Motorola is updating its budget Moto G series with a new model with a 50MP rear camera, similar to what flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 have.
Of course, the Moto G Play 2024 won't have the same level of hardware or features as the S23, but it's still a significant improvement over last year's model, which has an average 16MP lens. That said, you will need some software tools to improve image quality. Motorola claims its device will support HDR, allowing for bright images and phase detection autofocus, or PDAF for short. The latter gives the phone a way to “better detect where light rays are coming from.” Android Authority touts it as the “best autofocus method” on smartphones and can even be found on some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market.
Please note that it is just a lens. There won't be a telephoto option or anything like that next to it. The rear camera has plenty of shooting modes including but not limited to night vision and 8x digital zoom.
The selfie lens has also been updated, as it is now 8MP instead of 5MP. Motorola also gave it the Photobooth feature that allows users to “stitch four different poses” into a group of consecutive images.
Hardware Upgrades (and Downgrades)
The Moto G Play 2024 will see improvements in other areas, however, it will retain some limitations present in the previous model.
For example, it still has the 6.5-inch 720p LCD display, but it now has a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz for smooth video viewing. The frequency can be reduced to 60 Hz if you want to extend battery life. Additionally, the smartphone will be powered by a 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset, although it lacks 5G connectivity, like the 2023 device.
Motorola is doing this weird thing with the Moto G Play, where it introduces an update and then immediately downgrades it. Presumably, this is done to keep the price down.
The interesting thing about the Moto G Play is that it has features that make it a good first phone for children. Motorola specifically mentions that the screen is made of Corning Gorilla 3 glass and has an IP52 protection rating to protect against accidental spills. On board, the device will house the Family Space tool, which will give parents a way to set screen time limits, as well as control which apps on the device are accessible or not.
Availability
Other notable features include Moto Secure protection against malware, Dolby Atmos for immersive audio, and a 5000 mAh battery that lasts up to 46 hours on a single charge.
The Moto G Play 2024 will launch in the United States on February 8 for $150. It can be purchased from Motorola's website or from Amazon, where it will be “universally unlocked” so you can connect to a preferred carrier. If you don't have one, the device is available through Verizon, Cricket, and AT&T, among others.
Canada will receive the phone a little sooner. It will be “available through select carriers” on January 26. It is not known how much it will cost as it depends on the operator the person chooses.
While we ask you to check out TechRadar's list of the best cheap phones for 2024.
