Moto G45 5G Review: Budget 5G Phone with Premium Features?

Is the Moto G45 5G the Ultimate Budget Smartphone?

Looking for a capable 5G smartphone under $200 that doesn't compromise on essential features? After testing Motorola's surprise contender, the Moto G45 5G, I believe this device challenges budget phone expectations. Priced below 2.5 million IDR (around $160), it brings unusual premium touches like vegan leather and Pantone-validated colors. Drawing from hands-on testing, we'll examine whether its Snapdragon performance and 120Hz display deliver real-world value or cut too many corners.

What stands out immediately is Motorola's bold design approach – a refreshing departure from typical plastic budget devices. During my week with the phone, I discovered several features that outperform its price point, though some limitations emerge under scrutiny. Let's break down what makes this phone unique.

Design and Display: Premium Touches in Budget Packaging

The Moto G45 5G makes a strong first impression with its vegan leather back cover and Pantone-validated color options. Available in Brilliant Blue, Brilliant Green, and Viva Magenta, these finishes resist fingerprints while adding tactile luxury uncommon under $200. Measuring just 8mm thick and weighing 183g, it feels surprisingly premium in hand.

The 6.5-inch LCD display features adaptive 120Hz refresh rate technology that dynamically adjusts between 60-120Hz. This isn't just marketing fluff – during testing, scrolling through social media felt noticeably smoother than competing budget devices. While brightness peaks at 500 nits (adequate indoors but challenging in direct sunlight), the inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides scratch resistance rare in this segment.

Practical design elements include:

IP52 rating for dust/water resistance
Dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack
Thoughtful button placement (power and volume on right edge)
Dual SIM tray with microSD expansion

Performance and Gaming: Surprising Snapdragon Power

Driving the Moto G45 5G is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor built on 6nm architecture. Benchmark tests reveal capable performance:

AnTuTu: 456,893
Geekbench: 1,143 (single-core), 2,146 (multi-core)
3DMark Wild Life: 1,271 points

Real-world gaming tests showed the device handles popular titles competently. During 30-minute PUBG Mobile sessions at Smooth graphics/Ultra frame rate settings, gameplay averaged 39 FPS with minimal stuttering. Mobile Legends reached 85 FPS on Ultra settings – impressive for this price bracket. Crucially, thermal management held temperatures to 38°C maximum during extended play.

The 5G modem deserves special mention, supporting carrier aggregation and 4x4 MIMO for stable connections. While demanding games like Genshin Impact require significant graphical compromises, everyday performance exceeds expectations. Motorola's software optimization clearly helps – the near-stock Android experience keeps background processes lean.

Camera and Battery: Daily Driver Capabilities

Motorola equips the G45 5G with a 50MP main sensor using quad-pixel binning. Daylight photography delivers natural colors and decent dynamic range, though low-light performance shows expected budget limitations. The 16MP front camera particularly impressed me with its natural skin tones – a rarity in this segment where beautification often overprocesses images.

Video capabilities include stabilized 1080p recording. During walking tests, footage remained usable though not class-leading. Standout software features:

Google Photo AI organization
Magic Eraser object removal
Auto smile/hand gesture capture

The 5,000mAh battery proved exceptionally durable in testing:

30-minute video streaming: 4% drain
30-minute social media: 5% drain
30-minute gaming: 10% drain
Included 20W charging restores a full day's power in about 90 minutes. For moderate users, this easily delivers all-day endurance.

Software and Value Proposition

Running near-stock Android 14 with guaranteed Android 15 upgrade, Motorola's software approach focuses on longevity rather than bloat. Exclusive Moto features add genuine utility:

Chop-chop gesture for flashlight activation
Twist-twist for quick camera launch
Family Space for parental controls
Smart Connect for seamless file sharing

At its official price point of IDR 2,399,000 (~$155), this phone delivers exceptional value. The vegan leather design and 120Hz display alone justify consideration, but combined with competent performance and clean software, it creates a compelling package.

Final Verdict and User Considerations

The Moto G45 5G stands out by offering premium aesthetics and smooth display technology at a budget price. While cameras won't rival flagships and intense gaming requires compromises, it excels as a balanced daily driver.

Consider this phone if you prioritize:

Distinctive design with premium materials
Smooth 120Hz display performance
All-day battery endurance
Clean, upgradable software
Reliable 5G connectivity

Motorola's comeback device successfully blends style and substance. If you've tried similar budget devices, what surprised you most about the Moto G45 5G's balance of features? Share your experience below!