Motorola, a trusted name in this arena, has introduced the Moto G55 5G, a mid-range smartphone that attempts to balance features and price. Positioned between the Moto G85 and the Moto G04, the G55 5G offers a compelling option for budget-conscious users.
As a mid-tier device, the Moto G55 5G brings with it a mix of attractive design elements, practical features, and a focus on everyday usability. While it makes certain compromises compared to higher-priced models, it compensates with thoughtful touches that appeal to its target audience. In this review, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Moto G55 5G, including its design, screen, camera performance, software, and more, to determine whether it stands out in the crowded budget smartphone market.
Design
Motorola has once again impressed with the design of its budget phones, and the Moto G55 5G is no exception. Featuring a robust vegan leather finish and a wide variety of colors, this phone feels as premium as it looks. Unlike some other budget options, the G55 has a substantial build that feels solid in hand. The rounded edges and textured back enhance grip, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
What sets the G55 apart is its focus on practicality. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature many manufacturers have phased out, much to the disappointment of audiophiles. The inclusion of this jack alongside the USB-C port and speaker grill shows Motorola’s commitment to meeting user needs. While the device is slightly thicker and heavier than its counterparts, this added bulk contributes to its sturdy feel and superior handling.
The phone’s Smoky Green variant, with its silver Motorola logo and dual-camera module, adds a touch of elegance. The clean lines and eco-friendly materials further elevate the G55’s appeal.
The packaging is equally thoughtful, with a durable rubber case, a SIM tool, and a USB-C cable, though it lacks a charger. This omission, while common in modern smartphones, may require users to purchase a separate fast charger for optimal performance.
Screen
The Moto G55 features a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. While slightly smaller than the screen on the pricier Moto G85, it delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors suitable for most daily tasks. Its lack of curvature and wider bezels give it a more traditional design, which some users may prefer for its straightforward usability.
The display’s IPS LCD technology offers excellent viewing angles and decent brightness levels, making it reliable for indoor and outdoor use. Although it lacks the deeper blacks and vivid color reproduction of a pOLED panel, the screen still performs well for streaming videos, browsing, and light gaming. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the display, ensuring durability against minor scratches and impacts.
The audio experience complements the display, with a three-piece speaker grill and an earpiece speaker delivering clear and loud sound. The audio quality is surprisingly robust for a budget device, with crisp dialogue and minimal distortion even at high volumes. The slightly thicker chassis likely contributes to the better resonance, resulting in a fuller audio experience compared to thinner models in the same price range.
In the photography department, the Moto G55 holds its own with a dual rear-camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. This combination ensures versatility for various photography needs, from capturing wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The cameras perform adequately for their price point, delivering decent results in good lighting conditions.
Camera
The 16MP front-facing camera is ideal for selfies, offering sharp images and wide-angle capabilities. It also includes HDR support to enhance color and contrast, making portraits stand out. Built-in beautification features allow users to adjust their appearance for a polished look, while the wide-angle lens ensures group selfies are hassle-free.
Low-light photography, however, is a challenge for the G55. While it can capture some detail in dim settings, noise levels increase significantly, and images lose clarity. Similarly, action shots can be hit or miss, with faster-moving subjects often appearing blurry.
Despite these limitations, the Moto G55’s camera is suitable for casual photography, delivering solid results for its price range.
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the Moto G55 is equipped to handle everyday tasks with ease. Its performance is competitive, even surpassing the pricier Moto G85 in benchmark tests. The phone performs well in routine activities like browsing, social media, and video streaming, with minimal lag or stuttering.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth navigation and scrolling, though it may dynamically adjust to conserve battery life. Gaming performance is respectable, with lighter titles like League of Legends: Wild Rift running seamlessly at 120 frames per second. However, more demanding games like Genshin Impact may push the device to its limits, resulting in reduced frame rates and longer load times.
Multitasking is handled efficiently, thanks to the ample RAM, though occasional slowdowns may occur during resource-intensive tasks. The phone’s thermal management system works well to prevent overheating, ensuring consistent performance during prolonged use. Overall, the Moto G55 strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for most users.
Software
Running on Android 14, the Moto G55 offers a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. Motorola’s software additions, such as Moto Secure and Moto Unplugged, are functional and easy to use. However, the pre-installed games and other unnecessary apps may annoy users who prefer a cleaner interface. Fortunately, these can be easily uninstalled.
Motorola promises two major OS updates and three years of security patches, ensuring the device remains up-to-date for a reasonable period. The clean interface, combined with the company’s commitment to updates, makes the Moto G55 an appealing option for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability in their software experience.
Battery Life
The Moto G55 is powered by a 5000mAh battery, providing impressive endurance for daily use. The device comfortably lasts a full day on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy usage. Its 30W TurboCharge support enables quick recharging, with the phone reaching 30% capacity in just 15 minutes.
Streaming, gaming, and other battery-intensive activities naturally drain the battery faster, but the phone’s efficient power management minimizes unnecessary consumption. For instance, an hour of video streaming reduces the battery by approximately 7%, while 30 minutes of gaming results in a 5% drop. This level of performance ensures the Moto G55 can handle various tasks without frequent recharging.
Final Thoughts
The Motorola Moto G55 5G is a solid contender in the budget smartphone market. At just £200, it delivers excellent value with its durable design, reliable performance, and practical features. While its display and camera may not rival those of higher-end models, they are more than sufficient for everyday use.
When compared to its sibling, the Moto G85, the G55 stands out with its better battery life, improved speaker quality, and appealing design. It offers a well-rounded package that caters to users seeking an affordable device without significant compromises. For those in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone, the Moto G55 5G is a choice worth considering.
