s no NFC, but that’s not a big deal for most Indian users.
What I Liked and What Could Be Better
Liked:
- Excellent display and design for the price
- Clean software experience
- Strong camera setup
- Big battery, yet lightweight build
- IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Could Be Better:
- Only one major OS update
- No case included in the box
- Performance could be stronger for heavy gamers
Verdict: A well-rounded smartphone for everyday users
After spending time with the Motorola Moto G96, I can confidently say it’s one of the most balanced phones under ₹20,000 right now. It may not top every chart, but it gets the basics right — display, battery, camera, and clean UI.
For someone who values a smooth Android experience, stylish design, and dependable performance, this phone ticks all the right boxes. It feels like Motorola has finally found its sweet spot between practicality and style. If you’re tired of cluttered UIs and want a phone that just works well without drama, the Moto G96 is definitely worth shortlisting.
Final Thoughts:
Motorola’s G-series has always focused on giving real value, and the Moto G96 continues that legacy. With its lightweight body, curved AMOLED display, upgraded camera, and solid battery, it’s a refreshing mid-range phone that feels premium without burning your pocket. So if your budget is around 15–20K, you’ll love how this one balances performance and polish — a perfect everyday companion that looks good, feels great, and delivers consistently.
