Moto G85 Smartphone: In the ever-evolving smartphone landscape, finding a device that balances premium features with affordability has become increasingly challenging.
Enter the Moto G85, Motorola’s latest mid-range marvel that aims to disrupt the status quo with a combination of high-end specifications and thoughtful design choices.
Released in June 2025, this handset represents a significant step forward for the G-series lineup, bringing several firsts to the table while maintaining the brand’s reputation for delivering value.
Design That Defies Its Price Tag
The moment you hold the Moto G85, you’ll question its mid-range classification. The phone introduces Motorola’s “endless edge” design to the G-series for the first time, featuring a 3D curved pOLED display that seamlessly blends into the frame.
At just 7.6mm thick and weighing a mere 171g (or 173g, depending on the finish), the G85 feels remarkably premium in hand.
Available in three striking colorways – Cobalt Blue and Olive Green with vegan leather finishes, plus Urban Grey with a matte PMMA material – there’s an option to suit every personality.
The vegan leather variants add a touch of luxury while providing excellent grip, though some users report the material feels less premium than what’s found on Motorola’s Edge series.
The attention to detail extends to the camera module, which subtly curves into the phone’s surface rather than protruding aggressively.
This thoughtful design choice not only enhances aesthetics but also means the phone wobbles less when placed on flat surfaces – a small but appreciable detail.
Display Excellence: The Centerpiece Experience
Dominating the front of the device is a 6.67-inch pOLED display with FHD+ resolution (2400×1080 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
This isn’t just any display – it’s the segment’s first 3D curved screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and an impressive 1,600 nits peak brightness.
Content consumption becomes truly immersive thanks to the curved edges that create an almost borderless viewing experience.
Whether streaming videos or playing games, the vibrant colors and deep blacks of the pOLED panel elevate everything you do.
The high brightness level ensures excellent outdoor visibility, addressing a common pain point in mid-range devices.
Complementing the visual experience are dual stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos technology.
These deliver surprisingly rich audio with enhanced bass and clear vocals, creating a multidimensional soundstage that brings content to life. While not quite matching flagship-level audio quality, they significantly outperform most competitors in this price bracket.
Camera Capabilities: Daylight Brilliance
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the G85’s camera system, headlined by a 50MP main shooter with optical image stabilization (OIS) and Sony’s LYTIA 600 sensor.
This is paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens that doubles as a macro camera, providing versatility without unnecessary sensor padding.
In daylight conditions, the main camera captures impressive shots with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. The OIS implementation helps minimize blur, particularly in challenging lighting or when shooting moving subjects.
Portrait mode produces pleasing results with natural-looking bokeh and reasonable edge detection, while the ultrawide lens allows you to capture expansive scenes with minimal distortion.
Selfie lovers aren’t forgotten, with a 32MP front camera that renders facial details nicely and produces flattering, natural-looking skin tones – a refreshing change from the over-processed look common in this segment.
Where the camera system shows its mid-range limitations is in low-light performance. Despite using the capable Sony LYTIA 600 sensor, night photos often exhibit noticeable noise and softness.
While the dedicated night mode improves things somewhat, competitors like the Realme P1 and CMF Phone 1 edge ahead in this department.
Video capabilities are serviceable but unexceptional, with recording capped at 1080p/60fps – a disappointment when some rivals now offer 4K recording at similar price points.
Performance: Balanced for Everyday Tasks
Under the hood, the Moto G85 packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, built on a 6nm process.
While not a performance powerhouse, it’s paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB of UFS 2.2 storage (expandable via microSD).
This configuration delivers smooth everyday performance for browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
Multitasking feels responsive, especially on the 12GB variant, though demanding games may require graphics settings adjustments for optimal frame rates. With AnTuTu v10 scores around 475,000, the G85 positions itself firmly in the mid-range performance bracket.
Battery life comes courtesy of a 5,000mAh cell that delivers mixed results. While Motorola claims “over 34 hours” of usage, real-world testing suggests more moderate endurance of around 5.5 hours of screen-on time.
The 33W TurboPower charging refills the battery from empty to full in approximately 80 minutes – respectable but not class-leading when competitors offer 80W charging speeds.
Software: Clean, Customizable, and Connected
The G85 ships with Android 14 out of the box and Motorola’s lightweight “My UX” overlay that preserves the stock Android feel while adding thoughtful enhancements.
Moto’s signature gestures remain – twist to launch the camera, chop for flashlight – alongside extensive customization options.
A standout feature is Smart Connect, which enables seamless wireless connectivity with larger screens like laptops for file transfers and content sharing.
While the G85 misses out on the advanced AI features found in Motorola’s Edge and Razr lines, it does include Google’s AI tools like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Photo Blur.
Motorola promises two major OS updates (up to Android 16) and four years of security patches, which, while not industry-leading, provides reasonable longevity for most users.
The relative lack of bloatware is refreshing, though a few preinstalled third-party apps do make an appearance.
Value Proposition: Premium Feel at Mid-Range Price
Priced competitively around $200-230 (₹16,999-18,999 in India), the Moto G85 positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking a premium-feeling device without flagship costs.
Its standout display, elegant design, and balanced feature set create a package that punches above its weight class in several areas.
However, the competitive landscape means potential buyers should consider alternatives like the Realme P1 or CMF Phone 1, which offer superior performance in specific areas like raw processing power or camera capabilities.
Moto G85 Smartphone Style Meets Substance
The Moto G85 represents Motorola’s most refined attempt yet to bring premium features to the mid-range segment.
Its gorgeous display, sophisticated design, and clean software experience create a cohesive package that feels more expensive than it is.
While performance and low-light photography reveal its mid-range nature, the overall experience exceeds expectations.
For content consumers, style-conscious users, and those who appreciate a clean Android experience, the Moto G85 stands as one of the most compelling options in its price bracket.
It may not excel in every category, but its thoughtful blend of features creates a distinctly premium experience that defies its mid-range classification.