Updated on December 1, 2023
Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that can cater to your daily needs without burning a hole in your pocket? The Motorola Moto G9 Play might just be what you’re looking for. Although this is NOT the latest or newest phone in the market as of this writing, it still packs a punch with its impressive features and capabilities.
In this review, we will take a closer look at what makes this phone stand out from the competition. From its specifications to its performance and everything in between, we’ll dive into it all and see if this phone is the right fit for you.
So buckle up and let’s get started!
To begin with, the Motorola Moto G9 Play was first announced on August 24, 2020. The phone was initially released on August 28, 2020.
Moving on to the network section, the phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE network technology.
In addition, the phone also features a fingerprint (rear-mounted), an accelerometer, a gyro, and proximity sensors.
As for the body, regarding its dimensions, weight, and build, the phone measures 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm and weighs 200 g (7.05 oz). The phone’s build is made of glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. The phone supports a single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) with a water-repellent coating.
Moving on to the display, the phone features an IPS LCD that measures 6.5 inches and has a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, a 20:9 ratio. The display is protected by the water-repellent coating.
Turning to the platform, the phone runs on Android 10, is upgradable to Android 11 and is powered by a Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 chipset. The phone’s CPU is Octa-core and the phone’s GPU is Adreno 610.
Moving on to memory, the phone has 64GB 4GB RAM or 128GB 4GB RAM of internal storage.
Turning to the camera, the phone features a triple 48 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP main camera setup.
As for the front-facing camera, the phone features a single 8 MP selfie camera.
Moving on to communications, the phone supports USB Type-C 2.0.
Regarding the battery, the phone is powered by a Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable battery that provides 20W wired charging and has a battery life of up to 2 days of usage.
Lastly, in terms of aesthetics, the phone is available in Forest Green, Sapphire Blue, and Spring Pink colors. The phone is priced at $180 / €185 / £169 / C$234 / ₱9,900 / ₹14,890 / Rp2,760,575.
Friendly Reminder
Prices may differ based on the retailer and the specific model you select. It’s worth noting that a phone with more storage capacity will typically be more expensive. However, prices may decrease over time as newer models are released.
Key Features of the Motorola Moto G9 Play
Impressive Display
The Motorola Moto G9 Play features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 209 aspect ratio. The screen is protected by a water-repellent coating, which is ideal for accidental spills or splashes.
Although the resolution may not be the highest in the market, it still delivers clear, vibrant visuals that are perfect for streaming videos and browsing websites.
Reliable Battery Life
This phone packs a Li-Po 5000 mAh battery that provides up to two days of usage on a single charge. This impressive battery life is great for users who need their phones to last all day without worrying about running out of power.
Additionally, the phone supports 20W wired charging, making it easy to quickly juice up the battery when needed.
Powerful Camera
The Motorola Moto G9 Play is equipped with a triple camera setup on the rear, featuring a 48 MP primary camera, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. This powerful camera system produces clear, vivid images that capture every detail.
For selfie enthusiasts, the phone also has an 8 MP front-facing camera that takes sharp and well-lit selfies.
Upgradable Operating System
The phone runs on Android 10 and is upgradable to Android 11, ensuring that users can enjoy the latest features and security updates from Google. This upgradeable operating system is important for keeping the phone secure and functioning optimally.
Water-Repellent Coating
The Motorola Moto G9 Play comes with a water-repellent coating that protects against accidental spills or splashes. This feature is essential for anyone who wants peace of mind while using their phone in wet environments, such as near a swimming pool or while cooking in the kitchen.
The water-repellent coating helps to prevent water damage, ensuring that the phone remains functional in case of accidental exposure to liquid.
Why do people like the Motorola Moto G9 Play and who it’s for
Why do people like the Motorola Moto G9 Play?
The Motorola Moto G9 Play has been well-received by consumers who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that still delivers impressive features and capabilities. The phone’s 6.5-inch IPS LCD is one of its standout features, with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio that provides an immersive viewing experience.
In addition to its display, the Moto G9 Play also boasts a robust camera setup, featuring a triple 48 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP main camera that takes brilliant photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The phone’s 8 MP front-facing camera is also capable of taking clear selfies and making high-quality video calls.
Another reason why people like the Moto G9 Play is its long battery life. It is powered by a 5000 mAh non-removable battery that supports up to 20W wired charging and provides up to two days of usage on a single charge. This means users can enjoy extended hours of phone usage without worrying about running out of power.
Overall, the Moto G9 Play is ideal for those who prioritize affordability without compromising on functionality and performance. It offers a smooth and responsive user experience, thanks to its Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 chipset and Octa-core CPU, which provides fast processing speeds and efficient multitasking.
Who is the Motorola Moto G9 Play for?
The Motorola Moto G9 Play is perfect for individuals who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that can cater to their daily needs without breaking the bank. The phone’s robust camera setup, large display, and long battery life make it a perfect fit for those who frequently use their phones for taking photos, browsing the internet, or streaming videos.
In addition, the Moto G9 Play’s water-repellent coating and durable plastic frame make it a great choice for individuals who require a reliable phone that can withstand accidental drops and spills.
Overall, the Moto G9 Play is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable smartphone that offers impressive features and capabilities at an affordable price point. With its powerful performance, long battery life, and stunning camera setup, this phone has something to offer for everyone.
Motorola Moto G9 Play Full Specifications
| LAUNCH▾ |
| Announced: 2020, August 24 |
| Status: Available. Released 2020, August 28 |
| NETWORK▾ |
| Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| FEATURES▾ |
| Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| BODY▾ |
| Dimensions: 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) |
| Weight: 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Build: Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| SIM: Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| *Water-repellent coating |
| DISPLAY▾ |
| Type: IPS LCD |
| Size: 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| PLATFORM▾ |
| OS: Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Chipset: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| CPU: Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| GPU: Adreno 610 |
| MEMORY▾ |
| Card slot: microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| MAIN CAMERA▾ |
| Triple: 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF |
| *2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| *2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video: 1080p@30/60fps |
| SELFIE CAMERA▾ |
| Single: 8 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm |
| Features: HDR |
| Video: 1080p@30fps |
| SOUND▾ |
| Loudspeaker: Yes |
| 3.5mm jack: Yes |
| COMMUNICATIONS▾ |
| WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| NFC: Yes |
| Radio: FM radio |
| USB: USB Type-C 2.0 |
| BATTERY▾ |
| Type: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging: 20W wired |
| TESTS▾ |
| Performance: |
| AnTuTu: 170064 (v8) |
| GeekBench: 1402 (v5.1) |
| GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display: |
| Contrast ratio: 1944:1 |
| Camera: Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: -27.6 LUFS (Good) |
| MISCELLANEOUS▾ |
| Colors: Forest Green, Sapphire Blue, Spring Pink |
| Models: XT2083, XT2083-1 |
| Price: $180 / €185 / £169 / C$234 / ₱9,900 / ₹14,890 / Rp2,760,575 |
Similar Products
Same Features, Different Brands: Motorola Moto G9 Play Alternatives
If you’re in search of alternative smartphones with almost the same features and specifications as the Motorola Moto G9 Play, here are some options to consider:
Xiaomi Redmi 9
This budget-friendly phone is a great alternative to the Moto G9 Play. It has a 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, similar to the Moto G9 Play’s display. The Redmi 9 runs on Android 10 and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset.
It has a triple camera setup at the back with a combination of 13 MP, 8 MP, and 5 MP sensors and an 8 MP front-facing camera. The phone also boasts a 5020mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 – Specs & Review
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Another alternative to the Moto G9 Play is the Samsung Galaxy A21s. This phone has a larger 6.5-inch PLS TFT display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, similar to the Moto G9 Play’s display. The Galaxy A21s runs on Android 10 and is powered by an Exynos 850 chipset.
It has a quad-camera setup at the back with a combination of 48 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP, and 2 MP sensors and a 13 MP front-facing camera. The phone also boasts a 5000mAh battery with 15W fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy A21s – Specs & Review
Realme Narzo 30A
The Realme Narzo 30A is another alternative with similar features to the Moto G9 Play. It has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, similar to the Moto G9 Play’s display. The Narzo 30A runs on Android 10 and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset.
It has a dual-camera setup at the back with a combination of 13 MP and 2 MP sensors and an 8 MP front-facing camera. The phone also boasts a massive 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Realme Narzo 30A – Specs & Review
Nokia 5.4
The Nokia 5.4 is another great alternative to consider. It has a 6.39-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, similar to the Moto G9 Play’s display. The Nokia 5.4 runs on Android 10 and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset.
It has a quad-camera setup at the back with a combination of 48 MP, 5 MP, 2 MP, and 2 MP sensors and a 16 MP front-facing camera. The phone also boasts a 4000mAh battery with 10W fast charging.
Oppo A53
Lastly, the Oppo A53 is another alternative to consider. It has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, similar to the Moto G9 Play’s display. The Oppo A53 runs on Android 10 and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset.
It has a triple camera setup at the back with a combination of 16 MP, 2 MP, and 2 MP sensors and a 16 MP front-facing camera. The phone also boasts a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Friendly Reminder
These phones are great budget-friendly alternatives to the Motorola Moto G9 Play. They offer similar features and specifications that cater to your daily needs without breaking the bank.
PROS and CONS of the Motorola Moto G9 Play
PROS
| ✅ The phone has a large 6.5-inch display with a water-repellent coating, making it great for watching videos and playing games. |
| ✅ The phone has a triple camera setup that includes a high-resolution 48 MP main camera, allowing you to take high-quality photos. |
| ✅ The phone has a powerful battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh, providing up to 2 days of usage on a single charge. |
| ✅ The phone runs on the latest Android 10 operating system, is upgradable to Android 11, and has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, ensuring smooth performance. |
CONS
| ❌ The phone's resolution is only 720 x 1600 pixels, which may not be as clear or sharp as higher-end smartphones. |
| ❌ The phone's internal storage is limited to either 64GB or 128GB with 4GB RAM, which may not be sufficient for heavy users who need more space. |
| ❌ The phone does not support wireless charging, which may be inconvenient for some users. |
| ❌ The phone's plastic build may feel less premium compared to phones with glass or metal construction. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chipset used on the Motorola Moto G9 Play?
The Motorola Moto G9 Play runs on a Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 chipset.
What is the battery life of the phone?
The phone has a Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable battery that provides up to 2 days of usage.
What is the front-facing camera resolution of the phone?
The phone features a single 8 MP selfie camera.
Conclusion
The Motorola Moto G9 Play is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features and capabilities. Despite not being the latest model in the market, this phone still manages to pack quite the punch.
One of the standout features of this phone is its impressive battery life, which can last up to two days of usage. This makes it an ideal device for those who are always on the go and need a reliable phone that won’t die easily.
Additionally, the phone’s triple camera setup and 8 MP front-facing camera allow users to capture stunning pictures and videos. This makes it perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to take high-quality pictures without spending a lot of money on expensive cameras.
Overall, the Motorola Moto G9 Play is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features and capabilities. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who needs a reliable phone for everyday use, this phone is worth considering.
Your thoughts are welcome. Feel free to leave any comments below.
