The Motorola Moto G75 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver more than you might expect. Beneath its familiar exterior, the device offers impressive features like a sturdy build, wireless charging, and a reliable software update plan. Motorola has made its mark by combining durability with functionality, giving users a phone that feels premium without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the details of this device to see how it performs in various aspects.
Design
The Motorola Moto G75 5G sticks to the design language Motorola has embraced for its 2024 lineup. From the budget-friendly Moto G04 to the high-end Moto Edge 50 Ultra, you’ll notice consistent aesthetics. The Moto G75 5G is no exception, showcasing a camera module that seems to flow seamlessly from the body of the phone.
One standout feature of the design is the use of vegan leather on select models, such as the Aqua Blue and Succulent Green options. This material feels warm to the touch, offers excellent grip, and resists fingerprints. For those who prefer a smoother texture, the Charcoal Gray variant comes with a matte plastic rear and is slightly lighter and thinner. However, the device’s dimensions and 209g weight make it a bit bulkier than some competitors.
Durability is where this phone truly shines. Unlike most sub-£300 phones, the Moto G75 5G boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and MIL-STD 810H certification, indicating military-grade durability. It’s designed to withstand temperature extremes, vibrations, and impacts, making it one of the toughest phones in its price range.
Screen
The Moto G75 5G comes with a 6.78-inch LCD display that has a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. While it doesn’t offer the vibrant colors and deep blacks of an OLED panel, the screen performs admirably in most scenarios. It’s bright enough to remain visible under direct sunlight, reaching up to 1000 nits of peak brightness.
The display provides a pleasant viewing experience for browsing, streaming, and gaming. However, users seeking a richer visual experience might prefer devices like the Moto G85 5G, which features an OLED screen. Additionally, the Moto G75 5G lacks an always-on display, a feature commonly found on OLED devices.
Instead of an in-display fingerprint sensor, Motorola has opted for a side-mounted one integrated into the power button. While it’s less flashy than modern alternatives, it works quickly and reliably. Overall, the screen is functional and satisfactory for the price, even if it doesn’t compete with higher-end models.
Performance
Powering the Moto G75 5G is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. This mid-range chipset ensures smooth performance, handling day-to-day tasks and mid-level gaming with ease. Surprisingly, it outperforms its pricier sibling, the Moto G85 5G, which uses a slightly older Snapdragon 6S Gen 3.
In benchmark tests, the Moto G75 5G delivers scores that rival phones in higher price brackets. It competes closely with the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Poco X6, particularly in GPU performance, and even holds its own against the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. For casual gamers, the phone handles titles like Wreckfest and Genshin Impact at moderate settings, while simpler games run flawlessly.
Storage is another strong point. The device comes with 256GB of internal storage and supports microSD expansion, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. This flexibility makes it ideal for users who rely on local storage rather than cloud services.
Camera
The Moto G75 5G features a solid camera setup, led by a 50MP Sony Lytia 600 main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). It’s complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 16MP front-facing camera. While it doesn’t include a telephoto lens, the absence of unnecessary macro or depth sensors keeps the focus on quality.
In good lighting, the main camera captures detailed and vibrant images. Even at 2x zoom, the results remain sharp, though quality starts to drop at higher zoom levels. The ultra-wide lens performs decently, with acceptable edge-to-edge detail and consistent color tones. Night mode produces usable shots, though noise becomes noticeable in very low light.
The front camera, while not exceptional, delivers decent selfies with natural skin tones and rich colors. Video recording maxes out at 4K/30fps, with stabilization provided by OIS. For a phone in this price range, the overall camera performance is more than satisfactory, offering excellent value for casual photography enthusiasts.
Software
Running on Android 14, the Moto G75 5G offers a clean and user-friendly interface. Motorola’s approach is refreshingly simple, retaining the core Android experience without unnecessary customizations. Features like Google’s notification panel and app menus remain intact, providing an intuitive experience for users.
Motorola enhances the software experience with its Moto app, which serves as a hub for device settings and customization. From navigation tips to gesture controls, the app is easy to navigate and adds value for first-time users. Popular gestures like the double chop to turn on the flashlight and the double twist to launch the camera work flawlessly.
On the downside, the phone comes with a fair amount of bloatware, including pre-installed apps like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook. However, Motorola redeems itself with an exceptional update policy. The Moto G75 5G promises five major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, ensuring long-term software support well into 2029.
Battery Life
The Moto G75 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery, offering excellent endurance. Even with heavy usage, the phone can last over a day, while lighter usage could stretch battery life to two days. This longevity makes it a reliable choice for users who prioritize all-day performance.
In media playback tests, the phone consumed minimal power, with an hour of streaming reducing the battery by just 4%. Gaming for 30 minutes used about 6%, showcasing efficient power management. However, charging speeds are less impressive. The device supports 30W wired charging but doesn’t include a charger in the box.
What sets the Moto G75 5G apart is its support for 15W wireless charging—a rarity in this price range. While not the fastest, it adds a layer of convenience that is uncommon in affordable smartphones.
Verdict
The Motorola Moto G75 5G delivers a well-rounded package, excelling in durability, performance, and software support. While its LCD screen and lack of bundled charger might deter some buyers, the phone’s robust build, solid cameras, and wireless charging make up for these shortcomings.
For those seeking a reliable smartphone under £300, the Moto G75 5G is a compelling option that stands out from the crowd. With its impressive longevity and thoughtful features, it’s a testament to Motorola’s ability to offer premium qualities at an affordable price.
