The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
If you’re looking for a solid option for everyday use, don’t need powerhouse flagship performance, and are not worried about the weak camera the Moto G6 offers outstanding value and is the sweet spot in Motorola’s latest G-Series lineup.What's good
- Great value
- Detailed, well-balanced display
- Plenty of storage
- microSD support
- Stock Android experience
What's bad
- Weak camera
- Questionable aging
Moto’s G-Series has held a spot at the top of the budget and mid-tier phone rankings thanks to their smart balance of price and features. The latest release, the Motorola Moto G6, sees one of their highest prices yet. But does it still find that balance the series is known for?
Looking at the phone, it's easy to see that Motorola is attempting to add an upscale feel to the line. Instead of the usual plastic from earlier releases, the G6 uses a gorilla glass back with smooth curves and a slight camera bump. The phone also includes slots for a microSD card and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Reviewers had no problem with grip or smudges and liked the new design and materials.
Around front, you’re greeted with a 5.7-inch 1080-by-2160 IPS display. While it doesn’t offer quite the contrast of an AMOLED display, reviewers found the color balance was great and the screen was easy to see -- even in direct sunlight. The resolution also provides plenty of detail for web browsing or streaming video.
Compared to previous models, Motorola has reduced the bezels on the display. You’ll still find a chunky chin, thanks to the fingerprint scanner. But overall, reviewers found the phone well balanced in the hand and comfortable to use.
The octa-core 1.8Ghz Snapdragon 450 processor shows the phone’s budget roots. Paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, reviewers had no problem with stuttering. While they noted the phone doesn’t launch apps as fast or multi-task as well as a flagship phone, it’s also a fraction of the price. Most found the performance more than adequate for daily use -- though some questioned how well the phone would age.
It ships with a nearly stock version of Android 8.0 Oreo. The only major change is the addition of Moto Actions -- gesture controls the reviewers loved.
Depending on your region, the phone is available with either 32 or 64GB of storage. But microSD support allows you to add up to 128GB more space for movies, games, apps, and other files.
The weakest point of the phone for many reviews, the dual-lens 12MP/5MP rear camera offers decent performance in perfect lighting. But if there’s much contrast in the scene or the lighting is low, things deteriorate fast. Between slow response time, noisy images, and a weak portrait mode, reviewers often found that pictures didn’t meet expectations. There’s also an 8MP front-facing lens with flash for selfies and video chat.
Reviews on the 3,000mAh battery with Type-C TurboPower charging were mixed. With average use, the phone had no problem lasting a full day. But push the phone, and battery dips fast. Fortunately, the phone comes with a TurboPower charger for quick boosts in as little as 15 minutes.
Overall, the phone was a hit with reviewers despite the bump in price. Business Insider said, “The Moto G6 is pretty much for anyone, just as long as they don't really care so much about camera quality.” Mobile Syrup praised the phone, saying, “In spite of the device’s unimpressive camera and slightly underwhelming battery performance, it’s very easy to recommend purchasing the Moto G6.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Shobhit Varma, Gadgets 360The Moto G6 looks absolutely stunning, is compact and easy to hold with one hand, and offers good battery life. Performance is decent, and the display has accurate colours but is difficult to use in bright sunlight. That said, the cameras are distinctly average, and face recognition is slow and inac...
- Max Parker, TrustedReviewsThis is easily one of the nicest sub-£300 phones to use and it helps that the screen is great and the software slick.
- Android GuysUnderstanding that a lot of pre-paid and second-tier service providers offer the Moto G6, we think it would be well-received at the bigger carriers. We're only too happy to evangelize the phone.
- Fergus Halliday, Good Gear GuideIf you’re someone who doesn’t care about more-intensive applications like mobile gaming and photography, it’s difficult to think of an easier standout budget device that the Moto G6.
- Jimmy Westenberg, Android AuthorityThe Moto G line is know for striking that perfect balance between quality and compromise, and these phones are no different.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola Moto G6 user manual here.
Motorola backs up the Moto G6 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Moto G6 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.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Motorola Moto G6 Manual (PDF)
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