Motorola G96 5G Review: A Well-Rounded Midrange Phone for Everyday Use

The Motorola G96 5G has entered the Nepali market at NPR 40,000, positioning itself as a balanced midrange device. This phone packs a impressive set of features that make it appealing for everyday users who prioritize design, display quality, and battery endurance over intensive gaming capabilities.

Design and Build The G96 sports a classic Motorola aesthetic with a leather-backed, curved frame that feels premium in hand. Measuring 161.86 × 73.26 × 7.93 mm and weighing 178g, it maintains a comfortable and slim profile. The IP68 dust and splash resistance is a notable inclusion at this price point, offering peace of mind for users.

Display A standout feature is the 6.67-inch pOLED panel, delivering vivid colors, strong contrast, and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and media consumption. While HDR content lacks full support on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, the display remains enjoyable for daily use. Gorilla Glass 5 protection is adequate for typical handling.

Performance Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, the G96 handles everyday tasks such as social media browsing, video streaming, and multitasking efficiently. However, it falls short for demanding games like PUBG, managing around 60fps, which makes it better suited for casual gaming rather than heavy gaming sessions.

Software Out of the box, the device runs Android 15, offering a near-stock experience with clean animations and smooth app launches. Customization options include icon shapes, colors, and lock screen styles. However, Motorola's update policy is a drawback, promising only one major Android update, compared to competitors offering longer support.

Battery and Charging With a 5500mAh battery, the G96 provides approximately 7 to 8 hours of screen-on time under normal use, ensuring a full day of operation. The included 68W fast charger can replenish the battery to full capacity in about one hour.

Camera Capabilities The 32MP front camera produces attractive selfies with natural skin tones and solid video quality. The 50MP main camera delivers vibrant photos, though occasional issues with shadow crushing and chromatic aberration are present. The ultra-wide lens falls short in detail and color accuracy, making it the weakest link in the camera department.

Verdict For NPR 40,000, the Motorola G96 5G presents itself as a well-rounded option for users seeking a device with a premium design, excellent display, and long battery life. While it is not the best choice for gamers, it serves everyday users well. Compared to pricing in India, the phone appears slightly overpriced in the Nepali market by approximately NPR 2,000 to 3,000.