Motorola Moto G24

Motorola Moto G24 Review: The Reliable Workhorse That Won't Break the Bank

I've spent the past couple of weeks putting the Motorola Moto G24 through its paces, and I have to say, it occupies a very specific, and perhaps increasingly important, space in today's smartphone market. At a price point that comfortably sits in the budget category, this phone isn't trying to compete with the flagship titans. Instead, it's aiming for practicality and reliability, and in my testing, it largely succeeds.

My evaluation involved the usual daily grind: social media scrolling, email management, light gaming, snapping photos in various conditions, and of course, the all-important battery life test. My initial impression was one of understated competence. It’s not a phone that screams for attention, but it feels solid and ready for everyday use. For anyone looking for a dependable device without the hefty price tag, the Moto G24 is definitely worth a closer look.

Market Context: Sensible Choices in a Premium World

In a market saturated with increasingly expensive and feature-packed smartphones, the Moto G24 feels like a breath of fresh air for those who prioritize value. Motorola has carved out a niche for themselves by offering reliable, no-frills devices, and the G24 fits this strategy perfectly. They aren't chasing the bleeding edge of technology here; they're focusing on delivering a smooth and functional experience for a reasonable price.

From my perspective, this is a smart move. Not everyone needs or wants to pay for the latest and greatest. The G24 targets users who need a phone that simply works, handling daily tasks without hiccups. The price point is definitely its biggest draw, positioning it as an accessible option for students, budget-conscious individuals, or those who need a secondary device.

Design & Hardware: Functional and Familiar

Picking up the Moto G24, the first thing I noticed was its comfortable in-hand feel. The matte charcoal finish on my review unit is understated and resists fingerprints well. At 181 grams, it's not the lightest phone out there, but it feels well-balanced and not at all cumbersome. The build quality feels surprisingly good for the price; there's no creaking or flexing in the chassis.

While the design isn't groundbreaking, it's practical. The button placement is standard and easy to reach, and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is snappy and reliable – a feature I always appreciate. Motorola has opted for a plastic build, which is expected at this price, but it doesn't feel cheap. From a durability standpoint, it seems like it could withstand the bumps and scrapes of daily life, although I wouldn't recommend testing its limits.

Display: Good Enough for the Everyday

The Moto G24 features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. In my experience, the 90Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in smoothness when scrolling through social media feeds and navigating menus. While the resolution is 720 x 1612, resulting in a pixel density of 269 ppi, it's perfectly adequate for most daily tasks.

For media consumption, I found the display to be acceptable. Colors are reasonably accurate, though not as vibrant as higher-end OLED panels. Brightness, peaking at 500 nits, is sufficient for indoor use and even manageable outdoors, though direct sunlight can pose a challenge. Gaming on this display is a decent experience for casual titles, but hardcore gamers might notice the lack of sharpness and color depth in more visually demanding games. Overall, for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light gaming, the display gets the job done without any major complaints.

Performance: Managing Expectations

The engine powering the Moto G24 is the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, coupled with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM (my review unit had 8GB). In my testing, the performance is what you'd expect from a budget device – capable, but not lightning-fast. For everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps, the phone performs adequately.

However, when pushed with more demanding tasks like heavy multitasking or graphically intensive games, the limitations of the Helio G85 become apparent. I experienced occasional stutters when switching between multiple apps quickly. Gaming sessions with demanding titles were playable, but required lower graphics settings for a smooth experience. Temperature management seemed reasonable; the phone didn't get excessively hot even during extended gaming. One notable strength is the 8GB of RAM on my unit, which helps with keeping more apps open in the background compared to the 4GB variant. It's crucial to understand that this phone isn't built for power users, but it handles everyday tasks reliably.

Camera System: Decent Snaps in Good Light

The camera system on the Moto G24 is headlined by a 50MP main sensor. My experience taking photos was a mixed bag, but generally positive for a phone in this price range. In good lighting conditions, the main camera can capture surprisingly detailed and vibrant images. I managed to get some nice shots outdoors with decent color accuracy.

The other two lenses – a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor – feel more like spec sheet fillers. The macro lens, in my opinion, doesn't offer much in terms of detail or quality. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps, which is acceptable for basic video capture, and the inclusion of digital image stabilization is a welcome addition. Compared to alternatives in the market, the G24's camera is competitive for its price point, but don't expect flagship-level performance. For casual photography and sharing on social media, it's perfectly adequate.

Battery & Charging: A True Endurance Champion

The 5000mAh battery in the Moto G24 is a standout feature. In my testing, the battery life was genuinely impressive. With moderate daily usage, including browsing, social media, some video watching, and occasional photography, I consistently got through a full day with plenty of charge to spare. On lighter days, I could even stretch it to nearly two days, which is a significant advantage for a budget phone.

Charging speeds are decent with the included 15W charger. It's not the fastest charging on the market, but it will get you from empty to full in a reasonable amount of time. Power management seems efficient, contributing to the phone's excellent battery endurance. For users who prioritize long battery life, the Moto G24 is a compelling option.

Software: Clean and Functional

The Moto G24 runs on Android 14, and in my daily usage, the software experience has been clean and intuitive. Motorola's near-stock Android approach is something I appreciate. There's minimal bloatware, and the interface feels uncluttered and responsive.

The features are pretty standard Android fare, with a few helpful Motorola additions like Moto Gestures, which I find genuinely useful for quick actions. While Motorola's update policy isn't the most aggressive, they generally provide timely security updates, which is important. The software experience on the G24 is straightforward and user-friendly, making it a good choice for those who prefer a simple and efficient interface.

Value Analysis: Where Affordability Meets Functionality

Analyzing the Moto G24's value proposition, it's clear that this phone is targeting users who prioritize affordability and essential features over top-tier performance and cutting-edge technology. For the price, you're getting a phone with a reliable processor for everyday tasks, a decent display, a capable main camera, and, most importantly, excellent battery life.

This phone is definitely for the budget-conscious buyer, students, or anyone who needs a reliable secondary device. Those seeking high-end gaming performance, professional-grade camera capabilities, or the absolute latest features should look elsewhere. Compared to competitors in its price range, the Moto G24 holds its own, particularly excelling in battery life and offering a clean software experience.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for the Sensible User

The Motorola Moto G24 isn't going to win any awards for innovation or groundbreaking features, but it delivers on its core promise: providing a reliable and functional smartphone experience without breaking the bank. In my time with it, I've found it to be a dependable workhorse that handles everyday tasks with ease and boasts impressive battery life.

For anyone who needs a fuss-free, affordable smartphone that simply gets the job done, the Moto G24 is a worthy contender. Its strengths lie in its battery life, comfortable design, and clean software experience. While it has its limitations, particularly in processing power for demanding tasks and the quality of its secondary cameras, these are expected trade-offs at this price point. If you're looking for a solid, dependable smartphone that offers great value for money, the Motorola Moto G24 should definitely be on your list.