Since Motorola made a comeback, they have been launching phones at a good pace, targeting consumers who want good-quality phones at reasonable prices.
The results are promising, as Motorola has gained more market share in many countries. However, in the USA, the market share has remained relatively flat, hovering between 3.5% and 4.6%.
Interestingly, even with this 3.5% to 4.6% market share, Motorola is among the top five smartphone vendor in the USA, behind Apple and Samsung, which hold 55.42% and 25.71% market shares, respectively.
This indicates that in the USA, users prefer Motorola phones after Apple and Samsung, ahead of any Chinese manufacturers.
So, if you are also considering a Motorola phone, you might have questions like, “Are Motorola phones good?” “Are they safe and durable?” and so on.
If you have all these questions, we have the answers for you.
Pros of Motorola Phones
- Affordability: One of the key benefits of Motorola phones is their affordability. While Motorola has entered the flagship territory with foldable phones, most of their devices remain affordable. This makes them a great choice for those seeking a good experience without a hefty price tag.
- Stock Android Experience: Motorola is renowned for its Stock Android experience, reminiscent of Google Pixel phones. Although the new My UX skin differs slightly from clean Stock Android, it still offers features and options that maintain a near-stock UI feel.
- Display: Motorola has significantly improved display quality, with phones now featuring pOLED panels that deliver vivid, punchy colors. Even their less expensive models with IPS LCD displays offer good quality, often including high refresh rates for a smoother experience.
- Build Quality: Motorola phones generally boast solid build quality, though this can vary by model. Overall, you can expect justified build quality relative to their price range.
- Battery Life and Charging: Despite not having the largest batteries, Motorola phones typically provide solid battery life. Most regular models easily last a day, and fast charging is supported with a fast charger included in the box.
- Decent Performance: While not equipped with the highest-end processors, Motorola phones offer decent performance suitable for everyday use.
- Unique Features: Motorola phones come equipped with features like Ready For and Moto Gestures, which enhance user experience with intuitive functionalities.
- Water Resistance: Mid-range Motorola devices often come with IP67 or IP68 water and dust resistance ratings, ensuring durability against water damage.
- Carrier Compatibility: Motorola phones are compatible with all major US carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, providing flexibility for users who may wish to switch carriers.
- Support for 5G: Many Motorola phones support 5G, including Sub-6 and all necessary 5G bands in the US, ensuring future-proofing for connectivity needs.
- Diverse Product Range: From budget-friendly options to premium models, Motorola offers a wide range of phones to suit different budgets and preferences.
- Additional Features: Motorola phones are packed with extras like dual stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, e-SIM capabilities and wireless charging on selected models, Thinkshield secure apps, and AI features on newer models.
Cons of Motorola Phones
- Software Updates: The software update situation on Motorola phones is one of the worst. While the company has made promises on timely updates with new launches, their phones still lag behind the competition in getting timely updates. It’s not that they don’t get updates; they do, but they get them too late. Because of the nearly stock-UI experience, these phones should get updates before others, but the situation is completely different.
- Bloatware: Once, Motorola unlocked phones had a clean UI, but now some devices do come with bloatware. Additionally, some models sold through carriers come with pre-installed apps and bloatware that cannot be easily removed.
- Camera Performance: Motorola claims big about camera performance, but the truth is Motorola cameras are just decent at best. Yes, they have improved cameras significantly in newer models, but the output is still behind similarly priced phones from other brands. In simple words, the camera isn’t the strongest point of Motorola phones.
- Lack of Flagship Features: Motorola’s flagship phones often lack some of the high-end features found in flagship phones from brands like Samsung or Apple. Yes, Motorola phones cost less, but still, they lack flagship features like higher-resolution displays, more advanced camera systems, and flagship processors.
- Slightly Smaller Battery Size: Motorola budget and mid-range phones pack 5000 mAh batteries, which is great, but their higher-end phones pack 4500 or 4700 mAh batteries, which is not the best. While the battery life is good even on these models, at least 5000 mAh should be the norm now.
Are Motorola phones durable and long-lasting?
The durability of phones depends greatly on the materials used, and Motorola doesn’t use any special materials in their phones.
However, they still tend to last longer, thanks to the metal frames in mid-range to premium options and the Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
It’s worth mentioning that their budget phones don’t have any glass protection, but they still generally withstand minor falls without shattering.
We would like to point out that some Motorola phones have curved edges on the display, which are more prone to damage compared to flat displays. So, if you own such a phone, you need to handle it more carefully.
We highly recommend getting a good-quality back case and screen protector for your phone. If you do so, your Motorola phone can last longer without damage.
If you don’t like covers or screen protectors, you should avoid dropping your phone, as no phone is completely shatterproof. You need to be more careful.
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Are Motorola phones waterproof?
Mid-range to premium Motorola phones, excluding the budget and flip models, come with IP68 water and dust resistance.
Please note that no phone is completely waterproof, as they are water-resistant. With an IP68 rating, a phone can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Going beyond these limits can damage your phone.
Do Motorola phones support wireless charging?
Yes, many Motorola phones support wireless charging. A few of them are Moto Edge 2024, Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024), Motorola Moto X30 Pro, Motorola Moto X40, Motorola Defy 2, Motorola Razr 40/50 Ultra, Razr 40/50, and more. You can find the full list here.
However, it’s important to note that not all Motorola phones offer wireless charging. Budget and some mid-range models often do not include this feature.
Are Motorola phones good for gaming?
If you’ve checked the pros, you’ll note that Motorola phones in their price range don’t typically feature the most advanced processors. It means they can handle light to moderate gaming well but may struggle with heavy titles.
For occasional gaming, Motorola phones perform adequately. However, if gaming is your top priority, Motorola phones will not be the best choice, as you will experience frame drops during extended gaming sessions.
Do Motorola phones get regular updates?
No, Motorola phones do not receive timely updates, which is a significant drawback of owning one.
While the company has pledged faster updates with new releases, those who purchased Motorola phones before these promises face delays. They must first wait for the My UX update, and then it remains to be seen if the company will uphold their commitments.
Currently, Motorola’s update cycle is below average.
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How do the Motorola cameras perform?
Motorola cameras have historically been below average, but they have improved in newer models.
However, these improvements aren’t enough to make the cameras competitive with the best on the market. Despite the company’s bold claims, real-world performance often leaves users wanting more.
Motorola cameras aren’t the worst; in fact, they are decent. However, they can’t compare to camera-centric phones like the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, or even the mid-range Pixel 8a.
The issue isn’t the hardware, as Motorola cameras have high-resolution and capable processors. The problem lies in the software processing, which is below average.
If Motorola invests more in refining their image processing, their cameras could become great. But as of now, Motorola cameras are merely serviceable to good in certain models, and they aren’t the best in any price segment.
Are Motorola phones secure?
Yes, Motorola phones are generally safe to use. They include the ThinkShield app, Motorola’s security platform, which is designed to provide business-grade security. It includes features like protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other threats, as well as secure boot and data encryption.
Overall, Motorola phones are safe to use. While no phone is 100% secure, Motorola phones offer a high level of safety for most users, including professionals.
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Can Motorola phones be trusted?
Yes, Motorola phones are trusted, even though the company is owned by Lenovo, a Chinese company.
Motorola’s headquarters are still in the US, and there is no evidence of the company selling data to Chinese entities. Overall, Motorola phones can be trusted.
Are Motorola phones compatible with Verizon, T-Mobile, and other major carriers?
Yes, Motorola phones are compatible with major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and others.
Additionally, most unlocked Motorola phones work with multiple carriers, providing flexibility for users who may switch networks.
Are Motorola phones compatible with Android Auto?
Yes, most Motorola phones are compatible with Android Auto. As long as any phone runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later, it works with Android Auto. Just ensure that you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed and that your car’s infotainment system supports Android Auto.
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Are Motorola phones available in stores?
Yes, Motorola phones are available in stores. You can find them at major electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. They are also available at carrier stores like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Additionally, you can purchase Motorola phones online through these retailers’ websites, as well as through Motorola’s official website and other online marketplaces like Amazon.
Are Motorola phones unlocked?
Yes, many Motorola phones are available in unlocked versions, which means they can be used with multiple carriers. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific model’s compatibility with your preferred carrier before purchasing. Carrier-specific models are also available, which may be locked to a particular network, so be sure to verify the status if you need an unlocked phone.
Are Motorola phones eSIM compatible?
Yes, recently launched Motorola phones support eSIM (embedded SIM) technology. eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This feature provides flexibility, especially for travelers or users who want to switch carriers easily without swapping physical SIM cards.
If you require eSim functionality, we highly recommend reviewing the device’s specifications.
Do Motorola phones run stock Android?
Motorola phones run on a nearly stock Android UI. While the newly released My UX skin on Motorola phones may resemble a non-Android skin, you still have options to customize your Motorola phone to look and feel like a nearly stock Android UI.
Is Motorola an American company?
Motorola Mobility, the division that manufactures consumer smartphones, is an American company. Founded in the United States, it has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. However, Motorola Mobility has been owned by Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company, since its acquisition in 2014.
Despite its ownership by Lenovo, Motorola is still widely recognized as an American company.
What do users say about Motorola phones?
We have carefully analyzed user feedback and found that many appreciate Motorola for its near-stock Android experience, which provides a clean and fast user interface. Users also value the durability and build quality, especially in the mid-range to premium models that often feature metal frames and Gorilla Glass protection.
Additionally, features like battery life and overall performance are also praised by many users.
However, a common complaint among users is Motorola’s slower software updates compared to other manufacturers. The camera performance is another area where users have expressed dissatisfaction.
Overall, opinions about Motorola phones are mixed but generally positive regarding their value for money, build quality, and user-friendly software experience.
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Conclusion: Are Motorola phones good?
By now, you’ve likely gathered where Motorola phones excel and where they fall short.
In our opinion, Motorola phones are good and worth considering. While they may not offer top-of-the-line features in every category, they include essential features that perform well.
For those seeking the absolute best in every aspect, other brands might be more suitable.
However, if you’re looking for value for money and set realistic expectations, Motorola phones are unlikely to disappoint.
They’re not perfect, but they’re far from being the worst choice.
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So, are Motorola phones good? By now, you probably have the answer. If you still have doubts, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Also, share your thoughts on whether you agree or disagree with the points mentioned here.