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Unveiling Motorola Moto G Play 2021 Features Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2021, January 14
Camera
13MP
Battery
5000mAh
Battery Type
10W
Processor
Snapdragon 460
Screen
6.5"
Storage
32GB , microSDXC
Ram
3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 10

Overview of the Motorola Moto G Play (2021)

The Motorola Moto G Play (2021) is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver essential features with reliable performance for everyday use. Released in January 2021, it caters to users who require a dependable device without the burden of excessive costs. The Moto G Play (2021) is built with practicality in mind, combining a modest yet functional design with essential features to meet the needs of its audience.

Design and Build

The Moto G Play (2021) features a simple and sturdy design typical of budget devices. With dimensions measuring 166.6 x 76 x 9.4 mm and weighing in at 204 grams, it provides a comfortable hold despite its slightly larger form factor. The smartphone is constructed with a plastic frame and back, offering durability while maintaining affordability. Its Misty Blue color adds a subtle elegance to its appearance.

Display

The device sports a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, providing an adequate visual experience for web browsing, casual gaming, and video streaming. With a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9, the screen delivers decent clarity and color reproduction suitable for daily tasks. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 80.6% ensures an immersive viewing experience without excessive bezels.

Performance

At the heart of the Moto G Play (2021) is the Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 chipset, which, while not top-of-the-line, ensures reliable performance for everyday activities. The Octa-core CPU, consisting of 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240 cores, alongside the Adreno 610 GPU, provides sufficient processing power to handle multitasking, basic gaming, and media consumption with ease. With 3GB of RAM, the device can manage typical apps and processes efficiently, though users may experience occasional lag with more demanding apps.

Storage

The Moto G Play (2021) comes with 32GB of onboard storage, which can be expanded using a dedicated microSDXC slot. This expandability ensures users have the flexibility to store additional apps, music, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

The device features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 13 MP wide lens with f/2.0 aperture and a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. This configuration enables users to capture decent quality photos with satisfactory details and colors. The camera also supports LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, enhancing the overall photography experience. For video, the rear camera delivers 1080p@30/60fps recording capabilities.

The front-facing 5 MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture caters to selfies and video calls, providing HDR support and 1080p@30fps video recording. While not groundbreaking, it offers users adequate functionality for social media and everyday social interactions.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Moto G Play (2021) is its robust battery life. Equipped with a 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, the device can easily last over a day on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use. The device supports 10W wired charging, which may not be the fastest but is adequate given its price range. Users can expect substantial screen time, making it an ideal choice for long commutes and travel.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 10, the Moto G Play (2021) provides a clean and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate for both tech-savvy individuals and those new to smartphones. Motorola has kept bloatware to a minimum, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring users remain connected regardless of their location. It supports bands suitable for most regions, making it a versatile device for global travelers. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and USB Type-C 2.0, covering all essential modern communication needs.

Additional Features

The Moto G Play (2021) includes several practical features, such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure access, as well as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. Sound-wise, it comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) delivers a compelling package for its price bracket, offering essential features and dependable performance. Its robust battery, expandable storage, and straightforward Android experience make it an attractive option for budget-conscious users seeking functionality over frills. While it may not offer the most advanced technologies or the fastest performance, it stands as a solid choice for those who need a reliable and capable everyday smartphone.

Key Features of Motorola Moto G Play (2021)

  • Network Technology: Supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE.
  • Large Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with 720 x 1600 pixels resolution.
  • Solid Performance: Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 chipset with Octa-core CPU.
  • Expandable Storage: 32GB internal storage with microSDXC dedicated slot.
  • Dual Main Camera: 13 MP wide lens and 2 MP depth sensor with 1080p video recording.
  • Front Camera: 5 MP with HDR and 1080p video capability.
  • Long-lasting Battery: 5000 mAh battery with 10W charging.
  • Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C.
  • Built for Convenience: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Audio Support: Includes 3.5mm headphone jack.

Disadvantages of Motorola Moto G Play (2021)

  • Low-resolution display at 720 x 1600 pixels, leading to less sharpness (~270 ppi density).
  • Plastic build quality, which may feel less premium compared to metal or glass designs.
  • Limited internal storage of 32GB, which may fill up quickly without a microSD card.
  • Only 3GB of RAM, which might affect multitasking and performance with heavy apps.
  • Outdated Android 10 OS at launch, with uncertainty regarding future updates.
  • Relatively heavy at 204 g, making it less comfortable to hold for prolonged periods.
  • Low-light performance may be limited due to the 13 MP main camera specifications.
  • Lack of NFC support, limiting contactless payment options.
  • Basic charging speed at only 10W wired, resulting in longer charging times.
  • Low-resolution 5 MP front-facing camera, affecting selfie quality.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66, 71
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2021, January 08
Status Available. Released 2021, January 14
Body
Dimensions 166.6 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37 in)
Weight 204 g (7.20 oz)
Build Plastic frame, plastic back
SIM Nano-SIM
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 10
Chipset Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240)
GPU Adreno 610
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
Features HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
NFC No
Radio Unspecified
USB USB Type-C 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Type Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Charging 10W wired
Misc
Colors Misty Blue
Models XT2093-3, XT2093-7, XT2093-DL, XT2093DL
Price $ 79.00 / C$ 449.00

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