Distinctions - Despite hardware restrictions, the Moto G 5G does have Android 12 (and 13), a Google accentuated suite of apps and features that is competent and consistent for most regular uses. A large screen with a high refresh rate also gives a great viewing experience when not hindered by processing speed.

Criticisms - While the Android suite is also a boon to functionality over some peers with less-optimized bespoke operating systems, it is also just one of the Moto G’s large functionality limitations. Accessibility and customization are limited, which becomes frustrating when considering how helpful being able to throttle app usage would be in light of hardware issues. Google latency and inaccuracy is amplified by hardware latency causing recognition to happen at a rate that does not encourage natural flow of speech. However, the largest gripe to be had with the features that come with the Moto G can be had with the radically under-equipped processor. Even at extremely low use tests the Moto G would barely plod along with one or two apps open, with video streaming in higher definitions that pair well with the larger screen being particular points of common weakness. Long phone calls on data as well as prolonged camera usage had similar results. Poor heat dispersion also exacerbates all the issues, with normal ambient room temperatures still resulting in heat that was not warm to the touch but fully hot. As expected, as heat increased, processor speed and capability radically decreased the point of non-function in a multitude of use cases. Use in hot environments or direct sunlight were, in some cases, literal non-starters, or allowed for single non-call uses before requiring storage again.

Distinctions - Despite other flaws in quality, the actual build feels surprisingly solid, with very little flex across a relatively thin and smooth package.

Criticisms - While flashy material choices and textured printing may give the impression that the Moto G has been tastefully and thoughtfully designed, the reality is a mishmash of parts that all underperform in competence and quality. The 2.2GHz processor that hides behind buzzword technology like ‘octa-core,’ is in practice a horrific mess of poor heat sync issues, all stuffed into the tight space behind the 6.5 inch screen. While the high refresh rate and size of the screen are the major selling points for the Moto G, the screen itself is not recessed at all for a relatively weak level of scratch resistance. The battery, while appearing around or above the industry standard at 5000 mAh, drains rapidly even when the phone is not in use due to a constantly active ‘raise-to-wake’ system. Long calls, streaming or prolonged use with even a couple apps open in the background sucked power through the processor and self-bottlenecked. Despite the lack of a fan or really functional heat sync, the Moto G still blows through battery power under intense heat as all the components struggle under the burden of a self-propagating problem.

Distinctions - The Moto is furnished in a small selection of colors that offer some customization while still remaining professional-looking across all color choices. The larger, brighter screen makes viewing media more vivid and distinct than ever before.

Criticisms - All of the Moto G color choices are professional, but feel like less saturated or inspired versions of peer color choices. The Moonlight Grey model, as photographed by us true-to-color, appears almost midnight blue, which is extraordinarily close to one of their other color options, another variety of desaturated blue. While screen cracking was prevalent across many of the devices we tested, overall the screen appeared overly bright when paired with an on-screen color palette that was all extremes. Increased brightness and blue light caused more eye-strain with extended use. A separate note that almost all reviewers had was that the material texture contrast between the more matte back and overly glossy camera surroundings was jarring and not cohesive. The glossy camera area was so reflective that it came off antithetical to the not attention-grabbing rest of the case.

Criticisms - There are no distinctions to the sustainability element of the Moto G 5G. It is entirely a disposable product made to fill a gap in the low-cost consumer market for a large-screen phone. The low up-front cost coupled with the short lifetime and poor durability make for an extremely limited resale market, as well as no existing buy back programs other than device recycling sometimes offered by carriers. Consumers will likely either keep the Moto G for the added security of having a backup phone in their household, or just dispose of it by trashing it, as there is very little incentive to do otherwise. The short lifespan of the phone compared to peers is also an extreme deterrent for consumers both from an enjoyment and sustainability perspective.

Distinctions - The Moto G offers greater theoretical camera capability than many other higher-priced options with a larger display than many peers.

Criticisms - Extremely poor value for price, the Moto G is a train wreck in any sense other than initial talking points like style and screen. Well below average performance, optimization and longevity all make for an over-priced package even for the entry level market. Even features that are average are brought down by other poor offerings that the average parts rely on. Against other peers, the Moto G’s distinct lack of innovations or quality makes it a choice that can only be made objectively on the grounds of larger screen size.