The Motorola Moto G22 is a new budget smartphone that aims to punch above its weight class with a 90Hz display, 20W fast charging, and a 16-megapixel selfie camera all packed into a sleek and affordable package. This phone is poised to make waves in the competitive budget smartphone market, but does it truly deliver on its promises? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the G22’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life to see if it stands up against its rivals from Realme, Xiaomi, and Samsung.
Design and Aesthetics
The Moto G22 boasts a modern and sleek design that belies its budget positioning. The phone is surprisingly lightweight at just 185g, despite its 5,000mAh battery, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The 8.5mm thickness is also quite manageable. Motorola has opted for a plastic build for the G22, which might not feel as premium as glass, but it does a good job of resisting fingerprints and grime. The back panel, available in Cosmic Black, Iceberg Blue, and the upcoming Mint Green, has a subtly textured finish that adds to its visual appeal.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The Moto G22 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ (1600×720 pixels) resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. While not the sharpest display available, the G22 delivers decent color reproduction and good brightness levels for outdoor use. The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling experience, particularly noticeable when navigating through menus or browsing the web. The "hole-punch" cutout for the selfie camera is a welcome touch, offering a more modern look than the dew-drop notches seen on many competitors.
Performance and Software
Powering the Moto G22 is the MediaTek Helio G37 SoC, which is designed to handle 90Hz displays and offers a slight performance bump over the Helio G35. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, with no other configurations available in India. While the G22 can handle basic tasks and light gaming with ease, demanding applications and high-performance games may lead to occasional stutters.
The G22 boasts a clean and streamlined Android 12 experience with minimal bloatware, offering a near-stock Android feel. Motorola has committed to three years of security updates, ensuring a longer lifespan for this budget device. The classic Moto gestures, like the double karate-chop for the flashlight and the twist-of-the-wrist for the camera, provide intuitive shortcuts.
Camera Capabilities
The G22 sports a quad-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. While the primary camera captures decent daytime shots with good detail and color reproduction, the ultra-wide lens struggles to produce high-quality images, and both the macro and depth sensors are rather gimmicky. The 16-megapixel selfie camera, on the other hand, performs well, delivering detailed and vibrant images, especially for video calls and social media.
Battery Life and Charging
The Moto G22 packs a 5,000mAh battery, providing ample runtime for most users. On average, the phone can easily last for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The inclusion of a 20W fast charger in the box is a welcome addition, allowing for quick charging times despite the large battery. Motorola claims that the G22 can reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for those who need a quick top-up.
Connectivity and Features
The Moto G22 supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and 4G LTE connectivity. NFC is absent, which may be a disappointment for those who rely on contactless payments. The phone also lacks 5G support, a feature becoming increasingly common in the budget segment.
Final Verdict
The Motorola Moto G22 presents an intriguing proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking a phone with a sharp display, long battery life, and a decent camera. At a starting price of Rs. 10,999, the G22 offers a compelling value proposition. Its sleek design, fast charging, and user-friendly software experience further enhance its appeal. However, the limitations in performance, the lack of 5G connectivity, and the inconsistent camera performance might make some buyers hesitant.
Here is a breakdown of the G22’s strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths
- Sharp 90Hz Display: Offers a smooth user experience.
- Fast Charging: 20W charging speeds provide a quick top-up.
- Sleek Design: Modern and comfortable to hold.
- Long Battery Life: 5,000mAh battery provides all-day usage.
- Clean Android Experience: Minimal bloatware and three years of security updates.
Weaknesses
- Mediocre Performance: Helio G37 chip may struggle with demanding tasks.
- No 5G Support: A growing expectation in the budget segment.
- Inconsistent Camera Performance: Ultra-wide lens and macro/depth sensors are underwhelming.
- No NFC: Doesn’t support contactless payments.
In Conclusion:
The Moto G22 is an excellent budget smartphone that strikes a good balance between features and affordability. Its biggest strengths lie in its display, battery life, charging speed, and the near-stock Android experience. However, the lack of 5G and the inconsistent camera performance might be dealbreakers for some buyers seeking the best value in the budget segment. Overall, the Moto G22 is a strong contender in the crowded budget market, capable of satisfying the needs of everyday users who prioritize a great display, good battery life, and a sleek design.
