Motorola has yet again raised the bar in the mid-range smartphone market with its latest release, the Moto G85. This smartphone promises a perfect blend of performance, aesthetics, and value for money, making it a compelling option for consumers looking for a reliable and stylish device. This review’ll delve deep into every aspect of the Moto G85, from its design and display to its performance, camera capabilities, and software features.

Moto G85 5G Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Moto G85, the first thing that catches the eye is the improved packaging quality. Motorola has clearly put effort into enhancing the unboxing experience, with a neatly organized box that includes:

• A SIM card tool
• Documentation
• 33W charger
• USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable
• A protective case

First Impressions: The Moto G85 impresses right out of the box. The phone’s slim profile and lightweight design are immediately noticeable. At just 173.7 grams, it feels incredibly light in the hand, which is remarkable considering the solid build quality. The protective case included in the box adds an extra layer of security without adding much bulk, making the phone even more appealing to users who prioritize a sleek look and feel.

Moto G85 5G Design and Build Quality

Motorola has excelled in the design department with the Moto G85. The phone features a sleek design with a vegan leather back available in three different colors, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The build quality is robust, and the inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5 ensures durability against everyday wear and tear.

Key Design Features:

• Vegan Leather Back: Adds a premium feel and enhances grip. The use of vegan leather not only provides a luxurious touch but also makes the phone more environmentally friendly. The texture of the back panel is pleasant to hold and helps prevent accidental slips.
• Gorilla Glass 5 Protection: Offers better resistance to scratches and drops. This protection is particularly beneficial for users who often find themselves in rough environments or those who tend to drop their phones frequently.
• Weight: At 173.7 grams, it’s one of the lightest phones in its segment, which significantly enhances its portability and ease of use.
• Dimensions: The phone’s dimensions make it comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, even for extended periods.

The overall aesthetic of the Moto G85 is modern and sophisticated, with a design that rivals even higher-end smartphones. The phone’s slim bezels and compact form factor contribute to a highly appealing visual appeal, making it a device that users would be proud to show off.

Moto G85 5G Display

The Moto G85 boasts a stunning 6.67-inch P-OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The display supports 1600 nits peak brightness and 1200 nits high brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The thin bezels and a screen-to-body ratio of over 93% make the display stand out.

Display Highlights:

• Screen Size: 6.67 inches
• Type: P-OLED
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Brightness: 1600 nits peak, 1200 nits high
• Screen-to-Body Ratio: Over 93%
• Resolution: Full HD+

Watching videos and playing games on the Moto G85 is a delight, thanks to the vibrant colors and sharp details provided by the P-OLED display. The high refresh rate ensures that animations and transitions are fluid, making for a more enjoyable user experience. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching your favorite shows, or engaging in intense gaming sessions, the display on the Moto G85 does not disappoint.

Moto G85 5G Performance

Under the hood, the Moto G85 is powered by the 6S Gen 3 processor, an upgrade from its predecessor. This chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The phone also comes with UFS 2.2 storage, available in 128GB and 256GB variants.

Performance Specs:

• Processor: 6S Gen 3 (slightly overclocked from the previous generation)
• RAM: 8GB/12GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2
• Battery: 5000mAh with 33W charging

Gaming Performance: The Moto G85 can handle popular games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at 40FPS and 60FPS, respectively. For a smoother gaming experience, 40FPS is recommended. The phone’s performance is more than adequate for casual gamers, providing a balanced mix of power and efficiency. The 6S Gen 3 processor, combined with the ample RAM, ensures that apps load quickly and run smoothly, even when switching between multiple applications.

Moto G85 5G Software and User Interface

The Moto G85 comes with Hello UI, which is a departure from Motorola’s previous My UX. Hello UI brings several new features and enhancements, providing a more intuitive and customizable user experience. One of the standout features is Smart Connect, which allows seamless file transfer between the phone, tablet, and PC.

Software Features:

• Hello UI: New and improved user interface with added features. Hello UI offers a clean and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for those who are new to Motorola devices.
• Smart Connect: Wireless connection to bigger screens and seamless file transfer. This feature is particularly useful for users who often work across multiple devices, as it simplifies the process of moving files and accessing content.
• Customization: Extensive options for personalization. Users can customize their home screen, icons, and themes to suit their preferences, making the phone truly their own.
• Bloatware: Minimal, with an option to deselect unwanted apps during setup. This ensures that users have more storage space available for their own apps and media.

Updates: Motorola promises 2 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates, ensuring that the Moto G85 remains up-to-date with the latest software advancements. This commitment to long-term support is a significant advantage for users who want to keep their devices secure and running smoothly.

Moto G85 5G Camera

Motorola has made significant improvements in the camera department with the Moto G85. The phone features a versatile triple-camera setup, with a primary 50MP Sony sensor, an 8MP multifunctional sensor (for macro and ultrawide shots), and a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies.

Camera Specifications:

• Primary Sensor: 50MP Sony sensor
• Secondary Sensor: 8MP (macro and ultrawide)
• Front Camera: 32MP

Camera Features:

• Modes: Slow motion, portrait, pro mode, photo booth, ultra resolution mode, night vision, spot color mode, document scan, panorama, dual capture mode, time lapse.
• Video: 1080p at 60FPS (no 4K recording).
• Quality: Excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.

Sample Photos:

• The Moto G85 captures detailed and vibrant photos in daylight. Colors are accurate, and the dynamic range is impressive, allowing for stunning landscape shots and crisp portraits.
• Low-light performance has also been improved, thanks to the advanced sensors and night vision mode. The camera can capture clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions, making it a reliable companion for night photography.

The inclusion of various shooting modes and features makes the Moto G85’s camera versatile and capable of handling different photography needs. Whether you’re capturing a breathtaking sunset, a bustling cityscape, or a close-up of a flower, the Moto G85 delivers exceptional results.

Moto G85 5G Connectivity

The Moto G85 offers robust connectivity options, including support for 13 5G bands, ensuring future-proofing for next-generation networks. It also features dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, and VoNR. However, it lacks NFC and WiFi 6, which are notable omissions in an otherwise well-rounded connectivity suite.

Connectivity Options:

• 5G Bands: 13 bands supported
• WiFi: Dual-band
• Bluetooth: 5.1
• VoNR: Supported
• NFC: Not available
• SIM Slot: Hybrid (supports either two SIM cards or one SIM card and one SD card)

While the absence of NFC and WiFi 6 might be a drawback for some users, the Moto G85 still offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features that cater to most users’ needs. The support for multiple 5G bands ensures that the phone can connect to various 5G networks worldwide, providing faster data speeds and more reliable connections.

Moto G85 5G Battery Life

The Moto G85 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. Coupled with 33W fast charging, the phone can easily last through a full day of heavy usage and quickly recharge when needed. This makes it an ideal choice for users who are always on the go and need a reliable device that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle.

Battery Specifications:

• Capacity: 5000mAh
• Charging: 33W fast charging

Battery Performance: In real-world usage, the Moto G85’s battery performs admirably. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or browsing social media, the battery can easily last through a day of intensive use. The fast charging capability ensures that you can quickly top up the battery when needed, reducing downtime and keeping you connected.

Moto G85 5G Multimedia Experience

Motorola has ensured that the Moto G85 offers a top-notch multimedia experience. The P-OLED display with high brightness and vivid colors, combined with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, makes for an immersive video viewing and audio experience. However, it’s worth noting that the phone does not support HDR on Netflix due to the limitations of the 6S Gen 3 processor.

Multimedia Features:

• Display: 6.67-inch P-OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
• Audio: Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
• HDR: Not supported on Netflix

Multimedia Performance: Watching movies and TV shows on the Moto G85 is a pleasure, thanks to the high-quality display and powerful speakers. The Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio experience, providing clear and immersive sound. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or playing games, the Moto G85 delivers an exceptional multimedia experience.

Additional Features

The Moto G85 is packed with additional features that enhance the overall user experience. These include:

• Moto Gestures: Convenient shortcuts and gestures for various functions. For instance, you can quickly open the camera by twisting your wrist or activate the flashlight by shaking the phone. These intuitive gestures make using the phone more efficient and enjoyable.
• Moto Secure: Enhanced security features. Moto Secure provides various options for protecting your data, including a secure folder, app lock, and more. These features help ensure that your personal information remains safe and secure.
• Moto Unplugged: Power management features for extended battery life. Moto Unplugged includes various settings and optimizations that help extend battery life, ensuring that your phone lasts longer between charges.
• In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and reliable biometric security. The in-display fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock your phone.
• Face Unlock: Efficient and accurate face recognition. Face unlock is another convenient biometric security feature that allows you to quickly and easily unlock your phone by simply looking at it.
• IP52 Certification: Splash-resistant design. The IP52 certification means that the Moto G85 can withstand minor splashes and spills, providing added peace of mind.

Additional Features Summary:

• Biometric Security: In-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock.
• Customization: Extensive options through Hello UI.
• Security: Moto Secure and regular software updates.
• Durability: IP52 certification for splash resistance.

These additional features enhance the overall user experience, making the Moto G85 a well-rounded and versatile smartphone that caters to various needs and preferences.

Moto G85 After 1 Month Usage Review

After a month of daily use, the Moto G85 has proven to be a well-rounded and dependable smartphone. Here’s an in-depth look at its real-world performance:

1. Performance and Efficiency: The Moto G85’s SOC (System on Chip) provides a smooth and consistent performance for everyday tasks. For users engaged in activities like web browsing, social media interactions, and light gaming, the Moto G85 performs admirably. The device is equipped to handle moderate multitasking without significant lag, thanks to its optimized software and hardware integration. However, during extended multitasking or running high-performance apps, users might notice occasional slowdowns, though these are relatively minor. The phone’s performance is well-suited for users who need reliable functionality without the need for cutting-edge power.
2. Battery Life: The Moto G85 excels in battery endurance, which has been a highlight of its real-world performance. With a robust battery capacity, the device comfortably lasts through a full day of varied usage, including intensive activities such as video streaming, web browsing, and casual gaming. Even with heavy usage, users typically find themselves reaching the end of the day with a significant portion of battery life remaining. For those with more moderate usage patterns, the phone often lasts well into the next day. This impressive battery life ensures that users can rely on the Moto G85 for prolonged periods without frequent recharges.
3. Heat Management: One of the standout features of the Moto G85 is its effective heat management. Even during prolonged use or when engaging in resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming or running multiple apps, the phone remains relatively cool. This efficient heat dissipation prevents the device from experiencing significant thermal throttling, which could otherwise impact performance. Users have reported minimal discomfort from heat, making the Moto G85 a reliable option for extended sessions of use without overheating concerns.
4. Connectivity and Signal Strength: The Moto G85 delivers solid connectivity performance, maintaining stable Wi-Fi and cellular signals throughout its usage. Users have noted reliable internet speeds and consistent call quality, contributing to a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Whether at home, in the office, or on the go, the Moto G85 handles connectivity demands effectively, ensuring that users stay connected without frequent signal dropouts.
5. User Experience: The software experience on the Moto G85 is notably user-friendly, thanks to Motorola’s clean and intuitive interface. The phone’s software is streamlined, which enhances the overall responsiveness and ease of use. The combination of hardware and software is well-balanced, providing a fluid and engaging user experience. Motorola’s commitment to a near-stock Android experience contributes to the phone’s overall efficiency and user satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

After 20 days of usage, the Moto G85 proves to be a reliable mid-range smartphone with a few caveats. Its design, display, and battery life are standout features, while performance and camera capabilities are adequate but not exceptional. If you are looking for a stylish and comfortable phone with good battery life and a clean software experience, the Moto G85 is worth considering. However, if you require high-end performance or advanced camera features, you might want to explore other options in the same price range.

In conclusion, the Moto G85 remains a solid choice under the 20K bracket, especially for users prioritizing comfort, display quality, and battery longevity.