Is the Moto G85 the top smartphone under Rs. 20,000? Let’s dive into this mid-range device from Lenovo-owned Motorola, which has recently hit the market. Priced at Rs. 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and Rs. 19,999 for the 12GB+256GB model, the Moto G85 5G offers intriguing features including a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, a 50-megapixel rear camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. It competes with other budget-friendly smartphones like the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G, CMF Phone 1, Infinix Note 40 5G, iQoo Z9, and Samsung Galaxy M35 5G.
Moto G85 Design: Sleek and Comfortable
- Dimensions: 161.91×73.06×7.59 mm
- Weight: 172g
- Colors: Cobalt Blue, Olive Green, Urban Gray
The Moto G85 stands out with its curved display—a rare find under Rs. 20,000. The rear panel, featuring a vegan leather finish, offers a secure grip and minimalistic design with just Motorola’s batwing logo. The Olive Green color is less appealing compared to the Urban Gray, which has a matte finish and is less prone to marks. The phone’s plastic sides contribute to its affordable feel. At the bottom, you’ll find a USB Type-C port and a speaker grille, but unfortunately, no 3.5mm headphone jack.
Moto G85 Software: A Mix of Innovation and Bloatware
- Software: Hello UI
- Android Version: Android 14
- Security Patch: June 1, 2024
Running on Android 14 with the new Hello UI interface, the Moto G85 introduces a few updates over its predecessor. However, it comes pre-loaded with bloatware and games like Block Blast and Carrom Disc Pool. MotoHub, another pre-installed app, sends frequent notifications and promotes clickbait articles. Despite these drawbacks, Hello UI includes valuable tools like Family Space for parental controls, Moto Unplugged for digital wellbeing, and Moto Secure for enhanced security. Motorola promises two major Android updates and four years of security updates.
Moto G85 Performance:
Decent for Everyday Tasks
- Processor: Snapdragon 6s Gen 3
- Memory: Up to 12GB
- Storage: Up to 256GB (UFS 2.2)
The Moto G85 is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, a minor upgrade over older models. While it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and WhatsApp smoothly, it lags slightly behind competitors with newer processors like the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 and 7300. Gaming performance is acceptable for titles like Asphalt Legends Unite and BGMI, though you might experience some lag in demanding games like Genshin Impact. The device doesn’t overheat during extended play sessions.
Moto G85 Display: A Vibrant Viewing Experience
- Screen Size: 6.67-inch
- Resolution: Full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
The Moto G85 features a bright AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it responsive and enjoyable for both daily use and media consumption. The curved edges of the screen don’t lead to accidental touches, and the display offers various color modes. The Natural mode provides a more accurate representation of colors compared to the default Vivid option.
Moto G85 Cameras: Solid Performance with AI Enhancements
- Main Camera: 50-megapixel (OIS, EIS), up to 4K/60fps video
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 8-megapixel, up to 1080p/30fps video
- Selfie Camera: 16-megapixel, up to 1080p/30fps video
The Moto G85’s primary camera delivers good daytime photos with accurate colors and contrast. The ultra-wide camera, while less vibrant, offers decent performance with minimal distortion. Night Vision mode enhances low-light photography, and the macro mode on the ultra-wide lens captures detailed close-up shots. Selfies are detailed in daylight but slightly blurry in low light. Video recording is limited to 1080p across all cameras but benefits from stabilization features.
Moto G85 Battery Life: Reliable and Efficient
- Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh
- Charging Speed: 33W TurboPower
The Moto G85’s 5,000mAh battery ensures over a day of use with moderate activities, including gaming and social media. It lasted 21 hours and 14 minutes in our HD video loop test. The 33W TurboPower charger takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to fully recharge the battery, providing a dependable and fast charging experience.
Moto G85 Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money
The Moto G85 5G is a solid choice for those seeking a phone with a curved OLED display, reliable camera performance, and good battery life within the Rs. 20,000 range. While its performance is decent, it lags behind other smartphones in this price bracket equipped with more advanced processors. Its camera setup and battery life are strengths, making it a good option if these features are a priority. which offer competitive advantages in performance and updates.
