The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
Don’t expect to play the latest games, wow friends and family with your photography skills, or multitask all day. While the phone might work for light use or younger users, reviewers question the value compared to other phones in the 2021 Moto G line-up.What's good
- Amazing battery life
- Affordable
- Nice build design
- The plastic back-plate won't shatter
What's bad
- Mediocre performance
- Lackluster camera
- Limited software support
The Motorola Moto G family of phones has always offered an excellent blend of affordable pricing and features. The Motorola Moto G Play (2021) is like the younger sibling of this year’s model group. Its specs are lower, but so is its price. So what are you getting and -- perhaps more importantly -- what are you not getting?
Design
The Moto G Play (2021) proves that you can still have style without a huge price tag. No, it’s not the most premium phone. But reviewers found the design impressive nonetheless. Many considered the inobtrusive camera a particularly lovely part of the design. It doesn’t protrude out the back like many new phones these days. Also, because it is centered, the phone won’t wobble all over the table. The bezels on the front were a bit larger than what you might find on competing phones, but not in a way that reviewers found unattractive.
Display
Reviewers stated that the screen was one of the most obvious things that hinted at the phone’s lower price. Reviews were a mixed bag accordingly. Some found the display didn’t show up well outdoors, while others found it plenty bright.
However, a lack of definition and dull colors are things on which reviewers could agree. A 720p screen in today's market is rare already. By the time you stretch so few pixels (relatively speaking) across a 6.5-inch display, people will notice a difference when setting the phone next to virtually any other release in 2021.
Performance
This phone probably isn’t going to win any awards for performance either. True to its budget-friendly focus, reviewers found the phone handles everyday stuff like social media and browsing with ease. But when it came to games and intensive apps and multitasking, reviewers encountered stuttering and long loading times. The experience barely cut it in terms of enjoyability for most.
Software & Storage
Motorola ships the phone with Android 10. They also only guarantee one software update. Reviewers found that disappointing. Storage is also a bit lackluster, with only 32GB of internal storage on offer. However, the MicroSD slot allows you to add extra storage after purchase.
Cameras
Reviewers found a lack of dedicated night mode disappointing. Any picture taken in a poorly lit setting ended up grungy and murky. Even in good lighting, results only turned out so great, with the camera struggling with washed-out colors and low contrast. If you’re looking for a great photography or videography experience on a budget, this phone isn’t it.
Battery Life
Battery life sees opinions tick noticeable upward. Reviewers had nothing negative to say when it came to the phone’s endurance, with many getting multiple days of use out of a single charge.
Audio
As you can probably guess, the audio isn’t so great. That said, the phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, so grabbing your favorite headphones will quickly improve the listening experience.
Specs at a Glance
- Plastic chassis
- 6.5-inch 720p LCD display
- Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- Android 10
- 32GB of onboard storage with MicroSD card support
- 13MP main lens and 5MP selfie camera
- 5,000mAh battery
Bottom Line
The 2021 Motorola Moto G series phones are affordable for everyone, and the Moto G Play (2021) is particularly budget-friendly. It won’t win any prizes for its build quality or performance, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work for someone looking for a basic phone for light use or younger users. Just don’t expect to play the latest games, wow friends and family with your photography skills, or multitask all day. Still, the rest of the line-up is reasonably affordable too. This leaves many reviewers questioning the value of the Moto G Play (2021).
Phone Arena states, “[The phone is] functionality is quite good, but the Moto G Power is a considerably better phone for only thirty dollars more. Those who don’t require much from their smartphones will find the G Play’s clean software and great battery life quite attractive, but for everyone else, there are better options within the market, even within Motorola’s own lineup.”
PC Magazine says, “For tight budgets, the Moto G Play is hard to beat, especially for performance and battery life. But if you can spend a little more, our money is on the Moto G Power.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Ryan Haines, Android AuthorityMotorola's Moto G Play shows that the company hasn't forgotten how to make a strong affordable phone. It packs attractive hardware and software, and Motorola's careful sacrifices don't compromise the overall experience.
- Ryan Whitwam, The WirecutterThe Moto G Play has a huge battery that allows for three days between charges, an acceptable 720p display, and a clean version of Android with useful extras.
- Allison Johnson, The VergeIf you enjoy a very casual relationship with your phone, the G Play will do all of the things you need it to do. Everyday performance for the basics — light web browsing, social media, email, music — is sufficient. If you just use your phone camera for quick snapshots out and about and don’t expect...
- Ryne Hager, Android PoliceOthers may take a different attitude, but updates aren't a matter of new features or fun. A phone isn't safe to use without them, period. With things like sending money online, mobile banking, and our lives tied deeply into the accounts signed into the devices in our pockets, regular security update...
- Steven Winkelman, PC MagazineAt $169.99, the Moto G Play is a solid choice for budget shoppers who are willing to make a few compromises. It offers admirable performance, a bright display, and incredible battery life. In return for the savings, however, you’ll have to live with disappointing cameras, and a dated version of Andr...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
The Moto G Play (2021) price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Motorola Moto G Play (2021) prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Motorola backs up the Moto G Play (2021) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Moto G Play (2021) has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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