Motorola has been a dominant force in the budget smartphone market in the US for years with its Moto G lineup, but these Android phones have often lacked excitement compared to other options like the Google Pixel 3A or the Nothing Phone (2a). One major drawback has been the lack of near-field communication (NFC) support, which enables tap-to-pay for contactless payments. Motorola’s decision to exclude this feature on its sub-$300 phones in the US for almost a decade put it behind competitors who offered NFC on devices as low as $150.
However, the new Moto G Power 5G changes the game. It is the best Moto G phone the company has ever produced and arguably the best phone you can buy for under $300. The phone stands out with its new textured vegan leather back design, which not only looks great but also resists fingerprints well. The performance is impressive, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7020 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, providing a smooth experience despite occasional stutters when switching between apps.
The 6.7-inch LCD screen is sharp and easily readable in bright sunlight, while features like the 3.5-mm headphone jack and side-mounted fingerprint sensor add convenience. The phone’s 5,000-mAh battery lasts a full day of heavy use and offers wireless charging, a rare feature in sub-$400 smartphones. NFC support is also finally included in a sub-$300 Moto G phone, allowing for easy contactless payments.
Overall, the Moto G Power 5G for 2024 is a standout device in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features and performance at an affordable price point.
