Motorola Moto G84

Motorola's reputation for producing excellent budget-friendly devices remains intact, and the Moto G84 is a prime example of this commitment to affordability. While the company has diversified its product lineup with premium models, the Moto G series continues to be the heart of Motorola's offerings.

The Moto G84 enters the budget arena with an appealing starting price of PKR 82,600 ($245/€222) in Pakistan and €299 in European markets. It brings a classic design with a modern twist, offering Pantone color options like Viva Magenta and Marshmallow Blue, both featuring a faux leather back panel for added flair. For those who prefer a more conservative look, there's a Midnight Blue variant with a matching camera island and middle frame.

Under the hood, the Moto G84 packs impressive specs for its budget-friendly price point. The 6.55" 10-bit OLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, with a peak brightness of 1,300 nits. The device also boasts a stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support, Moto Spatial Sound, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Dual Nano-SIM slots, with one serving as a microSD expansion slot, provide flexibility for users.

While the rear camera system may consist of only two modules, it looks promising on paper. The 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide camera, equipped with autofocus for macro shots, offer versatility in photography. Despite its lightweight 166.8g body, the Moto G84 houses a sizable 5,000mAh battery.

However, the Moto G84 does have its limitations. The choice of the Snapdragon 695 chipset, which was underwhelming even when it was introduced in 2021, poses a performance challenge in 2023. The biggest drawback is the chipset's limitation on video capture, capping it at 1080p, which is disappointing in the current landscape.

Despite these limitations, the Moto G84 still has plenty of merits. Its standout feature is the 120Hz 10-bit P-OLED display, delivering excellent brightness and color accuracy. The device's handling of high refresh rates is straightforward, although gaming performance at 120Hz mode needs improvement.

Battery

Battery life is commendable, thanks to the 5,000mAh battery and the energy-efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset. With 117 hours of endurance in testing, the Moto G84 excels in standby, calls, and video playback. The 30W wired charging offers decent speed.

Software

On the software front, the Moto G84 maintains a clean Android experience with a few Moto-specific features, enhancing usability. Motorola's "Ready For" platform brings additional functionality, turning the phone into a versatile tool for larger screen experiences, although limitations like the lack of video output via USB-C are worth noting.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 695 offers adequate everyday performance but falls short of the competition in 2023. Benchmarks reveal its age, and there are better options available in the same price range, such as devices with MediaTek Dimensity chips or higher-tier Snapdragon models.

Camera

In the camera department, the Moto G84 impresses with its versatile setup. The main 50MP camera delivers good results in daylight, offering plenty of detail and accurate colors. Portrait shots are particularly commendable, with natural skin tones and effective subject separation. The 8MP ultrawide camera doubles as a macro shooter, providing unique versatility. Selfies from the 16MP front camera also deliver satisfactory results.

Video capture quality is hindered by the Snapdragon 695's limitation on resolution, offering only 1080p recording. However, the Moto G84 provides various video-capturing options and includes EIS for stabilization.

In low-light conditions, the main camera performs decently, with good detail and color accuracy. The dedicated night mode, dubbed "Night Vision," improves low-light photography by brightening shots and enhancing sharpness. Unfortunately, night mode is available only for the main camera.

Alternatives

As regard alternatives of the Moto G84, several compelling options come to mind. Samsung's Galaxy A54, priced similarly, offers expandable storage, IP67 protection, a 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, and better camera capabilities, albeit without a telephoto lens. Xiaomi's Poco X5 Pro, though slightly more expensive, boasts a 120Hz AMOLED display, faster charging, and a more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset. For budget-conscious shoppers, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a worthy contender, offering similar features such as stereo speakers, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and fast charging. Realme's 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ provide excellent value for their respective price points, with the latter offering a 100MP main camera and HDR10+ display. Finally, Google's Pixel lineup offers a pure Android experience with outstanding camera capabilities, with options like the Pixel 7a and Pixel 6a catering to different budgets and preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, the Moto G84 presents an attractive package for budget-conscious consumers. Its classic design, impressive display, and versatile camera system make it a compelling choice, especially for those who prioritize affordability over high-end performance. While the Snapdragon 695 chipset leaves room for improvement, the Moto G84 manages to shine in various aspects, delivering solid value for its price.