Moto G45 5G: In the increasingly crowded budget smartphone market, manufacturers face the challenging task of balancing performance, features, and cost while still delivering a compelling user experience.

Motorola’s latest addition to its popular G-series, the Moto G45 5G, attempts this delicate balancing act with a focus on practical innovations rather than flashy specifications.

After spending three weeks with this device as my secondary phone, I’ve developed nuanced insights into its real-world performance that go beyond what specification sheets might suggest.

Moto G45 5G: Design: Thoughtful Practicality Over Premium Pretensions

The Moto G45 5G doesn’t try to mimic premium flagships with glass backs or curved screens. Instead, it embraces a pragmatic design philosophy that prioritizes durability and ergonomics.

The back panel features a “polymer composite” material—effectively a high-quality plastic with a textured finish that both reduces fingerprint smudges and provides excellent grip.

My review unit came in the “Midnight Blue” colorway, which features subtle light-catching patterns that add visual interest without appearing gaudy.

The frame maintains the plastic construction but incorporates a metallic-looking finish that creates a pleasant contrast with the matte back.

At 8.9mm thick and weighing 185 grams, the G45 5G strikes a comfortable balance—substantial enough to feel durable but not so heavy as to cause fatigue during extended usage sessions.

Button placement follows Motorola’s established pattern with the power button and volume rocker on the right edge. The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner and sits at a natural position for right-handed users.

During my testing, this side-mounted sensor proved consistently reliable, recognizing my fingerprint correctly about 95% of the time even with slightly damp fingers.

The bottom edge houses the USB-C port flanked by a 3.5mm headphone jack and a bottom-firing speaker.

The inclusion of the headphone jack deserves specific mention as it’s becoming increasingly rare even in budget offerings, yet remains valuable for many users in markets where the G45 5G will be sold.

Perhaps the most surprising design element is the IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.

While not sufficient for submersion, this provides protection against light rain and everyday dust exposure—a thoughtful addition in a segment where such ratings are far from standard.

The front of the device features a 6.5-inch display with a centered hole-punch camera and relatively slim bezels for its price point.

The slight chin at the bottom is noticeable but not distracting, and the overall front design looks modern and clean.

Display: Balancing Quality and Efficiency

The 6.5-inch LCD panel offers HD+ resolution (1600 × 720 pixels) with a 90Hz refresh rate. This resolution choice might raise eyebrows in an era where even budget phones often feature Full HD displays, but it represents a deliberate trade-off that benefits battery life while remaining adequate for most use cases.

In practical terms, the display density of approximately 270 pixels per inch means text and images appear clear at typical viewing distances, though close inspection reveals some pixelation compared to higher-resolution alternatives.

Colors appear natural rather than oversaturated, viewing angles are stable with minimal color shifting, and brightness reaches a claimed 400 nits—sufficient for indoor use though somewhat challenging under direct sunlight.

The 90Hz refresh rate proves to be one of the display’s strongest features, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and animations than standard 60Hz panels without the battery impact of 120Hz screens.

Motorola’s implementation includes an adaptive refresh rate that intelligently switches between 60Hz and 90Hz based on content and user interaction, further optimizing the balance between visual fluidity and power efficiency.

During my testing period, the display proved entirely adequate for typical smartphone tasks—social media browsing, video consumption, messaging, and occasional gaming.

Netflix and YouTube content looked good despite the resolution limitations, with only the most discerning users likely to notice significant differences compared to Full HD displays in this screen size.

Performance: Everyday Competence with Few Compromises

The Moto G45 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset—an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz.

This is paired with either 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.

In practical terms, this hardware configuration delivers a smooth experience for everyday tasks.

Apps launch promptly, switching between multiple applications feels responsive, and the interface maintains fluidity throughout.

Social media scrolling, web browsing, and messaging—the core smartphone functions for many users—all perform without noticeable hitches.

Gaming performance is reasonable considering the price point. Less demanding titles like Subway Surfers and Candy Crush run flawlessly, while moderately intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile run acceptably at medium settings with occasional frame drops during particularly hectic moments.

More demanding titles like Genshin Impact require low settings and still exhibit some stuttering during complex scenes—unsurprising given the positioning of this device.

For context, I’ve previously used both flagship devices and other budget offerings, which provides a useful frame of reference.

The Moto G45 5G doesn’t attempt to compete with devices twice its price but delivers a consistently usable experience that rarely frustrates—an achievement worth acknowledging in this price segment.

Thermal management deserves specific praise. Even during extended gaming sessions or when handling multiple demanding tasks, the phone becomes warm but never uncomfortably hot.

This suggests effective heat dissipation that prevents thermal throttling from significantly impacting performance over time.

Memory management on my 6GB review unit handled my typical app load well, keeping 6-8 apps in memory without noticeable reloading.

The “RAM Boost” feature, which allocates storage as virtual RAM, seemed to help with multitasking, though its impact is likely more noticeable on the 4GB variant.

Camera System: Modest Hardware, Surprisingly Capable Software

The camera system on the Moto G45 5G consists of a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP macro lens. The front houses an 8MP selfie camera.

This straightforward setup lacks the ultrawide and telephoto options found in pricier models but focuses on delivering quality from the main shooter.

In favorable lighting conditions, the main camera captures respectable images with good detail and accurate colors.

Dynamic range is better than expected thanks to automatic HDR processing that effectively balances highlights and shadows in challenging scenes. Shutter response is prompt, and the camera app feels responsive overall.

Portrait mode produces pleasing results with reasonably accurate edge detection for subjects with clear outlines, though it occasionally struggles with complex elements like hair or transparent objects.

The background blur can be adjusted before and after capturing, which adds welcome flexibility.

Low-light photography reveals the hardware limitations more clearly. While night mode significantly improves brightness and reduces noise compared to standard shooting, fine details tend to get smudged, and colors often appear muted.

For social media sharing and casual documentation, the results remain entirely usable, but those prioritizing photography should set expectations accordingly.

The 2MP macro lens feels like an afterthought, included primarily to pad the camera count. The low resolution and lack of autofocus limit its practical utility, though it can occasionally capture interesting close-up details in perfect lighting.

Selfies from the 8MP front camera are acceptable for social media and video calls, with natural skin tones and reasonable detail in good lighting.

The portrait mode works adequately here as well, though edge detection is noticeably less precise than with the main camera.

Video recording tops out at 1080p/30fps from both front and rear cameras—a limitation of the processor rather than the sensors.

Electronic stabilization helps reduce minor shakes, but more significant movement results in noticeable judder.

Audio recording is clear thanks to noise-cancellation algorithms, making the video capability suitable for casual vlogging and moment capture if not professional content creation.

Where Motorola adds genuine value is through its camera software. The intuitive interface includes useful modes like Spot Color (which isolates a single color while converting the rest of the image to black and white), Cinemagraph (for creating partial motion GIFs), and Dual Capture (which records from front and rear cameras simultaneously).

These creative tools add fun possibilities that partially compensate for the hardware limitations.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Champion

The 5,000mAh battery has become somewhat standard in this segment, but the Moto G45 5G leverages this capacity particularly well.

The combination of the efficient Dimensity 6020 processor, 720p display resolution, and Motorola’s optimization results in exceptional endurance.

During my testing period, the device consistently delivered 7-9 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage including social media, messaging, web browsing, occasional gaming, and media streaming.

This translates to comfortable all-day battery life even for heavy users, with moderate users potentially stretching to two full days between charges.

The standby power management deserves special mention—the phone lost just 2-3% overnight with Wi-Fi connected, suggesting excellent background process optimization.

This makes the G45 5G particularly well-suited for users who may not have consistent access to charging throughout their day.

Charging comes via the included 20W TurboPower adapter, which while not breaking any speed records, provides practical refueling times:

• 30 minutes: approximately 35% charge

• 60 minutes: approximately 68% charge

• Full charge (0-100%): about 95 minutes

The lack of faster charging might disappoint those accustomed to the 30W+ speeds seen in some competitors, but the excellent battery endurance largely compensates for this limitation.

The phone also supports standard 10W USB-PD charging from compatible third-party adapters, providing flexibility when using chargers designed for other devices.

Software: Motorola’s Greatest Strength

The Moto G45 5G runs a near-stock version of Android 14 with Motorola’s thoughtful additions layered on top.

This approach results in a clean, intuitive interface free from the bloatware and duplicate applications that plague many budget devices.

Motorola promises two years of major Android version updates and three years of security patches—a reasonable if not industry-leading commitment for this price segment.

During my testing period, the device received one security update that installed without issues.

The “Moto” app centralizes the manufacturer’s unique features, including:

• Personalization options for colors, fonts, icon shapes, and animations

• Moto Gestures like the double-chop for flashlight and twist-to-launch camera

• Peek Display for viewing notifications without unlocking the device

• Attentive Display that keeps the screen on while you’re looking at it

• Gametime optimizations for uninterrupted gaming sessions

These additions enhance the Android experience without overwhelming it, and most can be disabled if not desired.

Particularly useful is the “Ready For” functionality that enables wireless connection to external displays for a desktop-like experience, though its capabilities are somewhat limited compared to the implementation on Motorola’s flagship devices.

The lack of preinstalled third-party applications deserves specific praise. While many budget devices attempt to subsidize costs through partnerships that result in unwanted apps, the G45 5G comes refreshingly clean.

After a standard setup, the system occupied approximately 15GB of storage space—reasonable considering the Android 14 footprint.

Connectivity: Future-Proofed Essentials

As its name implies, 5G connectivity represents one of the G45’s key selling points. The Dimensity 6020 supports both SA and NSA 5G modes with broad band compatibility, ensuring good network future-proofing across most regions.

In my testing across areas with established 5G coverage, the phone maintained stable connections with download speeds typically ranging from 150-300Mbps depending on location and network congestion—respectable figures that match what I’ve observed from other 5G devices in the same areas.

Other connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD audio support, and NFC for contactless payments—the latter being a welcome inclusion at this price point.

Location services support GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate positioning across various apps.

Call quality during my testing period was consistently clear, with the noise-cancellation microphone effectively filtering background sounds during conversations.

The earpiece delivers good volume and clarity, while the bottom-firing speaker provides adequate sound for speakerphone calls though it lacks bass depth for media consumption.

Comparative Analysis: Moto G45 5G vs. Key Competitors

This comparison highlights the Moto G45 5G’s competitive positioning. While competitors offer advantages in specific areas—faster charging in the Narzo 60x, AMOLED display in the Galaxy A15, or slightly better performance in the Dimensity 6100+ devices—the Moto G45 5G delivers a well-rounded package with particular strengths in software experience and battery life.

Key Strengths of the Moto G45 5G

1. Exceptional Battery Life: The combination of efficient hardware and software optimization delivers genuine all-day endurance that minimizes charging anxiety.

2. Clean, Thoughtful Software: The near-stock Android implementation with useful Motorola additions provides an intuitive experience free from bloatware and unnecessary complications.

3. Practical Durability: The combination of grippy textured back, basic splash resistance (IP52), and durable construction creates a device that withstands everyday hazards without requiring delicate handling.

4. Reliable Performance: While not breaking benchmark records, the consistent, stutter-free performance for everyday tasks creates a frustration-free user experience.

5. Useful Unique Features: Motorola’s gesture shortcuts, Peek Display, and Ready For functionality add genuine value beyond standard Android capabilities.

6. Future-Proof Connectivity: Comprehensive 5G band support ensures network compatibility as coverage expands over the device’s lifespan.

7. Balanced Photography Experience: The capable main camera paired with creative software features delivers a satisfying photography experience despite the modest hardware.

Moto G45 5G: Substance Over Specification Wars

The Moto G45 5G exemplifies an approach that prioritizes the holistic user experience over winning specification comparisons.

While competitors might boast higher-resolution displays, faster charging, or more camera sensors, Motorola has focused on delivering meaningful quality in areas that impact daily satisfaction—battery life that truly lasts all day, software that enhances rather than complicates, and performance that remains consistent rather than impressive only in short bursts.

This philosophy extends to design choices that might initially seem like compromises but reveal their wisdom through extended use.

The HD+ resolution contributes to the exceptional battery life while remaining adequate for typical viewing distances. The textured plastic back prioritizes durability and grip over the fragility of glass.

The camera system focuses on making the most of a quality main sensor rather than adding marginal auxiliary lenses.

For budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable daily companion rather than a specification showpiece, the Moto G45 5G presents a compelling proposition.

It doesn’t attempt to dazzle with premium materials or flagship-level features but instead delivers a thoughtfully balanced experience that addresses real-world needs without significant compromises in any critical area.

In a market segment where corner-cutting is inevitable, Motorola has chosen its compromises wisely, preserving the elements that most directly impact user satisfaction while making concessions in areas where the practical impact is minimal.

The result is a device that feels more cohesive and satisfying than many competitors with seemingly superior specifications—a reminder that the smartphone experience transcends what can be captured in a feature comparison table.