The Moto G30: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse with a Focus on Features
The Moto G series has long been a favorite among budget-conscious consumers in India, and the latest additions, the Moto G10 Power and Moto G30, aim to continue this legacy. But with the traditional numbering system abandoned, how do these new models stack up against their predecessors? We’ve got our hands on the Moto G30, and our initial impressions suggest that Motorola is still holding its own in the competitive budget smartphone space.
A Solid Design with a Touch of Familiarity
Priced at Rs 10,999 in India, the Moto G30 boasts a design that feels both familiar and fresh. The 6.5-inch display, featuring a 20:9 aspect ratio, gives the phone a tall and narrow profile, perfect for one-handed use, although some may find it difficult to reach the top of the screen. The HD+ resolution, while adequate, is paired with a welcome 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
However, the dewdrop notch feels like a step back from the hole-punch display of the previous Moto G9 Power. While the bezels are thin, the bottom chin remains relatively thick. The screen houses a 13-megapixel selfie camera positioned above the thin earpiece.
The Moto G30 comes in two color options: Dark Pearl and Pastel Sky. We tested the Dark Pearl version, which boasts a gradient pattern shifting from deep purple in the center to a lighter shade at the edges. This pattern also shifts under different lighting conditions, adding a touch of visual dynamism. While the glossy finish on the back is aesthetically pleasing, it is a fingerprint magnet, requiring frequent cleaning. Fortunately, Motorola includes a case in the box to combat this issue.
Balancing Bulk with Features
The Moto G30 weighs in at 200g, signifying a significant presence in the hand. However, Motorola has managed to distribute the weight well, ensuring it doesn’t feel overly cumbersome or prone to dropping. This heft is partially attributed to the 5,000mAh battery housed within, a feature that should provide ample power for a full day of usage. The phone also comes with a 20W charger in the box, ensuring rapid charging capabilities.
The right edge of the phone houses the power button, which features a textured pattern for easy identification, as well as the volume buttons and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The power and volume controls are positioned conveniently, but reaching the Google Assistant button might require a slight stretch for some users. On the left side of the frame sits the hybrid dual-SIM tray. The Moto G30 features an IP52 rating for splash resistance, with a rubber seal around the SIM tray adding an extra layer of protection. At the top of the frame, you’ll find the ever-reliable 3.5mm headphone jack and a secondary microphone, while the bottom edge houses the primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and loudspeaker.
Quad Camera Setup for Versatile Photography
Motorola has equipped the G30 with a versatile quad-camera setup on the back, positioned next to the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. The rectangular camera module protrudes slightly from the surface, containing a powerful 64-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This combination opens up possibilities for capturing various perspectives and subjects, from breathtaking landscapes to close-up shots.
Powerful Performance with Android 11 and ThinkShield
Powering the Moto G30 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This configuration should provide a reasonably smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks, browsing, and lighter gaming. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is the inclusion of Android 11, which is still a relatively recent operating system in the budget smartphone segment. The phone shipped with the January Android security patch, ensuring up-to-date protection against vulnerabilities.
Motorola has also implemented an additional layer of security called ThinkShield, which aims to provide enhanced protection against cyber threats and data breaches. Aside from the pre-installed Facebook app (which can be uninstalled), we didn’t find any bloatware on our test unit, ensuring a cleaner user experience. Furthermore, Moto Actions, a suite of gesture-based interactions, offers a more intuitive and convenient way to navigate the phone. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5, dual-band Wi-Fi, and NFC.
A Solid Budget Option with Room for Improvement
The Moto G30, with its compelling features and performance, is poised to be a strong player in the budget smartphone market. The inclusion of Android 11, ThinkShield, and Moto Actions, along with the robust 5,000mAh battery, sets it apart from its competition and makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the dewdrop notch feels outdated compared to the hole-punch displays seen on other budget smartphones. The glossy finish’s susceptibility to fingerprints is also a minor drawback.
Ultimately, the Moto G30’s success will hinge on how its features translate into real-world usage and how its performance compares to other similarly priced devices. Keep an eye out for our full in-depth review, where we delve into the details of the G30’s camera performance, battery life, and overall user experience to determine if it truly lives up to its potential.
