Motorola One 5G Ace

Motorola One 5G Ace Review: A Solid Performer That Knows Its Place

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Motorola One 5G Ace through its paces, and I have to say, it's an interesting addition to Motorola's lineup. At around the $250-$300 mark, it's squarely targeting the budget-conscious consumer looking for 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. After thorough testing, I have some clear thoughts about who should consider this device and where it might fall short.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The Motorola One 5G Ace arrives at a time when the mid-range smartphone market is incredibly crowded. Brands are fiercely competing to offer the best blend of features and performance at accessible prices. Motorola's strategy here seems to be focused on delivering a reliable 5G experience with a large display and impressive battery life, and in many ways, they've succeeded. This phone isn't trying to be a flagship killer; it's about offering a solid, dependable daily driver without unnecessary frills. Personally, I think the pricing is reasonable for what you get, especially considering the inclusion of 5G, but the competition is fierce and shoppers will undoubtedly be weighing their options carefully.

Design That Prioritizes Practicality

My first impression of the Motorola One 5G Ace was that it feels substantial. It's not trying to be the thinnest or lightest phone out there, and at 212 grams and almost 10mm thick, you definitely feel its presence in your hand and pocket. The build quality feels reassuringly solid, even if the back panel is plastic. The "Volcanic Gray" colorway on my review unit is understated and, I think, quite attractive. While it might not have the premium feel of glass and metal, the plastic back should offer better resistance to accidental drops, which is a practical consideration for many users. The in-hand feel is comfortable enough for extended use, though those with smaller hands might find it a bit unwieldy. Durability-wise, the plastic build gives me a sense of confidence it can handle the daily bumps and scrapes, though a case is always recommended for added peace of mind.

A Big Screen for Big Content

The 6.7-inch IPS LCD display is undoubtedly one of the phone's standout features. In my experience, the brightness is adequate for most indoor and even outdoor scenarios, although direct sunlight can sometimes pose a challenge. Media consumption on this screen is enjoyable; videos and movies look immersive, and the size makes multitasking feel less cramped. While the resolution is Full HD+, it's not the sharpest display on the market, but I found it perfectly acceptable for everyday use and even some casual gaming. Speaking of gaming, the large screen really enhances the experience, providing a good canvas for on-screen controls and visual immersion. For daily tasks like browsing, social media, and email, the display performs admirably, offering smooth scrolling and decent color reproduction.

Performance That Keeps Pace

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a capable and generally smooth experience. In my testing, the phone handled everyday tasks with ease, from browsing and social media to video calls and light productivity work. Even when pushing it with more demanding tasks like graphically intensive games, I found the performance to be surprisingly good for a phone in this price range. Extended gaming sessions did result in some noticeable warmth on the back of the device, but it never reached uncomfortable levels. Multitasking between several apps was generally fluid, though you might encounter slight delays when switching between particularly demanding applications. Overall, the performance strikes a good balance between power and efficiency, making it a reliable performer for the average user.

Camera System: Versatility Over Pure Power

The Motorola One 5G Ace sports a triple-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 48MP main sensor. In my photo-taking experience, the main sensor captures surprisingly detailed and vibrant shots in good lighting conditions. I took it out for a few walks, snapping photos of landscapes and cityscapes, and was generally pleased with the results. The ultra-wide lens offers a welcome option for capturing broader scenes, although I did notice a slight drop in detail and some distortion around the edges compared to the main sensor. The dedicated macro lens is fun for experimenting with close-up shots, but its 2MP resolution means it's best suited for casual use rather than producing truly detailed macro photography. Video recording is decent, with the option to shoot up to 4K at 30fps. Low-light performance is where the camera system shows its limitations, with images often appearing softer and exhibiting more noise. Compared to other phones in this price bracket, the camera is competitive, offering a good degree of versatility, but it won't rival the image quality of more expensive devices. For social media sharing and capturing everyday moments, it's certainly capable.

Battery Life That Goes the Distance

The 5000mAh battery is undoubtedly one of the Motorola One 5G Ace's strongest assets. In my observed battery performance, I consistently managed to get through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing to reach for the charger. On lighter usage days, I even found myself with significant battery life left over. I ran a few battery drain tests, including prolonged video playback and gaming sessions, and the phone consistently impressed with its endurance. Charging speed is adequate with the included 10W charger, taking a couple of hours for a full charge. It's not the fastest charging on the market, but given the impressive battery life, overnight charging is a viable option for most users. The power management seems well-optimized, contributing to the phone's excellent longevity on a single charge. For users who prioritize battery life, this phone is a serious contender.

Software: Clean and Functional, If a Little Dated

The Motorola One 5G Ace launched with Android 10, and while it has since been updated to Android 11, it's worth noting that it won't be receiving further major Android updates. In my daily usage experience, the software is clean and close to stock Android, which I appreciate. Motorola's additions are subtle and generally useful, such as the Moto Actions for quick access to features. The interface is generally smooth and responsive, and I didn't encounter any significant bugs or glitches. While the lack of the absolute latest Android version might be a drawback for some, the current software is stable and functional. Feature usefulness is generally high, with the focus being on providing a streamlined and efficient user experience. The update policy, however, is something to consider if you prioritize having the newest Android features and security patches.

Value Analysis: A Smart Choice for the Right User

My personal take on the price-to-feature ratio of the Motorola One 5G Ace is generally positive. You're getting a large display, solid performance, excellent battery life, and 5G connectivity at a reasonable price. I think this phone is particularly well-suited for users who prioritize battery life, enjoy consuming media on a large screen, and want access to 5G without spending a fortune. Those who should look elsewhere might be users who demand top-tier camera performance or the absolute latest software features and updates. In the competitive landscape, phones like the Samsung Galaxy A series and certain offerings from Xiaomi and Realme offer similar features and performance at comparable price points, so it's worth doing your research.

Conclusion: A Reliable and Long-Lasting 5G Option

Ultimately, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a solid mid-range smartphone that delivers on its core promises. It's not the flashiest phone, nor does it have the most groundbreaking features, but it provides a reliable and enjoyable user experience. What impressed me most was the exceptional battery life and the smooth performance for everyday tasks. If you're looking for an affordable 5G phone with a big screen and a battery that won't quit, the Motorola One 5G Ace is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable and dependable smartphone.