is this a budget smartphone for sure?

It’s been a while since we delved into the world of budget smartphones, particularly those priced under 10,000 hryvnias. Enter the Motorola Moto G75—its design is minimalistic yet unmistakably Lenovo, and it boasts some surprising features typically reserved for flagship models. While it may belong to a different category, it certainly catches the eye with what it offers. Let’s explore all the details in this review!

Motorola Moto G75 specifications

Display	6.78 inches, 2388×1080 pixels, 387 ppi, IPS, 120 Hz, Gorilla Glass 5, maximum brightness 1000 nits
Processor	8-core Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 2.4 GHz processor frequency
Graphics processor	Adreno 710
Memory	8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage
Memory card slot	Yes, microSD up to 1024 GB
Main camera	50 MP primary lens, f/1.79, Sony LYT-600; 8 MP ultra-wide lens, f/2.2; Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps and 4K at 30 fps recording; optical image stabilization; flash
Front camera	16 MP, f/2.45 aperture, Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps and Ultra HD (4K) at 30 fps recording
Communication	5G, 2 nano+e-SIM
Communication and navigation	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth v 5.4, aptX Adaptive, NFC chip, aGPS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, digital compass
Features	Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo sound, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, noise reduction, gyroscope, light sensor
Battery	5000 mAh, 30W TurboPower fast charging, 50% in 25 minutes, 15W wireless charging
Protection	Yes, IP68 and MIL-STD-810
Operating system	Android 15
Case materials	Plastic / leather or plastic
Dimensions	166.09 × 77.24 × 8.44 mm
Weight	208 grams

Packaging and equipment

The Motorola Moto G75 comes in an eco-friendly cardboard box.

Inside the box, you’ll find the phone itself (without a screen protector), a transparent silicone case, a USB Type-C cable, documentation, and a pin for the SIM tray. Just a note, there’s no power supply included.

Design and ergonomics

The design of the Motorola Moto G75 is straightforward yet recognizably brand-specific: flat edges, rounded corners, and a flat screen without any curvature at the edges.

We reviewed the classic black version, but it also comes in turquoise and white.

This smartphone sports an all-plastic matte body, with glossy accents only on the logo and camera panel. It also boasts IP68 water resistance and military-grade MIL-STD-810 protection against drops and shocks.

On the front, the Moto G75 features slim side bezels and slightly thicker top and bottom bezels.

On the back, there’s a round Moto logo and a slightly protruding camera module with rounded corners.

On the right side, you’ll find a power button with an integrated fingerprint scanner and volume buttons. The left side hosts a tray for two SIM cards, and let’s not forget the handy eSIM feature—a rarity even in some flagship models!

The Motorola Moto G75 feels good in hand. It’s not completely non-slip but does offer decent grip, especially with the included case. On the black version, fingerprints are a non-issue; however, dust may be noticeable. Lighter colors could show more smudges.

Motorola Moto G75 display

This smartphone sports a 6.78-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1080×2388 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

If you’re concerned about PWM, you’ll be pleased to know it’s minimal. Just be mindful that colors may not pop like on AMOLED panels, and blacks aren’t super deep. But for an IPS display, the screen holds its own, providing a bright image that doesn’t fade at odd angles. Adjusting color settings can lead to richer tones if that’s your preference.

This display isn’t LTPO, so the refresh rate won’t dip to 1 Hz when idle, which is typical for this segment. You can choose between 60 or 120 Hz, or opt for automatic mode, which I found worked well across most applications, even if some needed manual adjustment.

With the auto-brightness feature activated, the display performed well under the sun. Reading and working outside was seamless.

Sound and vibration response

The Motorola Moto G75 comes with a simple vibration motor. While it’s not an impressive feature, it gets the job done. The audio experience is stereo and sufficiently loud, with no distortion at maximum volume, but don’t expect booming bass.

Motorola Moto G75 cameras

This model boasts a dual-camera array, complemented by a flash and an auxiliary lens for flicker reduction.

At the heart is a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with a f/1.79 aperture and optical stabilization. The secondary camera is an 8 MP ultra-wide lens with a f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, suitable for macro shots, though quality may vary.

For a budget device, the main camera performs admirably, capturing vibrant, detailed photos. Although its dynamic range isn’t the best, the camera app’s algorithms enhance the images, giving them that modern, vivid look that some love. Low-light photos may exhibit some noise, but considering the price point, they’re not bad.

Video recording is available at Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps, and impressively, you can also shoot in 4K at 30 fps—quite a feat for this price range. The 16 MP front camera also rivals many in functionality, with good background blurring capabilities.

Productivity, software, and games

The Motorola Moto G75 is powered by the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, complemented by Adreno 710 graphics. The device is outfitted with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is decent, though not extraordinary. This setup represents the current standard for budget devices.

You also have the option to expand virtual RAM by up to 8 GB and use a microSD for additional storage, all while keeping the second SIM card space open.

With connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth v 5.4, aptX Adaptive, NFC, GPS, and digital compass, the phone offers robust communication features, including e-SIM, which is still a pleasant surprise in budget options.

While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset isn’t the most powerful, it remains efficient, keeping the phone cool during use. Below, you’ll find benchmarks and additional tests.

The smartphone handles popular mobile games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile smoothly on high settings, while heavier titles like COD Warzone and Genshin Impact comfortably run on medium settings at 30-40 fps. While it’s not targeted as a gaming phone, it does a commendable job.

Running on Android 14—briefly upgraded to Android 15 during testing—the interface is smooth and straightforward. Motorola promises five years of OS updates alongside security patches. While small lags may crop up—typical for this budget segment—they’re minimal when you compare with high-end devices.

Autonomy of the Motorola Moto G75

Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, the Moto G75 offers a standard endurance for daily use. What’s unique is the inclusion of both 15W wireless charging and 30W wired charging options, a feature typically found in more expensive devices.

In regular usage—think social media, browsing, and light gaming—expect roughly a day of battery life. Some users may stretch that to a day and a half, especially those who don’t heavily use their phones for videos or gaming.

Benchmarks reflect a formidable result of 15 hours and 20 minutes.

Charging from 0 to 50% takes about 25 minutes, reaching full charge in just under 70 minutes, provided you use a 30W power adapter (not included).

User experience

In reviewing the Moto G75, I intentionally refrained from checking specs beforehand to form my own impressions. This model certainly surprised me in a positive way!

At first glance, it seemed like just another budget model in classic black. It was only once I began exploring that I discovered its impressive features—full IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810 protection? Really? Wireless charging and eSIM? I had to double-check; this seemed too good to be true!

The Moto G75 indeed comes packed with features reminiscent of higher-end models, setting it apart in its class. Coupled with competent cameras, display quality, and battery life, this phone is a serious contender!

Prices and competitors

The Motorola Moto G75 is priced around 9000 hryvnias, with larger retailers sometimes listing it at 9999 hryvnias, which strikes me as a fair price for this array of features. It competes against slightly higher-priced models but also has cheaper alternatives.

For those exploring options, the Motorola Moto G55, starting at 7500 hryvnias, offers a simplified experience. There are also choices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G (from UAH 7999) and Redmi Note 14 Pro (starting at UAH 8899), along with Realme 12 Pro (from UAH 10150), Samsung Galaxy A25 (from UAH 7715), and Samsung Galaxy M35 5G (from UAH 8400) if you’re after a larger battery.