Motorola Moto G56 review: A solid, stylish budget buy

Greatest Costs Right now: 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 overview 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 wish to compromise on high quality, expertise or type”. 

Does the most recent Moto G56 nonetheless hit these markers? And extra importantly, is it price contemplating in case your finances 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 waterproof. You received’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 count on that at this value level.

The rear is clad in a textured fake leather-based materials, which is superb 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 hooked up. In the event you’re accident-prone, it’s slim sufficient that you possibly can preserve 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 style: 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 overview, is what I’d think about to be extra of a lightweight blue than a gray however it’s a stunning color that’s my decide 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 in the event you evaluate it to a number of the slimmer gadgets we’re seeing now. Maintain it as much as the likes of the Apple iPhone 16 Professional (8.25mm) nonetheless, and it’s across the identical thickness, so it’s removed from offensive.

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Actually, I’d go so far as to say the design and construct of the Moto G56 punches above its weight when it comes to value. There’s a responsive fingerprint sensor constructed into the ability button on the precise edge, a 3.5mm headphone jack on the backside – one thing of a rarity in telephones as of late – whereas a speaker flanks the opposite aspect of the USB-C port. 

A SIM tray with microSD assist for storage growth – one other rarity – sits on the prime left edge, and the digicam housing on the rear is constructed into the end moderately than being a separate housing, for a comparatively seamless look. 

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At 200g, it’s not the lightest cellphone round, however 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 beautiful deep blacks as you do in dearer telephones that function 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 assist, however colors are fairly punchy on the default Vivid setting. You’ll be able to change this to a Pure mode, however I believed this made the show a bit of yellow.

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The decision is a Full HD+, or 2400 x 1080 pixels, which leads to a pixel density of 391ppi and pretty crisp particulars. It’s under no circumstances the sharpest show you’ll ever lay your eyes on however it’s ok at this degree and the 120Hz refresh charge means scrolling is good and clean.

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

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

When it comes to audio system, there’s a stereo setup within the Moto G56 and whereas it’s not the loudest on the market, it’s first rate sufficient for watching one thing in the event you haven’t acquired headphones handy. The sound efficiency is fairly balanced and, whereas some additional bass wouldn’t go amiss, there’s Dolby Atmos on board which isn’t dangerous for a finances gadget. 

Specs & Efficiency

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

As one may count on for £200, you get a reasonably middling chipset below 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 digicam shutter button and switching between the digicam lenses, whereas the final efficiency isn’t as clean as a mid-range or flagship cellphone. Relying on what you’re used to, it’s possible you’ll not thoughts. However be ready for a barely much less nippy expertise than a mid-range gadget. 

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

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There’s a wholesome 256GB of inner 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 most important sensor 
• 8Mp ultra-wide, f/2.2 sensor
• 32Mp, f/2.2 entrance digicam

The Motorola Moto G56 has a 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 600 sensor as its most important 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 digicam is a 32-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. 

The primary digicam delivers the higher outcomes of the 2 rear sensors, as is often the case. These outcomes have been honest for this value level too and that’s very true in good lighting. The Moto G56 nonetheless managed in low lighting situations 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 bear in mind, however there’s a devoted Professional digicam mode, which provides assist for capturing in RAW and there’s an Extremely-Res mode in order for you the total 50-megapixel decision moderately than the 12-megapixel default output. 

When it comes to video, the Moto G56 permits for 30fps and 60fps seize at Full HD from the primary sensor. There’s no 4K choice and the outcomes aren’t probably the most detailed. In first rate lighting, they’re ok for brief clips you may share to your socials, for instance.

On the entrance, the selfie digicam can also be completely enough in first rate lighting situations, though it’s not going to interrupt any data. There’s solely 30fps video seize as an choice, however it is going to do the job for video calls.

Battery Life & Charging

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

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 intervals.

I performed all types of video games on the Moto G56, examined the digicam and video capabilities in varied situations and always had the display screen on, replying to messages, making an attempt out all its options and capabilities, whereas additionally streaming varied items of video and audio content material. I ended most days on over 40 per cent however for individuals who are extra average customers, I’d be stunned in the event you didn’t get nearer to a few days from the Moto G56. 

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It helps 30W wired charging, which is a bit of slower than the likes of the Moto 60 Edge Fusion and quite a bit slower than some rivals, however 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 assist.

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 gadgets. 

Which means 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 just a few 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 very least enable for some enjoyable customisation and gesture controls. 

You’ll be able to change the font type for instance, alter colors and apply themes, all of which let you make the Moto G56 your personal. You may also go away it as is and, with the Moto apps sitting out of the best way, nothing is pressured upon you. Household House is nice in the event you’re handing your cellphone to a toddler, and I’ve all the time cherished the Moto Gestures. Having the ability to double flick to activate the torch and double twist to launch the digicam 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, nonetheless, is that Motorola is barely 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 out there, in addition to Android 17, however past that there’s no assure. 

In the meantime, gadgets like Samsung’s A26 – which is round £50 greater than the Moto G56 – offers you 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 purchase it from Motorola itself, in addition to a lot of retailers, together with Very and Currys, and networks equivalent to EE.

Do you have to purchase the Motorola Moto G56?

There’s lots to like in regards to the Motorola Moto G56 for its very affordable £199.99 value. Its design may 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 may be restricted software program improve assist, no wi-fi charging and the efficiency isn’t the nippiest however you get a pleasant huge show, first rate sufficient digicam ends in good lighting from the primary sensor and a superb battery efficiency.

It’s not the one cellphone with a sub-£200 value level, with the likes of the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional and its funky design sitting inside this bracket too, however the Moto G56 provides nice worth for cash and an excellent expertise total. You’ll be able to see the way it stacks up in opposition to its rivals in our round-up of one of the best finances 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 most important sensor
• 8Mp ultra-wide
• 32Mp selfie digicam
• 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