The Motorola G96 5G has been officially launched in India, featuring a 6.67-inch 3D curved pOLED display, 8 GB of RAM and a launch price starting at around ₹17,999. This model targets the sub-₹20,000 5G smartphone segment by offering advanced display, camera and build features.
The Motorola G96 5G delivers a strong feature set—8 GB RAM, a 144 Hz 3D curved pOLED display, IP68 rating, premium finishes and a competitive launch price of roughly ₹17,999—making it a compelling choice in the under-₹20,000 5G smartphone category.
While it impresses on paper, prospective buyers should carefully weigh real-world performance, software support and service availability before purchase. With the right deal and the right context, it may well redefine expectations in the mid-range market.
Motorola G96 5G Display & Hardware Highlights
3D Curved 144 Hz Display
The G96 5G features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ (2400×1080) pOLED screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a 3D curved-edge design, delivering smoother motion in scrolling and gaming. (Gizmochina) The display supports up to 1600 nits peak brightness and is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.
The curved screen gives the phone a premium look and feel, positioning it above many competitors in this price bracket.
Performance & Memory
Under the hood is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, a 4nm design promising good efficiency and performance in mid-range devices. (Gizmochina) The phone ships with 8 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB. (Gizmochina) Other specifications include dual-SIM support, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C interface. (Motorola Support)
Motorola G96 5G Camera, Battery & Build Features
Camera Setup
The rear camera module incorporates a 50 MP Sony LYT-700C sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), signalling Motorola’s focus on improved photography in this price range. (The Tribune) The secondary rear lens is an 8 MP ultra-wide/macro combo; the front has a 32 MP selfie camera. (FoneArena) The device supports 4K video recording from all lenses, according to the launch details.
Battery, Charging & Build
The G96 5G packs a 5,500 mAh battery with 33 W TurboPower charging. (NDTV Profit) Build quality includes an IP68 dust/water resistance rating and a lightweight profile at 178 g and 7.93 mm thickness. (Gizmochina) Colour and finish options include Pantone-validated shades like Ashleigh Blue, Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid and Dresden Blue, with a vegan-leather texture on some trims.
Launch Price & Offer Details
The device went on sale in India from 9 July 2025 and is available through online platforms (such as Flipkart) and retail stores. (mint) The starting price for the 8 GB + 128 GB variant is listed at ₹17,999. With launch offers, bank discounts and exchange deals, the effective price may be lower in some markets. It is being marketed as a “Dhamaka launch offer” in the mid-range segment.
Market Context: Why It Matters
Elevated Features in Mid-Range
With features like a 144 Hz curved display and IP68 rating, the G96 5G brings near-flagship build and display characteristics into the ~₹20,000 range—a segment that has traditionally emphasised value over premium touches.
The company itself describes the handset as bringing “segment’s best 144 Hz 3D Curved pOLED display” and “segment’s best 50 MP OIS Sony LYTIA 700C camera” to the g-series line.
Competitive Landscape
India’s 5G smartphone market under ₹20,000 is crowded, with firms like Realme, Xiaomi and Samsung vying for share. Motorola is betting on distinct build and display features rather than simply under-cutting on price.
Buyer Implications
For Indian consumers this means:
- Strong specification sheet (display, camera, build) usually found in higher price-brackets.
- A viable 5G option at around ₹18K with premium touches.
- Yet they should verify service-centre availability, real-world battery performance and update support.
Related Links
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 2025 with 3TB Storage and 350MP Camera: Dhamaka Launch Price Announced
Expert Commentary & Potential Trade-Offs
Analyst Viewpoint
Dr Anil Kumar, smartphone market analyst at TechInsights India, noted: “A high refresh-rate display offers noticeable fluidity but the benefit is only clear when apps and games are optimised for it—otherwise it may remain a marketing point.” He added that curved edges may reduce comfort or case compatibility for some users.
Considerations & Limitations
- 33 W charging is respectable but lower than some rivals offering 65 W or more in the segment.
- Expandable storage (micro-SD) appears to be absent in many variants.
- Software update policy: The official listing mentions Android 15 out of the box and three years of security updates, but only one OS version upgrade is confirmed.
- The ultra-wide/macro camera, while present, may not match the main sensor’s performance in low-light. Review commentary suggests this is a weaker link.
What Buyers Should Do Before Purchase
- Check regional availability and service support – especially in states like Uttarakhand where coverage might vary.
- Experience the display in-person – evaluate brightness outdoors, curved edge feel, and comfort with one-hand use.
- Look for launch offers – bank discounts, exchange deals and festive-sale reductions could further improve value.
- Review software support – ask the retailer or check manufacturer’s website for OS/patch-update commitments.
- Test camera and battery – try daylight and low-light shots; gauge battery performance under your typical usage pattern.
