Yo, tech squad! The Motorola Moto G96 5G launched in India on July 9, 2025, and it’s a total vibe for budget gamers and everyday users! Starting at ₹17,999, this phone packs a 50MP Sony LYT-700C camera, 33W TurboPower charging, a 5500mAh battery, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, and a slick 6.67-inch 144Hz pOLED display. I’ve been geeking out over this device, and I’m hyped to dive into its performance, camera, battery and charging, display, connectivity, software and security, design and build, and price and availability. Let’s see why the Motorola Moto G96 5G is making waves on X and turning heads
Performance: Smooth and Snappy
The Motorola Moto G96 5G rocks the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm, up to 2.4GHz) with an Adreno 710 GPU and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM (plus up to 24GB RAM boost). It scores around 800,000 on AnTuTu, trailing slightly behind the OnePlus Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 but solid for its price. I was switching between X, streaming Spotify, and playing COD Mobile at high settings with no lag. The vapor chamber cooling keeps temps chill (~42°C after an hour of gaming), though some X users noted minor warmth during heavy use.
With 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 storage, apps load fast, but UFS 2.2’s slower than UFS 3.1 in pricier phones like the POCO X7 Pro. For casual gamers and multitaskers, the Motorola Moto G96 5G delivers big-time.
Camera: 50MP Shots That Pop
The Motorola Moto G96 5G sports a dual rear camera setup: a 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor (f/1.8, OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 112° FOV) that doubles as a macro lens. Daylight shots are sharp with vibrant colors, perfect for Instagram Reels. The OIS helps with low-light pics, but the ultra-wide struggles in dim settings, as some X users pointed out. The 32MP front camera (f/2.2) nails selfies and 4K video calls, though portrait mode can have iffy edge detection.
Moto AI features like AI Photo Enhancement add flair to edits. Both cameras support 4K video at 30fps, but stabilization’s better on the main lens. For social media creators on a budget, the Motorola Moto G96 5G camera’s a solid pick.
Battery and Charging: Juice for Days
The Motorola Moto G96 5G packs a 5500mAh battery, a beast for its class. I got 1.5-2 days of use—8+ hours of screen-on time with gaming, Netflix, and X scrolling. A video loop test hit ~15 hours, and X users are hyped, calling it a “2-day champ.” 33W TurboPower charging takes it to 50% in ~25 minutes and full in ~70 minutes, slower than the Nord 5’s 80W but decent. The charger’s included, which is clutch.
No wireless charging, but Moto Unplugged helps manage battery drain from social apps. Battery health should stay at ~80% after 4 years. For heavy users, the Motorola Moto G96 5G is a stamina king.
Display: 144Hz pOLED That’s Fire
The Motorola Moto G96 5G flaunts a 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED display (2400×1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+. Watching Animal on Jio Hotstar was a vibe—deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling. Water Touch technology lets you use it with wet fingers, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds durability. Some X users noted minor accidental touches due to the curved edges.
Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio deliver loud, clear sound, though bass could be punchier. For gamers and binge-watchers, the Motorola Moto G96 5G display is a total flex.
Connectivity: 5G and Beyond
With 5G SA/NSA (covering India’s n78 band), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB-C, the Motorola Moto G96 5G is ready for fast networks. I tested it in a crowded mall, and Jio 5G speeds were solid. The IP68 rating makes it dust- and water-resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes), a rare win for budget phones. Dual SIM support is great, but no 3.5mm jack means Bluetooth or USB-C audio.
The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast, and Face Unlock works well in good light. For students or travelers, the Motorola Moto G96 5G keeps you locked in.
Software and Security: Clean but Limited
Running Android 15 with Hello UI, the Motorola Moto G96 5G is smooth with Moto AI perks like photo editing and Smart Connect 2.0 for device syncing. It’s near-stock Android, but bloatware (pre-installed apps) annoyed some X users. Only 1 year of OS updates and 3 years of security patches (till 2028) is weak compared to the Nord 5’s 4+6 years, as X posts highlighted.
Moto Secure 3.0 and Family Spaces 3.0 add privacy and parental controls. For casual users, the Motorola Moto G96 5G software’s clean but needs better update support.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Stylish
At 161.86 x 73.26 x 7.93mm and 178g, the Motorola Moto G96 5G sports a vegan leather back in Pantone Ashleigh Blue, Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, or Dresden Blue. The IP68 rating and slim profile make it a durable stunner, though the plastic frame feels less premium than the Nord 5’s metal. The curved display adds flair, but some X users found it slippery without the included case.
For style and toughness, the Motorola Moto G96 5G is a budget head-turner.
Price and Availability: A Budget Banger
The Motorola Moto G96 5G starts at ₹17,999 for 8GB+128GB and ₹19,999 for 8GB+256GB, available since July 16, 2025, on Flipkart, Motorola India, and stores like Reliance Digital. Offers include ₹1,000 off with ICICI cards and no-cost EMI. It undercuts the OnePlus Nord 5 (₹29,999) but lags in performance and updates. X users love the price but suggest alternatives like the Vivo T3 Pro for better chips.
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