Motorola is revamping its budget-friendly Moto G line with a new model that features a 50MP rear camera, similar to top devices like the Galaxy S23.
Granted, the 2024 Moto G Play will not have the same level of technology or features as the S23, but it is a huge improvement from last year’s model, which had a mediocre 16MP camera. Nevertheless, it will have a few software features to improve image quality. Motorola says the handset will offer HDR, which allows for brighter photographs, as well as Phase Detection Autofocus, or PDAF for short. The latter enables the phone to better “detect where light rays” are originating from. Android Authority calls it the “best method for autofocusing” on smartphones, and it can also be found in some of the top mirrorless cameras on the market.
Keep in mind that it is only one lens. There will be no telephoto or similar options available alongside it. The back camera has a variety of shooting settings, including but not limited to night vision and 8x digital zoom.
The selfie lens has also been updated, with an 8MP sensor replacing the 5MP one. Motorola also added the Photobooth feature, which allows users to “stitch together four different poses” into a series of successive photos.
Hardware improvements (as well as downgrades)
The 2024 Moto G Play will see advances in some areas, however, it will retain a few limitations of the earlier generation.
For example, it retains the 6.5-inch 720p LCD screen, but now features a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz for seamless video playback. If you wish to save battery life, you can reduce the frequency to 60 Hz. Furthermore, the smartphone will be powered by a 6nm Snapdragon 680 CPU, although it will lack 5G connection, similar to the 2023 gadget.
Motorola is doing this bizarre back-and-forth with the Moto G Play, introducing an upgrade then quickly scaling it back. Presumably, this is done to keep the price low.
The Moto G Play is interesting because it offers features that make it an excellent first phone for children. Motorola expressly says that the display is constructed of Corning Gorilla 3 glass and has an IP52 rating to defend against accidental spills. On board, the tablet will include the Family Space application, which allows parents to establish screen time limits and regulate which apps are accessible on the device.
Availability
Other significant features include Moto Secure malware protection, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and a 5,000mAh battery capable of lasting up to 46 hours on a single charge.
The 2024 Moto G Play will be released in the United States on February 8 for $150. It may be purchased at Motorola’s website or Amazon, and it will be “universally unlocked” so you can connect to your preferred carrier. If you don’t already have one, the smartphone is available from Verizon, Cricket, and AT&T, among others.
Canada will receive the phone a little earlier. It will be “available through select carriers” on January 26th. There is no indication on how much it will cost because it is dependent on whatever carrier is chosen.
