Motorola has officially returned to the Indonesian smartphone market after an eight-year absence. Their comeback device is the Moto G45 5G, priced aggressively at around $170 USD, targeting budget-conscious consumers who want affordable 5G connectivity. This launch is notable in a marketplace still dominated by Transsion and Xiaomi in the sub-$150 segment.
The Moto G45 5G employs the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, which has set a new benchmark in this price class. Benchmark scores on AnTuTu 10 show an impressive 468,000 points, surpassing the usual chipset contenders like MediaTek Helio G99 and Dimensity 6300. This makes the Moto G45 5G one of the fastest phones available for around $170 USD, delivering smooth daily performance and gaming capabilities.
Bold, Distinctive Design
Motorola has embraced a daring design philosophy with the Moto G45 5G. It comes in three vivid shades: Viva Magenta, Brilliant Blue, and Bermuda Green. These bright colors break away from the typical neutral tones seen in the entry-level segment, offering a fresh style statement for users keen on standing out.
The back panel features a vegan leather texture that improves grip and prevents slipping. Despite its 6.5-inch screen, the phone maintains a comfortable weight and dimensions that are easy to handle. This combination of materials and color choices enhances both aesthetics and ergonomics at the budget price point.
Performance and Gaming
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip powers this device, earning the title of the new performance leader in its category. Users can enjoy Mobile Legends running smoothly at 90fps on ultra settings, which is excellent for competitive mobile gaming. However, high-demand titles like Genshin Impact are limited to 20fps due to software restrictions, despite the chipset’s ability to handle more.
This balanced performance profile makes the Moto G45 5G an appealing choice for gamers on a budget, especially those who prioritize 5G connectivity alongside fast and stable performance.
Smart Connect and Features
Motorola adds unique features to enhance user experience, such as Smart Connect by Lenovo. This application allows seamless connection between the phone and a laptop. It enables the phone’s camera to function as a superior webcam, outperforming many built-in laptop webcams.
Another standout is the mirror screen or virtual phone function, making it feel like users have two devices on hand. However, this feature is exclusive to Motorola phones and cannot be used with other Android brands from the Play Store.
Display and Camera Trade-offs
In order to keep costs competitive and include 5G, the Moto G45 uses a 720p HD+ resolution display, which is lower than many phones in the same price bracket. The screen compensates with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection, ensuring durability and fluid interaction.
The 50MP main camera uses quad pixel technology, merging four pixels into one for better low-light capture. Photos taken in bright conditions are sharp and detailed, while night shots still show room for improvement. Video recording also benefits from stabilization, making the device capable for casual vlogging. The front camera includes electronic image stabilization to deliver smooth selfie videos.
Classic Moto Features Return
Motorola brings back beloved gesture controls from its earlier models. Users can quickly turn on the flashlight with a chop-chop motion or launch the camera by twisting the wrist, even without unlocking the phone. This convenience factor remains a defining feature of the Moto G line.
Additional software enhancements include Family Space, allowing remote troubleshooting on a parent’s phone, and Moto Unplugged to limit app usage and promote digital wellbeing.
Software Support Limitations
One downside is the software update policy. Motorola guarantees only two years of OS updates from the global launch, which means Indonesian users may receive fewer updates after purchase. It remains unclear if these updates will cover Android 16 or 17. This update timeline is typical for phones under $200, except at brands like Samsung and Redmi 4G that often extend support.
Motorola’s reentry with the Moto G45 5G represents a strong strategic move, leveraging the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3’s performance and bold design choices. It challenges competitors by offering a compelling blend of fast 5G connectivity, smooth gaming, and user-friendly features at just around $170 USD. While software update longevity is limited, the device meets the core demands of Indonesia’s entry-level market where affordable yet capable hardware is top priority.
