Motorola Moto G85

Motorola Moto G85 Review: Surprisingly Solid All-Rounder in a Crowded Mid-Range

I've spent the better part of two weeks putting the Motorola Moto G85 through its paces, using it as my primary phone for everything from daily commutes and social media scrolling to more demanding tasks like photo editing and casual gaming. Motorola has carved out a niche for itself in the value-focused segment, and with the G85 priced competitively in that mid-range sweet spot, I was keen to see if it lived up to the brand's reputation for delivering solid performance without breaking the bank. My initial impressions are largely positive, with a few expected compromises that come with the territory.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The mid-range smartphone market is a battleground. Every manufacturer is vying for attention, and the Moto G85's arrival is timely. Motorola’s strategy seems to be about offering a well-rounded experience without chasing the absolute cutting edge. From my perspective, this is a smart approach. Not everyone needs or wants to pay a premium for flagship features they might rarely use. The pricing of the G85 feels right for what it offers, placing it squarely against competitors from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme. It’s a segment where value is king, and the G85 makes a compelling case for itself.

First Impressions: Sleek Design and Comfortable Feel

Picking up the Moto G85 for the first time, the design immediately stands out. The “Urban Grey” variant I’ve been using has a subtle elegance, and the phone feels surprisingly premium in hand. At just 7.6mm thin, it’s noticeably svelte, a welcome change from some of the bulkier devices I’ve tested recently. The curved edges on the back panel contribute to a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold even during extended use. The materials don't scream ultra-premium, but they feel solid and well-put-together. I appreciate the understated design – it doesn't try too hard to be flashy, which I personally prefer. While I haven't subjected it to any drop tests (and wouldn’t recommend you do!), it feels reasonably durable for everyday wear and tear.

Display Delights: Vibrant Colors and Smooth Scrolling

The 6.67-inch P-OLED display is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Moto G85. From my experience, the colors are vibrant and punchy, and the blacks are impressively deep, thanks to the OLED technology. Media consumption is a joy on this screen. Watching videos and browsing photos is immersive, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through feeds and websites feel incredibly smooth. What impressed me most was the peak brightness of 1600 nits. I had no issues using the phone outdoors, even under direct sunlight – a significant advantage for anyone who spends time outside. Gaming also benefits from the smooth refresh rate, making for a more fluid experience, although the mid-range chipset does have its limitations (more on that later). For practical daily use, the display is sharp and clear, making reading text and navigating the interface a pleasant experience.

Performance: A Smooth Operator for Everyday Tasks

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset handles the day-to-day tasks with commendable ease. In my testing, I experienced smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and seamless browsing. While it’s not going to compete with flagship processors in demanding games, it handled popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile on medium settings without significant lag or stuttering. During extended gaming sessions, I did notice the phone getting slightly warm, but it wasn’t uncomfortably hot. For typical use – social media, emails, calls, and light productivity – the G85 performs admirably. I haven’t encountered any major performance hiccups or slowdowns, which is crucial for a smooth daily user experience.

Capturing Moments: A Surprisingly Capable Camera

The camera system on the Moto G85 is another area where it punches above its weight. The 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) is the star of the show. From my photo-taking experience, it produces detailed and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. The OIS is a game-changer, helping to minimize blur and produce sharper images, especially in lower light scenarios. I took some excellent shots in the evening, and the night mode does a decent job of brightening the scene while maintaining detail. The 8MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition for capturing broader scenes, though the image quality isn’t quite on par with the main sensor, particularly in terms of detail and dynamic range. Video recording is decent, topping out at 1080p at 60fps. It’s not going to win any awards for cinematic quality, but it’s perfectly adequate for capturing everyday moments. Compared to other phones in this price range, the G85’s main camera holds its own and even surpasses some competitors in terms of image quality and stabilization. For real-world usage, the camera is versatile enough for most situations, from snapping quick photos to capturing more considered shots.

Powering Through the Day: Impressive Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone, and the Moto G85 delivers admirably in this department. The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including social media, browsing, calls, and some light gaming. In my testing, even on days with more intensive usage, I rarely felt the need to reach for the charger before bedtime. The 30W fast charging is a welcome addition, although not the fastest on the market. From my experience, it can juice up the phone from near empty to around 50% in a reasonable amount of time, which is convenient when you need a quick top-up. Power management seems to be well-optimized, contributing to the impressive endurance of the device. For users who prioritize long battery life, the G85 is a reliable companion.

Software Experience: Clean and Functional

The Moto G85 runs on Android 14, and Motorola’s approach to software is one of its strengths. The interface is clean and close to stock Android, which I personally appreciate. There’s minimal bloatware, which keeps the experience feeling snappy and uncluttered. The “Ready For” feature, which allows you to connect your phone to a larger display for a desktop-like experience, is a useful addition, although I didn’t find myself using it extensively. The fingerprint scanner, located under the display, is fast and reliable. From my daily usage, I’ve found the software experience to be smooth, intuitive, and free of any major frustrations. Motorola has promised two years of Android version upgrades and four years of security updates, which is a positive sign for long-term software support.

Value Proposition: Where Does the G85 Fit?

Analyzing the value of the Moto G85, I have to say it strikes a good balance between price and features. For the asking price, you get a stylish phone with a vibrant display, solid performance for everyday tasks, a capable main camera, and excellent battery life. This phone is ideal for anyone looking for a reliable and well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for students, young professionals, or anyone who values practicality and doesn’t need the absolute bleeding edge in terms of specs.

However, if you’re a hardcore gamer or demand top-tier camera performance, you might want to look elsewhere. Similarly, those who prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds or wireless charging might find the G85 slightly lacking. In the competitive landscape, the G85 stacks up well against similarly priced devices, often offering a better display and a cleaner software experience than some of its rivals.

Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for the Sensible User

Overall, the Motorola Moto G85 is a surprisingly solid contender in the mid-range smartphone arena. It doesn't try to be something it's not, focusing instead on delivering a well-rounded experience with key strengths in design, display, battery life, and a capable main camera. For anyone seeking a dependable daily driver that won't cost a fortune, the Moto G85 is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a good smartphone experience. If you value a clean Android experience, a great screen for media consumption, and all-day battery life, the Moto G85 should definitely be on your shortlist.