The Motorola Moto G96 Power 5G, launched in India on July 9, 2025, alongside the standard Moto G96 5G, is a mid-range smartphone with a focus on enhanced battery life and fast charging. Priced between ₹18,999 and ₹21,999 (ex-showroom), it competes with the Vivo T4R, Oppo K13, and CMF Phone 2 Pro in the sub-₹25,000 segment. Targeting budget-conscious buyers, gamers, and multimedia enthusiasts, it offers a vibrant display, robust performance, and long-lasting battery. Here’s a detailed review of its price, specifications, features, and performance in India as of August 30, 2025.
Sleek and Durable Design
The Moto G96 Power 5G features a premium vegan leather finish with a slim, lightweight profile, measuring 161.86 x 73.26 x 7.93 mm and weighing 178 grams. Available in PANTONE Greener Pastures, PANTONE Cattleya Orchid, PANTONE Ashleigh Blue, and PANTONE Dresden Blue, it sports a 3D curved design for ergonomic grip. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), surpassing the IP54 standard of rivals like the Vivo T4R. The 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, though the glossy back may attract smudges.
The vertical dual-camera module and Pantone-curated colors enhance its aesthetic appeal, but the plastic frame feels slightly less premium than metal alternatives.
Vibrant Display and Multimedia
The 6.67-inch FHD+ 10-bit pOLED display offers 2400 x 1080 resolution (~395 ppi), a 144Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+ support, delivering smooth visuals for gaming and streaming. Features like Smart Water Touch 2.0 ensure usability in wet conditions, and the 300Hz touch sampling rate enhances responsiveness. The Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio provide immersive sound, though the display brightness trails the Vivo T4R’s 4500 nits. The in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock offer secure access.
Robust Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm, octa-core, up to 2.4 GHz) with an Adreno 710 GPU, the Moto G96 Power 5G handles multitasking, gaming (BGMI at medium settings), and video streaming smoothly, scoring ~2909 on Geekbench Multi-Core. It comes with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM (virtual RAM expansion up to 8GB) and 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 storage (no microSD slot). Running Android 15 with Hello UI, it offers 1 OS upgrade and 3 years of security updates, though the limited software support trails competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G.
The Smart Connect 2.0 feature enables seamless cross-device sharing, but pre-installed apps may slow the interface slightly.
Advanced Camera System
The dual rear camera setup includes:
- 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor (f/1.8, OIS): Captures sharp photos in daylight and low light, with 4K video at 30fps, AI Photo Enhancement, and Horizon Lock.
- 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2): Supports wide-angle, macro, and depth shots, also with 4K recording.
The 32MP front camera (f/2.2) delivers clear selfies and 4K video, enhanced by Quad Pixel technology. The camera performs well for social media, but low-light shots may show noise compared to the Vivo T4R’s 50MP sensor.
Long-Lasting Battery
The 6720mAh battery (upgraded from the G96 5G’s 5500mAh) offers 1.5-2 days of mixed use with 10-12 hours of screen-on time, outlasting rivals like the Moto G86 Power (11h 6m battery life). It supports 68W TurboPower charging, achieving a full charge in ~1 hour 7 minutes, though it lacks wireless charging. The battery’s longevity and fast charging make it ideal for heavy users, but the charger’s inclusion in the box adds value in this segment.
Connectivity and Sensors
Supporting 13 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band GPS, and NFC, the Moto G96 Power 5G ensures robust connectivity compatible with Airtel and Jio networks. It features dual SIM, USB-C 2.0, and sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, and ambient light. The Moto Secure and Samsung Knox Matrix enhance data protection, though the lack of an IR blaster is a minor miss.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at ₹18,999 (8GB/128GB) and ₹21,999 (8GB/256GB, ex-showroom), on-road prices in Delhi range from ₹21,500 to ₹24,800, including RTO (₹1,900-2,200) and insurance (₹700-900). Available at Motorola India’s website, Flipkart, Amazon India, Reliance Digital, and Bajaj Finserv outlets, it offers ₹1,000 off on Axis Bank Credit Cards, ₹5,000-10,000 exchange bonuses, and no-cost EMI for 6-9 months. Maintenance costs average ₹2,000-3,000 annually, supported by Motorola’s 300+ service centers. Delivery times range from 7-15 days, with high demand for Ashleigh Blue and Dresden Blue variants. The warranty includes 1 year for the device and 6 months for accessories, extendable to 2 years.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Users praise the large 6720mAh battery, 68W fast charging, 144Hz pOLED display, and IP68 rating, with the vegan leather design and Dolby Atmos audio enhancing appeal. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 ensures smooth performance for budget gamers. Drawbacks include:
- Limited software updates (1 OS upgrade), trailing Samsung’s 4-year promise.
- No microSD slot, restricting storage expansion.
- Plastic frame, less premium than metal alternatives.
- Average low-light camera performance, with noise in dim conditions.
- Bloatware in Hello UI, slowing the interface slightly.
Comparison with Competitors
The Moto G96 Power 5G competes with:
- Moto G86 Power 5G (₹18,999, Dimensity 7400, 6720mAh): Similar battery but brighter 4500-nit display and faster Geekbench score (3015).
- Vivo T4R 5G (₹19,499, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, 5000mAh): Better low-light camera but smaller battery and lower IP68 rating.
- Oppo K13 (₹17,247, Dimensity 6020, 5000mAh): Cheaper but slower processor and no pOLED display.
The G96 Power 5G excels with its battery, display, and durability, but its software support and camera performance lag.
Final Thoughts
The Motorola Moto G96 Power 5G, launched on July 9, 2025, is a budget-friendly powerhouse with a 6.67-inch 144Hz pOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, 6720mAh battery, and 50MP Sony camera. Its IP68 rating, 68W charging, and vegan leather design make it ideal for budget buyers and multimedia users. Priced from ₹18,999-21,999, it offers strong value, though limited software updates and average low-light photography are drawbacks. With Motorola’s growing service network, it’s a compelling choice in India’s sub-₹25,000 segment.
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