Motorola Moto G56 Review: A Solid, Stylish Budget Buy

Greatest Costs As we speak: Moto G56

I’ve been reviewing client tech for such a very long time that I nonetheless keep in mind testing the unique Moto G again in 2013. It was such a delight of a tool, cute and compact whereas providing insane worth for cash at £135, that it stays a memorable cellphone in my private assessment catalogue 12 years on.

The Moto G has come on considerably within the final decade – there are actually a number of Moto G fashions for starters – however the premise stays the identical as that first mannequin. Motorola is aiming to supply worth for cash with out an excessive amount of compromise. The corporate described the Moto G again in 2013 as “an inexpensive smartphone for individuals who don’t need to compromise on high quality, expertise or fashion”. 

Does the most recent Moto G56 nonetheless hit these markers? And extra importantly, is it value contemplating in case your funds is £200 for a smartphone? 

Design & Construct

• Plastic body, IP68 & IP69 rated
• 200g, 8.35mm thick
• Corning Gorilla Glass 7i

The Motorola Moto G56 is a far cry from the unique Moto G in that it’s now a considerably bigger gadget and the end is way extra premium, in addition to absolutely water-resistant. You gained’t get a titanium body or an excellent slim bezel across the show as you’ll discover on flagship telephones, however you don’t actually anticipate that at this worth level.

The rear is clad in a textured fake leather-based materials, which is great for grip and appears sensible. This isn’t a cellphone that’s going to slip out of your hand, so you possibly can most likely danger taking off the clear cowl that comes connected. In the event you’re accident-prone, it’s slim sufficient that you might hold it on, however the end of the rear feels so nice that I’d urge you to expertise it for your self. 

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There are 4 color choices, all of that are Pantone-approved in typical Motorola vogue: Pantone Black Oyster (I don’t love this title), Pantone Grey Mist, Pantone Dazzling Blue and Pantone Dill. The Grey Mist mannequin, as pictured on this assessment, is what I’d think about to be extra of a light-weight blue than a gray nevertheless it’s a beautiful color that’s my choose of the bunch. 

The plastic body has refined rounded edges and is considerably colour-matched to enrich the again. At 8.35mm, some may say the body is thick, and it’s if you happen to examine it to among the slimmer units we’re seeing now. Maintain it as much as the likes of the Apple iPhone 16 Professional (8.25mm) nevertheless, and it’s across the identical thickness, so it’s removed from offensive.

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In truth, I’d go so far as to say the design and construct of the Moto G56 punches above its weight by way of worth. There’s a responsive fingerprint sensor constructed into the facility button on the appropriate edge, a 3.5mm headphone jack on the backside – one thing of a rarity in telephones nowadays – whereas a speaker flanks the opposite facet of the USB-C port. 

A SIM tray with microSD help for storage enlargement – one other rarity – sits on the prime left edge, and the digital camera housing on the rear is constructed into the end slightly than being a separate housing, for a comparatively seamless look. 

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At 200g, it’s not the lightest cellphone round, nevertheless it feels stable. The 6.72-inch show means it’s on the bigger finish of the size, which can be appreciated by some, however maybe not all, so think about which camp you’re in earlier than you make investments.

Display & Audio system

• 6.72-inch 120Hz 2400 x 1080 LCD
• 1000 nits peak brightness
• Stereo audio system

The show is an LCD panel so that you don’t get the identical distinction and wonderful deep blacks as you do in costlier telephones that characteristic OLED shows, however there’s good vibrancy and it’s shiny sufficient that it may be used outdoors.

I didn’t suppose viewing angles have been nice from some views and there’s no HDR help, however colors are moderately punchy on the default Vivid setting. You may change this to a Pure mode, however I believed this made the show somewhat yellow.

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The decision is a Full HD+, or 2400 x 1080 pixels, which ends up in a pixel density of 391ppi and pretty crisp particulars. It’s certainly not the sharpest show you’ll ever lay your eyes on nevertheless it’s ok at this stage and the 120Hz refresh charge means scrolling is good and easy.

There’s fairly a big chin on the backside of the show and the bezel surrounding the display isn’t symmetrical, which might be the largest giveaway to the Moto G’s funds nature. I’m an enormous symmetry fan so the totally different widths of prime, backside and sides was one thing I couldn’t unsee, however you could not discover or care. 

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The show is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass i7 which, primarily based on my assessment time of round a month, has proved fairly proof against scratches. No complaints there. Regardless of coming with a pre-installed clear case, there’s no pre-installed display protector, in order that’s one thing you’ll want to think about shopping for individually if you happen to suppose you want it.

By way of audio system, there’s a stereo setup within the Moto G56 and whereas it’s not the loudest on the market, it’s respectable sufficient for watching one thing if you happen to haven’t obtained headphones handy. The sound efficiency within reason balanced and, whereas some additional bass wouldn’t go amiss, there may be Dolby Atmos on board which isn’t unhealthy for a funds gadget. 

Specs & Efficiency

• MediaTek Dimensity 7060
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage, microSD help as much as 2TB

As one may anticipate for £200, you get a reasonably middling chipset underneath the hood of the Motorola Moto G56. There’s no Snapdragon 8 Elite in sight, however a MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor runs the present, supported by 8GB of RAM, and collectively they do a good job on the entire.

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There’s lag with the digital camera shutter button and switching between the digital camera lenses, whereas the final efficiency isn’t as easy as a mid-range or flagship cellphone. Relying on what you’re used to, you could not thoughts. However be ready for a barely much less nippy expertise than a mid-range gadget. 

Optimised video games like PUBG Cellular and Name of Obligation Cellular did run easily nevertheless, in order that’s one thing to be celebrated. There’s a Gametime characteristic too, which lets you block calls and notifications, in addition to screenshot and file your motion. That characteristic additionally allows you to modify the ‘efficiency mode’ between Turbo, Balanced or Battery Saving, relying in your choice.

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There’s a wholesome 256GB of inside storage, which is a good quantity contemplating that some flagships at 4 instances the value begin at 128GB, and that may be expanded utilizing the microSD slot as much as 2TB too.

Motorola Moto G56 benchmarks

Cameras

• 50Mp, f/1.8 major sensor 
• 8Mp ultra-wide, f/2.2 sensor
• 32Mp, f/2.2 entrance digital camera

The Motorola Moto G56 has a 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 600 sensor as its major sensor, that includes an f/1.8 aperture. That is paired with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor with a f/2.2 aperture, whereas the entrance digital camera is a 32-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. 

The principle digital camera delivers the higher outcomes of the 2 rear sensors, as is often the case. These outcomes have been truthful for this worth level too and that’s very true in good lighting. The Moto G56 nonetheless managed in low lighting circumstances however there was undoubtedly extra noise and grain seen, although that may be stated for many telephones. 

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There’s no optical picture stabilisation in order that’s one thing to remember, however there’s a devoted Professional digital camera mode, which presents help for capturing in RAW and there’s an Extremely-Res mode if you’d like the total 50-megapixel decision slightly than the 12-megapixel default output. 

By way of video, the Moto G56 permits for 30fps and 60fps seize at Full HD from the principle sensor. There’s no 4K choice and the outcomes aren’t essentially the most detailed. In respectable lighting, they’re ok for brief clips you may share to your socials, for instance.

On the entrance, the selfie digital camera can also be completely satisfactory in respectable lighting circumstances, though it’s not going to interrupt any data. There’s solely 30fps video seize as an choice, however it can do the job for video calls.

Battery Life & Charging

• 5200mAh capability
• 30W wired charging
• No wi-fi charging help

Battery life on the Motorola Moto G56 is nice, delivering greater than a day of use from its 5200mAh capability. That’s with what I think about to be heavy use too, as is often the case throughout testing durations.

I performed all types of video games on the Moto G56, examined the digital camera and video capabilities in numerous eventualities and always had the display on, replying to messages, making an attempt out all its options and capabilities, whereas additionally streaming numerous items of video and audio content material. I ended most days on over 40 per cent however for many who are extra reasonable customers, I’d be shocked if you happen to didn’t get nearer to a few days from the Moto G56. 

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It helps 30W wired charging, which is somewhat slower than the likes of the Moto 60 Edge Fusion and rather a lot slower than some rivals, nevertheless it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. You’ll get round 30 per cent in half-hour which, given how massive the battery is, ought to see you thru most of a day. There’s no wi-fi charging help.

Software program & Apps

• Android 15
• 4 years safety updates
• Two years Android updates

The Motorola Moto G56 runs Android 15 out of the field, and though there’s some Motorola styling, it’s a comparatively clear expertise that’s just about as near inventory Android as you get outdoors of Google’s personal Pixel units. 

Meaning you don’t get wherever close to as a lot bloat as you do on Samsung telephones for instance, with Motorola choosing Google’s native apps for many issues, together with the browser and messages. 

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That stated, there are a couple of random apps pre-installed, together with Temu, Fb, Amazon Music and a few video games like Monopoly Go and Ball Type Puzzle. You’ll additionally discover Motorola apps inside a Moto folder, although these are extra helpful than the likes of Temu and at the least permit for some enjoyable customisation and gesture controls. 

You may change the font fashion for instance, modify colors and apply themes, all of which let you make the Moto G56 your personal. You can too go away it as is and, with the Moto apps sitting out of the way in which, nothing is pressured upon you. Household House is nice if you happen to’re handing your cellphone to a toddler, and I’ve at all times beloved the Moto Gestures. Having the ability to double flick to activate the torch and double twist to launch the digital camera by no means will get boring and I want extra telephones had related options.

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What’s a little bit of a downer on the software program entrance, nevertheless, is that Motorola is just promising 4 years of safety updates and two years of assured Android updates. You’ll due to this fact get Android 16 when Motorola makes it obtainable, in addition to Android 17, however past that there’s no assure. 

In the meantime, units like Samsung’s A26 – which is round £50 greater than the Moto G56 – provides you with six years of safety and Android OS upgrades, taking you thru to 2030 at a minimal.

Worth & Availability 

The Motorola Moto G56 is offered in a single mannequin within the UK with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. This mannequin prices £199.99 and that applies whichever of the 4 color choices you select.

You should buy it from Motorola itself, in addition to a variety of retailers, together with Very and Currys, and networks comparable to EE.

Do you have to purchase the Motorola Moto G56?

There’s a lot to like in regards to the Motorola Moto G56 for its very affordable £199.99 worth. Its design might need a plastic body however the materials on the rear is gorgeous and it comes with options many flagship telephones don’t, from an IP69 ranking to microSD and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

There’s restricted software program improve help, no wi-fi charging and the efficiency isn’t the nippiest however you get a pleasant massive show, respectable sufficient digital camera ends in good lighting from the principle sensor and a superb battery efficiency.

It’s not the one cellphone with a sub-£200 worth level, with the likes of the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional and its funky design sitting inside this bracket too, however the Moto G56 presents nice worth for cash and a superb expertise total. You may see the way it stacks up in opposition to its rivals in our round-up of one of the best funds telephones.

Specs

• Android 15
• 6.72-inch, 2400 x 1080, LCD, 120Hz
• Fingerprint reader in energy button
• MediaTek Dimensity 7060
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage, microSD as much as 2TB
• Cameras:
• 50Mp major sensor
• 8Mp ultra-wide
• 32Mp selfie digital camera
• As much as Full HD @ 60fps rear video
• Stereo audio system with Dolby Atmos
• Twin SIM + eSIM
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 5200mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• 165.75 x 76.26 x 8.35 mm
• IP68 and IP69 licensed
• 200g
• Colors: Pantone Grey Mist, Pantone Black Oyster, Pantone Dill, Pantone Dazzling Blue