Motorola has officially launched its latest budget-friendly 5G smartphone in India, the Moto G96 5G. This new phone is making headlines because it brings premium features—like a curved screen and top-tier water resistance—to the under-₹20,000 price segment.
If you are looking for a stylish phone that looks expensive but fits a mid-range budget, the Moto G96 5G might be the right choice. Here is everything you need to know about its price, specifications, and how it stands against competitors.
What Happened?
On July 9, 2025, Motorola announced the Moto G96 5G for the Indian market. The company is positioning this device as a solid “all-rounder” that focuses on design, display quality, and durability.
Unlike many other phones in this price range that use plastic bodies and flat screens, the Moto G96 offers a vegan leather finish and a 3D curved pOLED display, giving it a very premium look and feel. It is now available for purchase on Flipkart, the official Motorola website, and select retail stores.
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Key Features and Specifications
1. Display and Design
The biggest selling point of the Moto G96 is its screen. It features a 6.67-inch 3D Curved pOLED display.
- Smoothness: It supports a 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel incredibly smooth.
- Brightness: With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, the screen is easy to read even under bright sunlight.
- Protection: The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Build: The back panel has a vegan leather finish, which is comfortable to hold and resists fingerprints. It comes in unique Pantone colors like Greener Pastures, Ashleigh Blue, Cattleya Orchid, and Dresden Blue.
2. Camera Setup
For photography lovers, Motorola has included a capable camera system:
- Main Camera: A 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This helps take clear, shake-free photos even in low light.
- Secondary Camera: An 8MP Ultrawide lens that also works as a Macro and Depth sensor.
- Selfie Camera: A high-resolution 32MP front camera for sharp selfies and video calls.
- Video: Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording, which is rare in this price bracket.
3. Performance and Software
- Processor: The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. While it is not the most powerful gaming chip, it handles daily tasks, social media, and multitasking easily.
- Software: It runs on Android 15 out of the box with Motorola’s clean Hello UI.
- Updates: Motorola promises 1 OS update and 3 years of security updates.
4. Battery and Charging
The device packs a large 5,500mAh battery, which is slightly bigger than the standard 5,000mAh found in most phones. It supports 33W TurboPower fast charging. A compatible charger is included in the box.
5. Durability (IP68 Rating)
One of the standout features is the IP68 rating. This means the phone is dust-tight and can withstand being submerged in fresh water (up to 1.5 meters) for up to 30 minutes. This is a huge advantage over competitors that usually offer only IP54 (splash resistance).
Why It Matters for Indian Users
The sub-₹20,000 segment in India is very crowded with brands like Realme, Redmi, and Vivo. However, most phones in this range compromise on build quality to offer better gaming processors.
The Moto G96 5G takes a different approach. It is designed for users who want a “lifestyle” phone—one that looks great in hand, has a beautiful screen for watching videos, and can survive accidental water drops during the monsoon. It is less about hardcore gaming and more about a premium daily experience.
Price and Availability in India
The Moto G96 5G is competitively priced for the Indian market.
| RAM + Storage | Price (INR) |
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹17,999 |
| 8GB + 256GB | ₹19,999 |
Launch Offers: During the initial sale, bank offers may bring the effective price down further by ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 on select bank cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Moto G96 5G good for gaming?
It is decent for casual gaming like BGMI or COD Mobile on medium settings. However, if you are a heavy gamer, phones with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or Dimensity series might be better.
Q2: Does the Moto G96 come with a charger in the box?
Yes, Motorola includes a 33W TurboPower charger and a USB cable in the box.
Q3: Is the phone really waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating, which means it can survive submersion in water. However, liquid damage is usually not covered under the standard warranty, so be careful.
Q4: Does it have a curved display?
Yes, it features a 3D Curved pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Q5: Can I expand the storage?
No, the Moto G96 5G does not have a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion.
Q6: How is the Moto G96 different from the Moto Edge 50 Fusion?
The Edge 50 Fusion is slightly more expensive and offers faster charging (68W) and a slightly better camera setup, but they share the same processor and similar design language
