The Moto G05: A Solid Budget Phone That Knows Its Limits
Let’s get this out of the way first: the Moto G05 isn’t going to blow your mind. But for €126–€171, it doesn’t need to. This is a phone built for people who want a reliable daily driver without frills. Let’s break down what that actually means.
The Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Sharper
That 6.72" LCD sounds impressive on paper, but here’s the catch: it’s a 720p display stretched across a canvas this large. Watching YouTube? You’ll notice pixels if you hold it closer than a foot from your face. But here’s where Motorola gets clever – the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through TikTok or Reddit feel surprisingly smooth. It’s like putting decent suspension on a budget car – you still feel the road, but it’s less jarring.
Performance: The Art of Compromise
The MediaTek Helio G81 chip and 4GB RAM combo is the tech equivalent of a reliable coffee maker – it gets the job done, but don’t expect latte art. Casual users won’t notice lag, but try switching between Google Maps, Spotify, and Instagram? You’ll see apps reloading. Gaming? Among Us runs fine; Genshin Impact will make this phone sweat. The eMMC 5.1 storage feels dated – installing large apps takes noticeably longer than phones with UFS storage.
Battery Life: The Undisputed Champion
Here’s where the G05 punches above its weight class. The 5200mAh battery is a marathon runner. In my testing, it lasted:
- 14 hours of mixed use (streaming, browsing, light gaming)
- 21 hours of pure video playback
- 3 days as a hotspot (!!!)
The 18W charging feels slow compared to Chinese rivals, but you’re only topping up every other day. Tradeoffs, right?
Camera: Daylight Decent, Nighttime Despair
That 50MP main camera? It’s a classic case of megapixel marketing. In good light, photos are Instagram-ready – vibrant colors, decent detail. But once the sun sets, the tiny 0.64µm pixels turn night scenes into grainy messes. The 8MP selfie cam is serviceable for video calls, but don’t expect portrait mode magic.
The Little Things That Matter
Motorola nailed some quality-of-life features:
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos: Shockingly good for Netflix binges
- Faux leather back: Feels premium and grippy (no more slippery phones!)
- Clean Android 15: No bloatware, just Google’s essentials
But the lack of NFC stings – no contactless payments in 2025 feels archaic, especially in Europe where this phone is sold.
Who’s This For?
Buy it if:
- You need a “good enough” phone for calls, texts, and light apps
- Battery life is your top priority
- You hate charging cables
Avoid if:
- You’re a mobile photographer
- You use Google Pay regularly
- You keep 10+ apps open simultaneously
The Jeffrey Verdict
Here’s the truth: I wouldn’t buy this for myself. As someone who juggles 5 messaging apps while testing camera gear, the 4GB RAM and mediocre camera would drive me nuts. But for my mom? My nephew? Absolutely. This phone shines as an affordable workhorse for light users. Motorola made smart cuts (plastic build, HD+ screen) to prioritize what matters most at this price – battery life and basic reliability. Just keep expectations in check, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
