Motorola has consistently delivered solid budget smartphones, and the Motorola Moto G05 is no exception. Priced at just $100, it is one of the most affordable smartphones in 2025. But does its low cost come with too many compromises, or is it a worthy choice for those looking for a simple, reliable device?
In this Motorola Moto G05 Review, we dive deep into the design, display, performance, battery life, camera, and overall user experience to help you decide if this budget-friendly device is right for you.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Moto G05 comes in a simple, no-frills box. Inside, you’ll find the smartphone itself, a transparent protective case, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some paperwork including a quick start guide and warranty information. However, one notable omission is the charging adapter, a common trend in budget smartphones. This means you’ll need to use your own charger. There are also no earphones included, so you’ll have to rely on your own accessories for audio.
Upon first holding the device, the Moto G05 feels surprisingly solid for a $100 phone. The back panel features a soft-touch matte finish, available in Forest Green and Plum Red. Unlike glossy plastic, this finish helps prevent fingerprints and adds a bit of grip, reducing the chances of accidental drops. The phone features a 6.67-inch display with relatively thick bezels, making it feel bulkier than some competitors.
It also has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, offering a quick and secure way to unlock the device. One of the best aspects of the design is how the camera bump is almost flush with the back panel, making it look sleek and compact. Additionally, the Moto G05 is IP54-rated, meaning it is dust-resistant and splash-resistant, though not waterproof.
Display Quality
The Motorola Moto G05 features a 6.67-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it may not be the sharpest display, it’s good enough for casual media consumption. The resolution is only 720p, which is expected at this price but still a little underwhelming for users who are used to Full HD screens. The brightness levels are decent indoors but can be problematic outdoors, especially under direct sunlight. Contrast is not as strong as what you’d find on AMOLED displays, as blacks appear more dark gray, and colors lack vibrancy.
Despite its limitations, the display is smooth thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid. However, users looking for a more vibrant and crisp display experience may want to consider a slightly higher-end device.
Performance and Daily Use
Powering the Moto G05 is the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. This setup is not built for power users, but it gets the job done for basic tasks. Web browsing and social media apps run smoothly most of the time, although there are occasional stutters when switching between multiple applications. Video streaming is fine for 720p and 1080p playback, but demanding tasks like gaming reveal the phone’s limitations.
Lighter games such as Candy Crush and Subway Surfers run without issue, but more graphically demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile struggle significantly. The frame rates drop frequently, and lag is noticeable, making it difficult to enjoy fast-paced games. Another downside is the lack of a dedicated gaming mode, which could have helped optimize the device for a better gaming experience.
Software and Features
The Moto G05 runs Android 15 out of the box, providing a near-stock Android experience. The user interface is clean, without heavy skins or unnecessary modifications. Motorola has included a few useful features such as Moto Secure, which offers added privacy settings, and gesture controls like the double chop to turn on the flashlight.
However, one major drawback is the limited software support. Motorola has promised only two years of security updates, but no OS upgrades beyond Android 15. This means that while the phone works well now, it may not receive important feature updates in the future. Additionally, the Moto G05 comes with a significant amount of pre-installed bloatware, including Candy Crush, Booking.com, Facebook, and even some lesser-known apps. Users will likely want to remove or disable some of these apps to free up storage and improve performance.
Connectivity and Extras
The Moto G05 does not support 5G, meaning users will have to rely on 4G LTE for mobile data. It also comes with WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, both of which are slightly outdated but still functional for everyday use. One welcome feature is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to plug in wired headphones without the need for adapters. The phone also supports expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase storage by up to 1TB.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the strongest aspects of the Moto G05 is its battery life. The device packs a 5,200mAh battery, making it a great choice for users who prioritize longevity. With light to moderate use, the phone can easily last two to three days on a single charge. Even with heavier use, including streaming videos and gaming, it manages to hold up for at least a full day.
However, charging speed is a notable weakness. The Moto G05 supports only 18W charging, which means that a full charge takes over two hours. If you’re someone who needs to quickly top up their battery throughout the day, this could be frustrating.
Camera Capabilities
The Motorola Moto G05 comes with a single 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. While it’s not a powerhouse in photography, it does a decent job for a phone at this price.
In well-lit conditions, the 50MP rear camera produces good quality images with natural-looking colors. However, it struggles in low light, where noise and motion blur become apparent. There is no ultra-wide or telephoto lens, which limits its versatility. The camera app itself can be a bit slow, especially when taking multiple shots in succession.
The 8MP front camera is basic but sufficient for selfies in good lighting. However, details tend to be lacking, and in dim environments, image quality drops significantly. Video recording is capped at 1080p, and there is no stabilization, making videos shaky if your hands aren’t completely steady.
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Motorola Moto G05 “Pros and Cons”
Pros:
- Affordable $100 price tag, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Large 5,200mAh battery provides excellent battery life, lasting up to two days.
- Clean Android 15 experience with useful Moto Secure features.
- Matte soft-touch finish gives a more premium feel than typical glossy plastic.
- 90Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and improved usability.
- Includes expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, rare features in budget phones.
Cons:
- No 5G support, limiting future-proofing for mobile networks.
- Performance struggles with gaming and multitasking due to limited processing power.
- No promised OS updates beyond Android 15, making long-term software support weak.
Final Verdict: Is the Moto G05 Worth Buying?
The Motorola Moto G05 is a solid choice for users who need a basic, budget-friendly smartphone without expecting too much. Its strengths include a sturdy design, long battery life, a clean Android experience, and an acceptable camera for everyday use. However, it falls short in terms of performance, display quality, and long-term software support.
If you’re looking for a phone that can handle gaming, professional photography, or long-term updates, this may not be the best option. However, for first-time smartphone users, those needing a secondary device, or people who simply want an affordable and functional phone, the Moto G05 is a decent purchase. Considering its $120 price tag, it delivers a good balance of features for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Motorola Moto G05 good for gaming?
- The Moto G05 can handle light gaming, but performance struggles with graphically demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile due to its entry-level processor and 4GB RAM.
Does the Motorola Moto G05 have 5G support?
- No, the Moto G05 is limited to 4G LTE and does not support 5G connectivity.
How long does the battery last on the Moto G05?
- With a 5,200mAh battery, the Moto G05 can last up to two days with light to moderate usage, making it one of the better budget options in terms of battery life.
- The Moto G05 is a great budget option, but it’s essential to understand its strengths and limitations before making a purchase decision.
