Motorola has earned a reputation for delivering reliable and feature-packed smartphones, and the Moto G85 is no exception. Announced and released on June 25, 2024, this device blends modern aesthetics, powerful performance, and thoughtful features to cater to the needs of a wide range of users. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the Moto G85 a strong contender in the mid-range segment.
Design and Build
The Moto G85 is an elegant device that prioritizes both form and function. Measuring 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm and weighing 171g or 173g, the phone is lightweight yet solid. The option of a plastic back or a silicone polymer eco-leather back offers variety for users who value sustainability and style. The water-repellent design ensures added durability against accidental splashes.
Motorola has equipped the phone with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front for enhanced protection, making it resistant to everyday scratches. Available in Olive Green, Cobalt Blue, Urban Grey, and Magenta, the color options add a touch of sophistication.
Display: Stunning P-OLED Performance
The 6.67-inch P-OLED display is undoubtedly one of the phone’s highlights. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. With 1 billion colors, vibrant hues, and excellent contrast, the display brings content to life.
The 1080 x 2400 resolution combined with a 395 PPI density guarantees sharp and crisp visuals, making it a pleasure for video streaming, gaming, and everyday use. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, outdoor visibility is exceptional, even in direct sunlight.
Performance: Snapdragon-Powered Excellence
At the heart of the Moto G85 is the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) chipset, which strikes a perfect balance between power efficiency and performance. The octa-core CPU (2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Adreno 619 GPU ensure smooth multitasking and reliable gaming performance.
Running on Android 14, the Moto G85 provides a clean, near-stock Android experience, free of bloatware and optimized for updates. The UFS 2.2 storage ensures faster app loading times and smoother overall performance.
Memory Options
The Moto G85 caters to diverse needs with three storage configurations:
- 128GB with 8GB RAM
- 256GB with 8GB RAM
- 256GB with 12GB RAM
For users who require additional storage, the phone supports microSDXC cards, offering the flexibility to expand storage as needed.
Camera Performance
The Moto G85’s camera setup includes a 50 MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), delivering sharp, detailed photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The 8 MP ultra-wide lens with a 118° field of view captures stunning landscapes and group shots with ease.
Camera Features:
- LED Flash, HDR, and Panorama Modes
- Video recording at 1080p@30/60fps for the main camera
- 32 MP selfie camera ensures sharp, vibrant self-portraits and supports 1080p@30fps video recording for social media enthusiasts.
While the camera setup lacks 4K video recording, the Moto G85 compensates with excellent stabilization and color accuracy.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, the Moto G85 delivers impressive longevity, capable of lasting over a day with moderate to heavy use. Charging speeds vary by region, with support for 30W wired charging internationally and 33W in India. While not groundbreaking, this ensures that the phone charges quickly, reducing downtime.
Connectivity and Features
The Moto G85 provides a robust suite of connectivity options, including:
- 5G support for lightning-fast internet speeds.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for stable connections.
- Bluetooth 5.1 for smooth pairing with accessories.
- NFC (region-dependent) for contactless payments.
The inclusion of an under-display optical fingerprint sensor offers secure and convenient unlocking. Additionally, it packs essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass.
Audio and Media
The phone features stereo speakers, delivering immersive audio quality ideal for multimedia consumption. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for users who prefer wired headphones.
What Could Be Improved?
While the Moto G85 is an excellent device, there are a few areas where it falls short:
- Lack of 4K Video Recording: Competitors in this segment often include 4K recording.
- No 3.5mm Jack: Audio enthusiasts may miss the headphone jack.
- USB Type-C 2.0: A USB 3.0 port would have been a welcome addition for faster data transfer.
Price and Availability
The Moto G85 is competitively priced, making it an attractive option in the mid-range market. With prices starting at $240.00, €239.99, or £229.99 depending on the region, Motorola ensures accessibility without compromising on features. This pricing structure positions the device as an excellent value for those seeking a blend of performance, style, and affordability.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Moto G85?
The Motorola Moto G85 strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and features. Its 120Hz P-OLED display, reliable Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, and versatile camera setup make it a standout choice in the mid-range market. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of 4K recording and a headphone jack, these are easily outweighed by its many strengths.
If you’re looking for a stylish, powerful, and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank, the Moto G85 is an excellent choice. Verdict: Highly recommended.
