Motorola Moto G7 Play Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto G7 Play features a balanced design that encapsulates both functionality and aesthetics. At dimensions of 147.3 x 71.5 x 8 mm and weighing 149 g, it sits comfortably in the hand, offering ease of use alongside portability. The device boasts a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which effectively shields the display from scratches and minor impacts. The back and frame are constructed from durable plastic, reducing weight while maintaining an attractive appearance. Available in colors like Deep Indigo, Fine Gold, and Starry Black, the Moto G7 Play provides options for consumers to choose according to their personal style preferences.

Display

The Moto G7 Play is equipped with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display that ensures vibrant and clear visuals. The screen has an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 77.3%, making it expansive yet manageable. The display features a resolution of 720 x 1512 pixels, with a pixel density of roughly 294 ppi, providing decently sharp images and text. This makes it suitable for everyday use, from reading articles to watching videos. The presence of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 also adds a layer of reassurance against accidental drops and scratches.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Motorola Moto G7 Play is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor, which is built on the 14nm process technology. This octa-core CPU, consisting of 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold cores and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver cores, ensures efficient multitasking and a smooth operational experience. Complementing this is the Adreno 506 GPU, which caters to the device's graphical needs, providing a satisfactory performance for gaming and multimedia applications.

In terms of memory, the device comes with 2GB or 3GB RAM options, paired with 32GB of internal storage. For users requiring more space, the Moto G7 Play offers expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing significant flexibility in terms of content storage.

Camera Capabilities

This smartphone is equipped with a 13 MP main camera that features an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and a range of capabilities such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR mode. The camera is capable of recording videos at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps, delivering high-quality footage suitable for both casual and semi-professional use. On the front, there is an 8 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, supplemented by an LED flash for better low-light performance. It also supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, ensuring that selfies and video calls maintain a good quality.

Battery Life

The Moto G7 Play is powered by a 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. With standard usage, the device exhibits impressive endurance, achieving a battery endurance rating of 103 hours. This level of battery life is adequate for users who engage in daily activities such as browsing, messaging, and occasional gaming. Charging is facilitated through a 10W wired charger, supporting a modest pace of refueling.

Software and OS

The device originally ships with Android 9.0 Pie and supports an upgrade to Android 10, staying relevant with the latest software features and security updates. The Android operating system is known for its user-friendly interface and accessibility to a wide range of apps, thanks to the extensive Google Play Store library.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Moto G7 Play supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and GLONASS for location services. However, it does not feature NFC support, which might be a consideration for users who frequently engage in contactless payment methods. The device also includes FM radio, USB Type-C 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, adding to its utility.
For audio, the smartphone supports loudspeaker functionality and retains a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to traditional headphone users. Sensors include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, delivering comprehensive utility for various applications.

Market Availability and Pricing

First announced in February 2019 and released in March of the same year, the Moto G7 Play remains available in various markets. It is priced at about 160 EUR, which positions it as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable smartphone without compromising on essential features.

User Experience and Conclusion

Overall, the Motorola Moto G7 Play strikes a commendable balance between cost and functionality. It is designed to cater to users seeking a reliable device that delivers core smartphone experiences—be it communication, entertainment, or productivity—without the premium price tag of flagship models. With its solid build, decent performance, and Android ecosystem, this device continues to be relevant for a wide range of users, from first-time smartphone buyers to those looking for a dependable secondary device.