Motorola Moto G5 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Motorola Moto G5

The Motorola Moto G5, released in March 2017, emerged as a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone sector. This device appealed to budget-conscious consumers seeking functionality without sacrificing quality. The phone emphasizes user experience with a simple yet effective design, adequate hardware, and reliable software performance.

Design and Build

The Moto G5 features a minimalist design with a focus on practicality. It has a glass front, combined with an aluminum/plastic back, and a plastic frame, resulting in a robust build that's light, weighing only 145 g (5.11 oz). Measuring 144.3 x 73 x 9.5 mm, its dimensions make it comfortable to hold. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, ensuring easy and quick access to the device.

Display

The phone comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, which offers a decent display experience. With a screen-to-body ratio of around 65.4%, the display feels adequately spacious. Its resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels at a density of approximately 441 ppi guarantees sharp and vibrant visuals. Moreover, the display is protected with scratch-resistant glass, enhancing durability.

Performance

Under its hood, the Moto G5 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset, built on the 28nm process. It features an Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU alongside an Adreno 505 GPU. These ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks, although it might not suffice for intense gaming. The device comes with 2GB or 3GB RAM options, depending on the model, allowing for efficient multitasking.

Operating System

Initially launched with Android 7.0 Nougat, the Moto G5 is upgradable to Android 8.1 Oreo. This means users can enjoy improved software features, enhanced security, and a more optimized user interface compared to the original version. This capability is a significant plus for users looking for a long-term investment in their device.

Storage

The Moto G5 offers two internal storage variants: 16GB with 2GB RAM, and 32GB with either 2GB or 3GB RAM. Moreover, it supports a dedicated microSDXC card slot, which allows users to expand the storage, accommodating additional data, photos, and applications as needed.

Camera

Main Camera

On the photography front, the device sports a single 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and an LED flash. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The camera performance is generally satisfactory in good lighting conditions, capturing decent photos with respectable color reproduction.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera features a 5 MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture, suitable for video calls and casual selfies. Although it doesn't provide premium quality photos, it serves basic needs adequately.

Battery Life

The phone is equipped with a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery, allowing users to replace it if necessary. Coupled with a 10W wired charging feature, the Moto G5 offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day under normal use. The battery life might vary with usage intensity and connectivity settings.

Connectivity and Network

Supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, the Moto G5 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.2. It also includes GPS for location tracking and microUSB 2.0 for connectivity. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack caters to users wishing to use wired headphones. Despite the lack of NFC, the phone compensates with FM radio support, adding to its entertainment features.

Sensors and Additional Features

Beyond the fingerprint sensor, the Moto G5 incorporates an accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensors, enhancing its functional capabilities. These sensors facilitate various features like auto screen rotation, gaming controls, and call response features.

Colors and Models

The Moto G5 is available in three colors: Lunar Grey, Fine Gold, and Sapphire Blue, allowing users to choose a variant aligning with their preference. The model numbers XT1672 and XT1676 represent the different configurations and markets the device was tailored for.

Price and Market Position

Priced at approximately 150 EUR at launch, the Moto G5 positioned itself as a cost-effective choice without compromising key features. While now discontinued, the device retained popularity for its value, serving efficiently as a reliable smartphone for users seeking essential features.

Concluding Remarks

The Motorola Moto G5 stands out in the mid-tier smartphone market for its combination of practical design, reliable performance, and decent build quality. Although it's no longer in production, the device remains a testament to Motorola's capability to deliver affordable yet satisfactory mobile technology solutions. Its lasting popularity is a reflection of its utility, making it a noteworthy choice for budget-savvy consumers.