🔥 Moto G96: Finally, a Budget Phone That Doesn’t Cut Corners
The Moto G96 is officially here. And no, it’s not just another mid-range phone with the same recycled chipset and fake AI camera marketing. This one’s different.
Motorola dropped the Moto G96 5G in India on July 9, 2025, and it’s already making noise. Why? Because it brings flagship-grade features to a segment where brands usually rely on gimmicks. This phone doesn’t shout – it just delivers. Clean software, real upgrades, and a camera that actually clicks well-lit shots in low light.
So, what makes the Moto G96 stand out? Let’s dive in.
⚡ Key Highlights
- Moto G96 5G launched in India on July 9, 2025, starting at ₹17,999
- Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 makes it the most powerful G-series yet
- 6.67″ curved p-OLED, 144Hz display with 1600 nits brightness
- 50MP Sony Lytia 700C with OIS + 8MP ultrawide – flagship-like camera under ₹20K
- 5500mAh battery + 33W TurboPower charging
- Android 15 with Hello UI – clean, fast, and ad-free
- IP68 rating + vegan leather back + Pantone-certified colors
📱 Moto G96 5G Specs Leaked Renders vs Reality – What’s Changed?
Most of the moto g96 specs leaked renders turned out to be spot on. But Motorola did surprise us with a few welcome upgrades.
Here’s a no-fluff look at the official Moto G96 5G specs:
- Display: 6.67″ curved p-OLED, Full HD+, 144Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits brightness, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass 5
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 – 4nm architecture, 2.4GHz peak clock
- RAM/Storage:
- 8GB + 128GB: ₹17,999
- 8GB + 256GB: ₹19,999
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP Sony Lytia 700C with OIS (sensor used in premium devices like the Xperia 5 V)
- 8MP ultra-wide with 118° FoV
- Front Camera: 32MP punch-hole with 4K video support
- Battery: 5500mAh + 33W TurboPower
- OS: Android 15 with Hello UI – almost no bloat, no ads
- Durability: IP68 water/dust resistant, Gorilla Glass 5
- Build: Pantone-validated colors, vegan leather back
- Other perks: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
🧠 Moto G96 5G Details: The Experience That Matters
Most phones under ₹20K look good on paper. But try using them for 3 hours – lags, stutters, bloatware, battery drain. Sound familiar?
Here’s what’s different about the Moto G96 5G:
- Display: Smooth. Bright. Responsive. The 144Hz panel genuinely feels flagship-tier. Text and animations glide.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 finally gives Motorola’s G-series the firepower it lacked. Games like BGMI and Asphalt 9 run consistently above 50fps.
- Camera: That 50MP Sony Lytia sensor? It’s not just numbers. In daylight, it’s sharp. In low light, it surprises. Unlike those fake quad-cameras you’ve seen on other phones.
- Software: Hello UI is clean, minimal, and buttery. No Hot Apps. No forced ads. No awkward duplicate apps.
Real-life feedback? Tech YouTuber Trakin Tech praised its “unbeatable combo of display and camera” for this price.
🎨 Moto G96 Design Reveal: Sleek, Grippy, and Surprisingly Premium
Let’s talk about the moto g96 design reveal – because this phone actually feels good in the hand.
- Curved display? ✅
- Matte leather back? ✅
- Subtle logo and dual ring camera layout? ✅
It’s not flashy. It’s tasteful. It’s the kind of design you’d expect on a phone that costs ₹30K, not ₹17K.
Color options like Cattleya Orchid and Ashleigh Blue are subtle flexes. And yes, these shades are Pantone-validated – a first in this range.
💸 Moto G96 Price in India – Smart Value or Just Another Number?
Motorola didn’t try to undercut the market, but they priced it just right. The moto g96 5g price in India is:
- ₹17,999 for 8GB + 128GB
- ₹19,999 for 8GB + 256GB
At this price, you’re getting features like:
- Curved OLED display
- Sony Lytia camera
- Clean Android 15
- IP68 durability
Compare that to the iQOO Z10 or Redmi Note 13 Pro – both have compromises in display or software. The Moto G96 doesn’t.
🗓️ Moto G96 5G India Launch Timeline & Availability
The moto g96 5g india launch happened on July 9, 2025, and the first sale kicks off on July 16 via:
Expect early bird offers, EMI plans, and exchange deals for old phones.
🆚 Moto G96 vs Competition: Real Comparison Table
| Phone | Moto G96 | iQOO Z10 | Redmi Note 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.67″ p-OLED 144Hz | 6.72″ IPS 120Hz | 6.67″ AMOLED 120Hz |
| Chipset | SD 7s Gen 2 | Dimensity 6080 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony Lytia | 64MP Omnivision | 200MP Samsung |
| Battery | 5500mAh, 33W | 5000mAh, 44W | 5100mAh, 67W |
| OS | Android 15 | FuntouchOS 14 | MIUI 14 |
| IP Rating | IP68 | ❌ | ❌ |
Verdict? The Moto G96 isn’t perfect, but it nails the basics without bloating your experience.
🧩 Who Should Buy the Moto G96 5G?
- If you’re done with bloatware – this is for you.
- If you want great cameras but don’t trust inflated megapixels – you’ll love this.
- If you’re tired of the same old plastic builds – the vegan leather will impress.
For college students, working professionals, or even parents switching from old 4G phones – the Moto G96 5G is easy to recommend.
📚 Related Reads
- OnePlus Nord 5 Specs, Launch Date & Price in India
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Everything You Need to Know
- Nothing Phone 3 Launch – Key Details & Rumors
- POCO F7, F7 Pro & Ultra – Launch, Price, and Specs 2025
🧾 Final Word: Is the Moto G96 the Best Phone Under ₹20K in 2025?
It just might be. The Moto G96 gets so many things right:
- It doesn’t overpromise. It over-delivers.
- It ditches bloat for polish.
- It adds real camera value instead of megapixel hype.
And in a sea of confusing names and fake specs, the Moto G96 5G is a breath of fresh air. This phone doesn’t try to be everything. It just focuses on the things that matter – and nails them.
🛒 If you’re shopping under ₹20K this month, the Moto G96 should be on top of your list.
All data and comparisons are based on verified specs and official launch materials as of July 9, 2025.
