Motorola Moto G85 Review: Is This £300 Upgrade Worth It?

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Curious whether Motorola’s Moto G85 5G delivers meaningful upgrades over its predecessor without breaking the bank? After thoroughly testing this £300 contender, I’ve identified where it shines – and where it echoes the older G84. The refreshed design and camera sensor grabbed my attention immediately, but real-world performance reveals critical nuances. Let’s dissect whether this budget-friendly device deserves your cash.

Design and Build Quality

Motorola adopts its premium Edge 50 series aesthetic for the G85, featuring curved-edge displays and a strikingly slim profile. Weighing just over 170g, it’s exceptionally pocketable. The vegan leather back (available in Cobalt Blue or Olive Green) offers a luxurious grip, while the Urban Grey model uses hard plastic. Notably, the camera bump sits almost flush – a rare win against wobble-prone rivals. Though lacking official water resistance, Motorola’s water-repellent coating provides peace of mind against spills. The included case is a practical touch, though the absence of a charger in the box feels frustrating at this price.

Display and Audio Experience

Upgraded to a 6.67-inch pOLED panel, the G85’s 120Hz FHD+ display outshines the G84 with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Curved edges didn’t trigger accidental touches during my testing, even with firm grips. Brightness suffices for UK conditions, though sunnier climates may demand shade. The stereo speakers deliver clear Dolby Atmos-tuned audio, with the bottom driver offering fuller sound than the earpiece. While loudness isn’t class-leading, quality remains solid for Netflix binges. Sadly, the 3.5mm headphone jack is gone – relying solely on Bluetooth 5.1.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, performance mirrors the G84’s Snapdragon 695. Everyday tasks feel smooth thanks to near-stock Android 14, but expect occasional stutters when switching camera modes or gaming intensively. As TechRadar’s 2024 testing shows, this tier struggles with heavy titles: Genshin Impact hits 30fps on low settings but tanks at higher presets. Motorola commits to only two Android OS updates (up to Android 16) and four years of security patches – lagging behind rivals like OnePlus Nord. Bloatware (Facebook, LinkedIn, low-quality games) is concerning, though uninstallable.

Camera Capabilities

The 50MP primary camera swaps last year’s Samsung sensor for a Sony LYT-600 – also used in Realme’s Pro+ series. Results impress in balanced lighting, capturing crisp details without oversaturation. Motorola’s auto-enhance feature intelligently rescues shadow details in high-contrast scenes. The 8MP ultrawide doubles as a macro lens, while the 32MP selfie cam handles backlight decently. Video maxes at 1080p/60fps (no 4K), with reliable stabilization but noticeable processing lag. Pro mode RAW support offers editing flexibility.

Battery Life and Charging

Retaining the 5,000mAh battery from the G84, the G85 easily lasts 1.5 days with moderate use. Heavy users will still reach bedtime comfortably. Optimized charging protects longevity by delaying full charges overnight. The 30W wired refill hits 50% in 30 minutes but feels outdated when competitors offer 65W+ at similar prices. No wireless charging is expected but still a miss for convenience seekers.

Should You Buy the Motorola Moto G85?

Choose the Moto G85 if: You prioritize sleek design, a vivid OLED display, and camera versatility under £300. The vegan leather finish and expandable storage (via microSD) add genuine value.

Consider alternatives if: Raw performance or long-term software support tops your list. The OnePlus Nord CE4 offers faster charging and Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 power at this price, while Google Pixel’s A-series guarantees timely updates.

Motorola’s upgrade focuses on refinements – not revolutions. For G84 owners, the camera and display improvements alone don’t compel an upgrade. But as a standalone device, it balances style and substance effectively, despite the middling chipset and bloatware.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Use Motorola’s auto-enhance feature to dynamically improve HDR photos.
2. Enable optimized charging in settings to preserve battery health.
3. Immediately uninstall bloatware like Facebook and "Bottle Jump 3D".
4. Pair with a 30W+ PD charger for fastest refills (adapter not included).
5. Expand storage via microSD if downloading large games/media libraries.

Which aspect – camera, performance, or battery life – would most influence your purchase decision? Share your priorities below! For deeper comparisons, GSMArena’s phone finder tool objectively benchmarks specs against rivals.