Motorola Moto G04 review
Right for casual users and families in emerging markets who value a big battery and large screen over speed and display sharpness, and can tolerate slow charging. Anyone who games, multitasks heavily, or demands sharp visuals should spend a bit more and get a 1080p phone with a faster processor."
This review is based on Motorola’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Motorola Moto G04, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Moto G04 is a large-screened budget phone built for messaging, video, and long battery life in emerging markets. It delivers on size and endurance but stumbles with slow charging, soft display clarity, and a processor that struggles when you push it.
Design & Build
At 178.8 grams and 8 mm thick, the Moto G04 sits comfortably in one hand despite its 6.56-inch footprint. The frame is plastic, the back is plastic, and the front is plain glass without named protection, so expect the screen to scratch or crack more easily than a Gorilla Glass panel would. Water repellency handles rain and spilled drinks but does not guard against dunking. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works quickly and the rear positioning is reliable. For £78, the build feels adequate rather than durable—it will survive pocket lint and careless handling, but drops are a real risk.
Display
The 6.56-inch IPS LCD expands your view for video calls and social media, and the 90Hz refresh keeps scrolling smooth and responsive. The 84.9% screen-to-body ratio is generous. But the 720p resolution at 269 ppi density is the weak point: text looks fuzzy at reading distance, small icons blur, and web pages feel less crisp than a modern 1080p budget phone. This was ordinary in 2022, but by 2024 rivals at this price point have moved to full HD. If you mostly watch video and scroll feeds, the softness is ignorable; if you read constantly, it will frustrate.
Performance
The Unisoc T606 is entry-level silicon designed for light multitasking and everyday apps. On the 8GB RAM variant, Android 14 runs smoothly for calling, texting, messaging, and browsing. Load a demanding game or open ten browser tabs and performance drops—frame rates dip, menus lag, and switching between apps feels sluggish. The base 4GB RAM variant is noticeably worse under pressure. This chip was acceptable in early 2024, but it is not built for heavy users or those who install many apps. For a buyer who uses one or two services at a time, it is fine; anyone doing more will feel the ceiling.
Software
Android 14 arrives out of the box with a clean interface and no major upgrade path ahead. Motorola's light touch on bloat is welcome compared to rivals that ship with heavy overlays. Security patches and point updates will land, but major Android versions beyond 14 are not guaranteed. For a budget device bought in early 2024, the lack of a long-term upgrade promise is expected, though not ideal.
Camera
The 16 MP main sensor records 1080p video and captures daylit scenes with decent color and PDAF helping focus in good light. The f/2.2 aperture is standard for this tier. There is no telephoto or ultrawide, so distant subjects lose detail and you cannot widen your frame without stepping backward. The 5 MP selfie is soft and basic, fine for video calls but poor for social media uploads. Low-light performance is grainy and flat. This camera checks the box for casual shooting but does not surprise.
Battery & Charging
The 5000 mAh cell will run a moderate user through a full day of calls, messages, and social media browsing—roughly 6 to 7 hours of continuous screen time. Heavy video watching or gaming cuts that shorter, but casual use stretches it. The real weakness is charging: 15W takes about 90 minutes to full capacity, which is slow by modern standards. Rivals at the same price point now offer 30W or faster, halving the wait. If you have overnight charging available, it is a minor annoyance; if you depend on quick top-ups during the day, this phone will test your patience.
Value & Verdict
At £78, the Moto G04 occupies a narrow and honest space: it is designed for buyers in emerging markets who prioritize battery life, screen size, and dual SIM over speed and sharp detail. The processor and display are entry-level even by 2024 standards, but the overall package—large screen, huge battery, water repellency, headphone jack—points to one use case. This is not a phone to squeeze for every last frame rate or pixel of clarity. It is a phone for someone who watches videos, texts family, and does not ask much else. For that buyer, it delivers. For anyone expecting snappy performance or vibrant color, look at the 1080p rivals that now cost the same.
Verdict
Right for casual users and families in emerging markets who value a big battery and large screen over speed and display sharpness, and can tolerate slow charging. Anyone who games, multitasks heavily, or demands sharp visuals should spend a bit more and get a 1080p phone with a faster processor."
- Large 6.56-inch display and 5000 mAh battery stretch a full day of casual use—calls, social media, light browsing without draining in an afternoon
- Dual SIM, microSD slot, and headphone jack give it practical flexibility that rivals often cut
- 90Hz refresh smooths scrolling and feels responsive for daily tasks, despite the low 720p resolution
- Water-repellent build and lightweight plastic body mean less worry about spills or light drops
- 15W charging takes roughly 90 minutes from empty—slow even for this price tier, and rivals now push 30W or faster
- 269 ppi density at 720p means text and icons look soft up close; pixels are visible and fine detail gets fuzzy
- Unisoc T606 and base 4GB RAM struggle with heavy apps, gaming, or sustained multitasking; performance drops noticeably under load
Motorola Moto G04 Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, January 18 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired |
| Software | Android 14, no major Android upgrades planned |
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Durability | Water-repellent design |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Motorola Moto G04 FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Moto G04 support 5G?
No. The Moto G04 tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the Moto G04 use?
The Moto G04 runs on the Unisoc T606 (12 nm).
What display does the Moto G04 have?
A 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density).
How big is the Moto G04 battery?
The Moto G04 has a 5000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 15W wired.
Does the Moto G04 have NFC?
Yes, the Moto G04 has NFC.
Is the Moto G04 water resistant?
The Moto G04 carries a Water-repellent design rating.
Does the Moto G04 support a microSD card?
Yes, the Moto G04 supports expandable storage (microSDXC (dedicated slot)).
Does the Moto G04 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Moto G04 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the Moto G04 isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
Moto G 5G 2024
Moto G45 5G
Moto G53s 5G
Moto G04s
Galaxy M06 5G
