In this article, I will provide a simple and honest breakdown of the Moto2’s design, performance, camera, and more. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will know whether this phone is a good investment for you.
Moto2 Unboxing: What You Will Get in the Box
When you first unbox the Moto2, everything you need is already included. From the charging cable to the power brick, the essentials are covered. However, one thing is missing: a pre-installed screen protector. Although the display comes with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, you should still invest in a tempered glass screen protector from day one. During my testing, I noticed a few minor scratches on the screen, so it is best to protect your display as early as possible.
The phone’s design is where Moto2 truly stands out. It features a genuine leather finish on the back, which gives it a premium, textured feel. The leather also provides extra grip, reducing the chances of the phone slipping from your hand. After weeks of use, I have not noticed any scratches or damage on the back, indicating strong durability. However, the plastic case that comes with the phone feels a bit uncomfortable and lacks side protection, so you may want to use the phone without it.
Build Quality: Is Moto2 Durable?
Build quality is one of the Moto2’s strengths. The IP68 rating ensures that the phone is protected against dust and water splashes. While this rating means the phone can survive accidental water submersion, keep in mind that water damage is not covered under warranty, even with the IP68 certification. The phone also boasts military-grade protection, which suggests it can handle minor drops without any major issues.
In my usage, I did not drop the phone, but from the solid feel of the device, it seems capable of withstanding a few accidental falls. The leather finish on the back contributes to its overall durability, keeping scratches and dents at bay.
Moto2 Display: A Smooth Experience
The 6.4-inch LTPO display is one of the key highlights of the Moto2. With a 1.5K resolution and support for HDR10+, the screen delivers sharp details and vibrant colors. However, I found the color accuracy to be slightly exaggerated. The display leans towards punchier, more vibrant colors, which may not be ideal for those looking for true-to-life color reproduction. The display is made of Gorilla Glass 3.
One of the best features of this display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth, responsive experience. Thanks to the LTPO technology, the refresh rate can dynamically scale down to 1Hz when displaying static content, reducing battery consumption. This is especially useful for the Always-On Display feature, which keeps your important notifications visible without draining too much power.
Additionally, the display has an anti-flicker mode, which helps reduce eye strain when using the phone for extended periods. This is particularly important for people who spend a lot of time on their phones. The in-display fingerprint scanner is also fast and reliable, making it easy to unlock the phone.
Moto2 Performance: MediaTek Powerhouse
Under the hood, the Moto2 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.1 storage. This setup provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. Whether you are browsing the web, using social media apps, or multitasking between multiple apps, the Moto2 handles it all with ease.
However, the UFS 2.1 storage does feel a bit outdated, especially when launching heavier apps like the camera or games. You will notice slight delays or stuttering when switching between apps or loading large files. This is one area where Moto2 falls behind its competitors, as many phones in this price range now come with UFS 3.0 storage, which offers faster data transfer speeds.
Despite this shortcoming, the overall experience of using the Moto2 is pleasant. The phone’s clean software—almost stock Android—helps with its smooth performance. There are no unnecessary pre-installed apps or ads, giving users a clean, streamlined interface.
Software and Updates: Clean and Efficient
One of the Moto2’s biggest selling points is its clean software experience. Unlike many other Android devices that come loaded with bloatware, the Moto2 provides a near-stock Android experience. This means you will not have to deal with uninstalling unnecessary apps or managing a cluttered interface. Everything is simple, easy to navigate, and responsive.
Moto has also promised three years of security updates, which is a good sign, though the company’s track record in delivering these updates on time has been inconsistent. If Moto follows through, this phone should remain secure and up-to-date for at least a few years.
Additionally, the phone offers features like a secure folder, where you can hide apps and personal data. There is also Smart Connect, which allows you to connect the phone to a laptop seamlessly and even use the phone’s camera as a webcam. These features add value, especially for users who need advanced connectivity options.
Haptics and Vibration: Decent Feedback
The haptic feedback on the Moto2 is decent but not the best in the market. The vibration motor provides crisp feedback, and you will feel a clear separation when typing or receiving notifications. While it may not match the premium experience of higher-end flagships, it is still satisfactory for a phone in this price range.
Moto2 Camera: A Versatile Setup
The Moto2 comes equipped with a versatile camera setup. The 50MP primary camera is accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide lens that doubles as a macro camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The main camera delivers good results, especially in well-lit environments. Whether you are capturing landscapes, portraits, or everyday scenes, the Moto2 offers vibrant and sharp images.
However, the phone tends to oversaturate colors, which is particularly noticeable in portrait shots. While this can make outdoor scenery look vibrant, it sometimes results in unnatural-looking skin tones. The telephoto lens, on the other hand, performs better in portrait shots, delivering more accurate colors and better skin tone representation.
In low-light conditions, the Moto2 does an impressive job. The night mode enhances details and keeps the photos bright without introducing too much noise. The ultra-wide camera also performs well in low light, and its macro capabilities allow you to capture close-up shots with excellent detail.
The 32MP front camera continues the trend of good detail but exaggerated colors. The selfies look bright and sharp, but skin tones might appear a bit too smooth or enhanced. Video recording is solid, with the ability to shoot in 4K on both the front and rear cameras. The stabilization works well, keeping videos smooth even when shooting handheld.
Gaming and Performance Under Load
Gaming on the Moto2 is enjoyable, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300. You will experience smooth gameplay at 60fps, although the phone does not support 90fps in certain titles. The gyro performs well, especially in games that require motion control, and the phone stays cool during extended gaming sessions.
However, if you are charging the phone while gaming, you will notice that it heats up faster. During one test, I noticed the temperature rising above 43°C when gaming and charging at the same time. But under normal usage, the phone’s temperature remains stable, even during heavy gaming.
Moto2 Battery Life: Small but Efficient
Despite having a relatively small 4310mAh battery, the Moto2 delivers good battery life. Thanks to the LTPO display and other optimizations, the phone is able to stretch its battery performance, giving you about 6 hours of screen-on time under typical usage conditions. Even with 5G enabled, I found the battery life to be surprisingly good.
The phone also supports 68W fast charging, which tops up the battery quickly. Additionally, there is 15W wireless charging support, a feature usually reserved for higher-end devices.
Connectivity and Call Quality: Reliable Performance
The Moto2 performs well in terms of connectivity. It supports 16 5G bands, ensuring that you will have consistent 5G connectivity across different regions. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 and NFC are supported, making wireless payments and fast internet access possible.
Call quality is also excellent, thanks to the dedicated proximity sensor and the presence of two microphones. Even in noisy environments, call clarity remains solid.
Should You Buy the Moto2?
After testing the Moto2 extensively, it is clear that this phone has a lot to offer. Its premium design, compact form factor, and clean software experience make it a solid choice for users who value these features. The display quality, camera performance, and battery optimizations are impressive for a phone in this price range.
However, the UFS 2.1 storage and occasional performance hiccups might be a concern if you are looking for a device that can handle heavy multitasking or gaming. Additionally, the exaggerated colors in the camera may not appeal to users who prefer more natural tones in their photos.
Overall, if you are looking for a compact, feature-rich phone with great design and a solid software experience, the Moto2 is worth considering. It may not be the fastest phone on the market, but it certainly delivers a lot of value for its price.
FAQs
Does the Moto2 have wireless charging?
Yes, the Moto2 supports 15W wireless charging, which is a great addition at this price point.
Is the Moto2 waterproof?
The Moto2 has an IP68 rating, meaning it is resistant to water and dust. However, water damage is not covered under warranty.
What is the battery life of the Moto2?
The 4310mAh battery provides around 6 hours of screen-on time with normal usage, and it supports 68W fast charging.
How is the camera performance on the Moto2?
The 50MP main camera and additional ultra-wide and telephoto lenses perform well, but the colors can be overly saturated, especially in portrait shots.
Does the Moto2 have 5G support?
Yes, the Moto2 supports 16 5G bands, ensuring fast and consistent connectivity.
Is the Moto2 good for gaming?
Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset provides smooth gaming at 60fps, but the phone does not support 90fps in some games.
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