The Moto G31 is the first of five new models in Motorola’s popular Moto G series to arrive in India, promising a compelling balance of features and affordability. This budget-friendly smartphone, priced at just Rs 12,999 for the base 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant, aims to follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessor, the Moto G30. But with a switch from Qualcomm to MediaTek processors, a new AMOLED display, a triple camera setup instead of four, and several other tweaks, does the Moto G31 truly live up to its legacy? This in-depth review delves into the specifics of the new features and how they impact the overall user experience, exploring whether this latest iteration of the Moto G series is a worthy successor, or simply a step in the wrong direction.
A Closer Look at the Design and Hardware
The Moto G31 presents a familiar yet subtly refined design compared to its predecessor. The phone’s polycarbonate unibody, available in Meteorite Gray and Baby Blue finishes, has a fine-groove-like pattern on the back that provides an enhanced grip. Despite the polycarbonate construction, the phone feels surprisingly sturdy and premium, especially considering its price point. The Moto G31 boasts an IPX2 rating for water resistance, signifying that it is protected from dripping water. However, this is a downgrade from the IP52 rating found on the Moto G30, which provided protection from both dust and water.
Moving to the phone’s layout, the 3.5mm headphone jack sits comfortably at the top, while the single speaker and USB Type-C port occupy the bottom. On the right side, users will find neatly arranged buttons, including a dedicated Google Assistant button positioned at the top, followed by the volume rocker and power button below. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the back of the phone, featuring the iconic Moto logo, adding a touch of familiarity. The SIM tray utilizes a hybrid dual-SIM setup, allowing users to insert either two Nano-SIMs or one Nano-SIM and a microSD card (up to 1TB).
The Display: A Step Towards Vibrant Visibility
The Moto G31 sports a 6.4-inch AMOLED hole-punch display, a feature becoming increasingly common in this price range. This move from the LCD panel found on the Moto G30 is a welcome upgrade, enhancing visual fidelity with richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast. However, the Moto G31 retains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel like a step back from the 90Hz panel on the Moto G30. While this might not be a significant concern for casual users, those accustomed to smoother scrolling and animations might find the 60Hz refresh rate to be somewhat limiting. The Moto G31’s display is also marred by a thick chin at the bottom, which is a bit of a disappointment considering the current design trends in the market.
Performance and Battery Life: Striking a Balance
In a significant departure from its predecessor, the Moto G31 bid farewell to Qualcomm silicon and embraced a MediaTek G85 SoC. This processor, with a maximum clock speed of 2GHz and crafted using a 12nm fabrication process, promises a blend of efficient performance and power management. It remains to be seen how this change will impact the overall performance, especially in demanding tasks, and how it compares to the Qualcomm chip in the Moto G30.
The Moto G31 carries forward the 5,000mAh battery capacity from its predecessor, a welcome feature for users prioritizing long battery life. To further enhance the charging experience, Motorola has included a 20W charger within the box, specifically for the Indian market. This marks a substantial improvement over the 10W charger included in the global version, allowing for faster charging speeds.
The Camera Experience: Navigating a New Landscape
The Moto G31 features a triple rear camera configuration, a slight reduction from the four cameras found on the G30. The noteworthy addition is a 50-megapixel primary camera, offering the potential for improved clarity and detail in photos. However, this does represent a downgrade from the 64-megapixel sensor in the Moto G30 – a decision that may raise questions about image quality. The secondary rear cameras are an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. Motorola cleverly utilizes the 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera for depth sensing in Portrait mode, eliminating the need for a dedicated depth sensor. Completing the package is a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calling.
The overall performance of the camera system, especially in low-light conditions, is crucial in determining the Moto G31’s ability to capture high-quality photos and videos. The camera capabilities will be thoroughly assessed in the upcoming full review, providing a detailed analysis of the image quality and comparing the performance against its predecessor.
Software: A Near-Stock Android Experience
The Moto G31 arrives with Android 11, offering a near-stock Android experience, a rarity in this price segment. This uncluttered and lightweight operating system provides a fluid and intuitive user experience, free from bloatware and other unnecessary additions. The inclusion of nearly stock Android on the Moto G31 is a major selling point for users who appreciate a clean and efficient software experience.
The Verdict: A Refined Budget Champion?
The Moto G31 enters the market with an attractive price point and several notable updates. The move towards an AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, offering a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of a dedicated Google Assistant button and a 20W charger in the box are also commendable features, adding value to the package. However, certain aspects, such as the downgrade in water resistance and the possible performance implications of the switch to a MediaTek processor, warrant further investigation.
Ultimately, the Moto G31’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver a balanced performance with a long-lasting battery, reliable camera capabilities, and a user-friendly software experience. The full review will provide a comprehensive assessment of these critical aspects, allowing consumers to determine whether the Moto G31 truly lives up to its promise as a worthy successor to the popular Moto G30.
