Moto G34 5G Review: Balancing Affordability and Performance 

HomeReviewsMoto G34 5G Review: Balancing Affordability and Performance 

Highlights

  • Moto G34 5G features a 6.50-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor.
  • Powered by Snapdragon 695 and 8GB of RAM.
  • 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging.

The Moto G34 5G enters 2024’s competitive budget smartphone market, aiming to strike a balance between affordability and performance at a price of Rs 10,999 .

Motorola is a brand known for its user-centric designs and reliable performance and upon my initial inspection, seems to have crafted this device with a keen eye on the demands of modern smartphone users.

In this Moto G34 5G review, let’s delve into the details.

Moto G34 5G Review: Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Long-lasting 5000mAh battery Average low-light camera performance
Smooth 120Hz FHD+ display Limited high-end gaming performance
Clean Android 14 software
Affordable price with 5G

Moto G34 5G Review: Key Specs

Moto G34 5G Review: Key Specs
Moto G34 5G Review: Key Specs
  • Display: 6.5-inch HD+ with a 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor.
  • RAM and Storage: Options of 4GB and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, with 128GB UFS 2.2 storage expandable up to 1TB.
  • Camera: 50MP main camera with Quad Pixel technology and a dedicated micro vision camera.
  • Battery: 5000 mAh with TurboPower 20W charging.
  • Connectivity: Supports 13 5G bands, VoNR, and up to 4 carrier aggregation.

Moto G34 5G Review: Design and Display

Moto G34 5G Review: Design
Moto G34 5G Review: Design

The Moto G34 5G sports a sleek glass body and is available in Ice Blue, Charcoal Black, and Ocean Green which exude a certain elegance.

This color palette is both contemporary and versatile, catering to a wide range of personal styles.

Weighing 179 grams and measuring 162.70 x 74.00 x 8.00mm, it’s comfortable to hold and use with one hand.

Its weight is ideally balanced, providing a sense of solidity without being cumbersome.

The dimensions are a thoughtful consideration of ergonomics, fitting snugly in my palm and pocket.

The IP52 rating is a nice touch, offering protection against dust and splashes, although it’s not fully waterproof.

It’s reassuring for me to know that the phone is good enough to withstand minor accidents like a spill or getting caught in light rain.

However, as mentioned it’s important to remember that it’s not designed for submersion or heavy water exposure.

While it doesn’t boast the premium materials found in high-end models, the Moto G34 5G doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy.

Moto G34 5G Review: Design
Moto G34 5G Review: Display

The 6.50-inch display of the Moto G34 5G, I feel, is indeed a highlight, particularly for a phone in its price segment.

The 120Hz refresh rate is a feature usually reserved for more premium models, I like Moto’s inclusion of it on the G34.

When it comes to gaming or using applications that benefit from fast screen refresh rates, the smooth refresh rate is quite a boon.

The FHD+ resolution (1080×2400 pixels), in my usage, provides sharp and clear visuals, which is essential for media consumption.

The clarity and detail in images and videos are enhanced by this high resolution.

Furthermore, the 20:9 aspect ratio offers a wide and immersive viewing experience, making it suitable for watching videos and movies.

Overall my viewing experience on the device has been quite enjoyable given the phone’s budget pricetag.

Moto G34 5G Review: Cameras

Moto G34 5G Review: Cameras
Moto G34 5G Review: Cameras

As for the optics on the Moto G34 5G, the device features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro lens.

In my testing of daylight conditions, it showed commendable performance in well-lit environments.

The primary sensor captures images with vibrant colors and good detail, making it suitable for everyday photography.

The crispness of the images taken by the 50MP sensor I feel is particularly impressive for the price, capturing details in a variety of settings.

The addition of a 2MP macro lens also adds versatility for capturing close-up shots, though it’s worth noting that the resolution is significantly lower than the primary sensor, a trade-off commonly seen in budget smartphones.

The front-facing 16MP camera is capable when it comes to selfies.

It manages to capture clear and detailed images, making it suitable for social media use and video calls.

However, the camera system does have its limitations, particularly in low-light conditions.

The lack of a dedicated night mode or advanced low-light processing gave an output that was plagued by noise and graininess.

This drop in performance is also noticeable, with images losing sharpness and clarity.

However, this is again a common challenge in budget smartphones where low-light photography is often compromised.

I would recommend using the phone’s in-built LED flash for this case.

Moto G34 5G Camera: Day Samples

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Moto G34 5G Camera: Night Samples

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Moto G34 5G Review: Performance and Software

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The performance aspect of the Moto G34 5G, powered by the Snapdragon 695 processor and paired with 8GB of RAM, indeed stands out in its price range.

This combination facilitates a generally smooth and efficient user experience.

Multitasking and running demanding apps are handled competently, with the phone maintaining its composure under most everyday use scenarios.

Powering the Moto Snapdragon 695, a mid-range processor, strikes a good balance between power efficiency and performance.

It’s particularly adept at handling regular tasks such as web browsing, social media, and video streaming.

When it comes to multitasking, the 8GB of RAM provides ample headroom, allowing for smooth switching between apps and keeping several apps active in the background without significant slowdown.

The 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 1TB, is a generous offering.

I think that it ensures that storage space is unlikely to be a constraint for the average user, even for those who store a lot of media or use numerous apps.

However, it’s important to note that the Moto G34 5G is not without its limitations, particularly in the context of high-end gaming.

During my testing, I observed occasional lags and frame drops while playing graphically intensive games.

As for the rest of the device, you get a good stereo speaker unit with decent sound quality.

There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack present at the bottom for wired usage.

The phone has 5G capabilities which is an extremely premium feature for the sub Rs 10,000 market.

Moreover, there is support for active 4G on both SIM cards, very beneficial for users operating two SIMs.

The Moto G34 5G runs on Android 14, which at the time of its release, is the latest version of the operating system.

The software experience is clean, with an interface that’s easy to navigate and minimal pre-installed apps or bloatware.

This ensures a user experience that’s straightforward and efficient, which just the way I like.

Moto G34 5G Review: Battery and Charging

Moto G34 5G Review: Battery and Charging
Moto G34 5G Review: Battery and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery of the Moto G34 5G is quite substantial and in my usage, which included a mix of activities like streaming, social media browsing, and occasional gaming, the phone consistently lasted a full day.

On days with lighter usage, it comfortably extended into the second day, which is impressive.

This kind of endurance makes it a reliable choice for users who are often on the move and don’t have regular access to a charger.

To top it off, the phone also has a 20W fast charging capability, although effectively charging at 18W, is another point worth noting.

While it’s not the fastest charging technology on the market, it’s quite reasonable for a budget phone.

The phone takes approximately 2 hours to charge from 0 to 100%, which is decent.

Moto G34 5G Review: Final Verdict

Moto G34 5G Review: Final Verdict
Moto G34 5G Review: Final Verdict

The Moto G34 5G stands out as a solid choice in the budget smartphone segment.

It offers a good balance of design, performance, and battery life.

While it may not excel in low-light photography or high-end gaming, it more than makes up for these with its overall user experience, display quality, and battery endurance.

If you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable smartphone with the essentials done right, I feel the Moto G34 5G is certainly worth considering.

Reasons to Buy Moto G34 5G

Reasons to Buy Moto G34 5G
Reasons to Buy Moto G34 5G
  • Long-lasting 5000mAh battery: The substantial battery capacity ensures prolonged usage, often lasting more than a day, even with heavy use involving 5G and multimedia activities. This makes it ideal for users who are frequently away from charging points.
  • Smooth 120Hz FHD+ display: The high refresh rate provides a seamless and fluid visual experience, greatly enhancing activities like scrolling, gaming, and video playback. Coupled with the FHD+ resolution, it offers sharp and vivid display quality.
  • Clean Android 14 software: The device runs on the latest version of Android, offering a user-friendly interface with minimal bloatware. This results in a clean and efficient software experience, ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and uncluttered UI.
  • Versatile dual-camera setup: With a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro lens, the camera setup is versatile for various photography scenarios. It captures detailed and vibrant images, especially in well-lit environments.
  • Affordable price with 5G: Priced competitively, it offers good value for its features, including support for 5G connectivity. This makes it a budget-friendly option for users looking to access faster network speeds.

Reasons Not to Buy Moto G34 5G

Reasons Not to Buy Moto G34 5G
Reasons Not to Buy Moto G34 5G
  • Average low-light camera performance: The camera struggles in low-light conditions, resulting in grainy and less detailed images. This could be a downside for users who frequently take photos in dimly lit environments.
  • Limited high-end gaming performance: The phone may experience lags or frame drops while playing graphically intensive games, which might not suit users who are avid mobile gamers.

Alternatives

Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

Features of the Redmi 12 5G
Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

Known for its superior camera performance, especially in low-light conditions, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.

Realme 9 Pro 5G

Realme 9 Pro 5G
Realme 9 Pro 5G

Offers a more premium design and build quality, catering to users who prioritize aesthetics in their devices.

Poco X5

Poco X5
Poco X5

This model is a well-rounded alternative with competitive pricing, offering a balance of features that might appeal to a broader range of users.

Vivo T2x 5G

vivo-t2x-5g-mobile-phone
Vivo T2x 5G

Comparable in performance and features, this device can be a good alternative for those looking for similar specifications in a different brand.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

A strong contender from a well-known brand, offering similar specifications and features, often with reliable after-sales support and brand trust.

Motorola Moto G34 Specs

GENERAL

Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM (Hybrid Slot)
Dual Sim Yes
Sim Size Nano+Nano SIM
Device Type Smartphone
Release Date December 09, 2023 (Expected)

DISPLAY

Type Color IPS LCD Screen (16M Colors)
Touch Yes
Size 6.58 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120 Hz
Aspect Ratio 20:9
PPI ~ 400 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio ~ 89.8%
Notch Yes, Punch Hole

MEMORY

RAM 4 GB
Storage 128 GB
Card Slot Yes, (Hybrid Slot), upto 1 TB

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
VoLTE Yes, Dual Stand-By
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
USB Yes, USB-C
USB Features USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors Proximity Sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, SAR Sensor, Gyroscope, Sensor Hub, E-Compass
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes
Water Resistance Yes
IP Rating IP54
Extra Features One OS Upgrade + 2 Years Security Update

CAMERA

Rear Camera 50 MP f/1.8 (Main)
13 MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide)
2 MP f/2.4 (Macro) with autofocus
Features Ultra-Res, Dual Capture, Spot Color, Night Vision, Macro Vision, Portrait, Live Filter, Panorama, AR Stickers, Pro Mode (W/Long Exposure), Smart Composition, Shot Optimization, Auto Smile Capture, Google Lens Integration, High-Res Digital Zoom (Upto 8X), RAW Photo Output, HDR, Timer, Active Photos, Burst Shot, Assistive Grid, Leveler, Watermark, Barcode Scanner, Quick Capture
Video Recording Yes
Flash Yes, LED
Front Camera Punch Hole 32 MP f/2.2 with Screen Flash
Front Video Recording 1080p

TECHNICAL

OS Android v13
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 685
CPU 2.8 GHz, Octa Core Processor
Core Details 4x Cortex-A73@2.8 GHz & 4x Cortex-A53@1.9 GHz
GPU Adreno 610
IP Rating IP54
Java No
Browser Yes

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio Yes, with FM Recording
Document Reader Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size 5000 mAh, Li-Po Battery
Fast Charging Yes, 67W Fast Charger

FAQs

What are the display specifications of the Moto G34 5G?

The Moto G34 5G boasts a 6.50-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

This provides users with clear visuals and a smooth viewing experience, particularly beneficial for media consumption and gaming.

Can you detail the camera capabilities of the Moto G34 5G?

The phone is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro lens.

This setup delivers vibrant and detailed images in well-lit conditions, and the 50MP sensor is especially effective for everyday photography. The 16MP front camera offers clear selfies and video call quality.

How does the Moto G34 5G perform for daily tasks and gaming?

Powered by the Snapdragon 695 processor and 8GB RAM, the Moto G34 5G handles daily tasks and multitasking efficiently.

While it supports moderate gaming, users may experience some limitations with graphically intensive games.

What storage options does the Moto G34 5G offer?

The device comes with 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB.

This generous storage capacity is likely to satisfy the needs of most users, even those who store large amounts of media or use many apps.

What is the battery life and charging speed of the Moto G34 5G?

The Moto G34 5G includes a 5,000mAh battery, offering a full day’s use on a single charge and potentially extending into the second day with lighter usage. It supports 20W fast charging, taking around 2 hours for a full charge.

Also Read: Moto G34 5G Unboxing and First Impressions: Budget Style and Performance

Also Read: Moto G34 5G Price in India Leaked: Launch on January 9

Also Read: Motorola Unveils Moto G34 5G in China: Price, Features, Specs

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