Motorola has launched its latest smartphone, the Motorola G96 5G, in India with a premium 3D curved display and flagship-like features at midrange prices. Starting at ₹17,999, the phone aims to strengthen Motorola’s presence in the country’s rapidly expanding 5G smartphone market.
The launch reflects Motorola’s broader strategy to re-establish itself as a strong competitor in India, particularly in the sub-₹20,000 category, which remains the most competitive segment in the smartphone industry.
Motorola G96 5G Premium Display and Build
The Motorola G96 5G comes with a 6.67-inch 3D curved pOLED display, offering Full HD+ resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and 10-bit colour depth. These features are usually found in more expensive smartphones, making the G96 5G stand out in its price segment.
The phone’s screen supports HDR10+ for enhanced viewing quality. Motorola claims the curved design offers a more immersive and premium look, aimed at consumers who want both style and performance. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and carries an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
The device runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256 GB of internal storage. It features a 5,500 mAh battery with 33 W TurboPower charging, which can charge the phone to 50% in less than 30 minutes, according to the company.
Aiming at India’s Booming 5G Market
India is now one of the fastest-growing 5G smartphone markets in the world. According to Counterpoint Research, shipments of affordable 5G smartphones under ₹20,000 grew by more than 35 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025.
The rise of 5G networks from operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel has fueled this demand. With more than 180 million active 5G users in India, brands are racing to capture market share in Tier 1, Tier 2, and even Tier 3 cities.
“5G adoption in India has been faster than expected,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint. “The sub-₹20,000 segment is where we’re seeing the most intense competition. Motorola’s launch of the G96 5G is a clear move to reclaim some of that space.”
Focus on Camera and Multimedia Experience
One of the standout features of the Motorola G96 5G is its camera system. It has a 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), designed to deliver sharper and more stable photos. It also includes an 8 MP ultra-wide and macro camera, and a 32 MP front camera that can record 4K video.
Motorola says the camera system is tuned for better low-light performance, a feature that appeals to young content creators. Early reviewers have praised the portrait and night mode features, noting that they produce crisp, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
The device also includes dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the audio experience for streaming and gaming.
Early Impressions and User Experience
Early buyers who received the Motorola G96 5G through pre-orders have shared positive feedback about the display quality and design. Many users highlighted the premium feel of the curved screen, which is rare in midrange phones.
“Watching videos on this display feels like using a much more expensive phone,” said Ankit Sharma, an early buyer from Pune. “The battery backup has also been solid so far, and charging is quick.”
Tech reviewers have also appreciated Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, which keeps the software clean and free from unnecessary bloatware. The device ships with Android 14 and promises one major OS update and three years of security updates.
Pricing and Launch Offers on Motorola G96 5G
Motorola has priced the G96 5G competitively. The 8 GB + 128 GB variant is available at ₹17,999, while the 8 GB + 256 GB model costs ₹19,999. To attract more customers, the company is offering launch benefits worth up to ₹10,000 through Reliance Jio, which include cashback and partner coupons on prepaid plans.
The phone will be available online through Amazon and Flipkart, and offline through major retailers across India. Additional offers include no-cost EMI and exchange bonuses on selected platforms.
Competitive Landscape
Motorola’s new launch puts it in direct competition with Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 5G, Realme 12 Pro, and iQOO Z9, all of which are strong performers in the same price range. These brands dominate the Indian midrange market, which is why Motorola is focusing on differentiating through design and software.
Ravi Bhatia, an independent telecom analyst, said, “Motorola has a loyal user base in India, but it needs to offer something unique to stand out. The G96 5G’s premium display and clean Android experience could be strong selling points.”
Motorola G96 5G Design, Colours and Accessories
The Motorola G96 5G will be available in two colour options: Cattleya Orchid and Eclipse Black. The phone has a slim profile with a glass back panel that gives it a more premium appearance. Motorola is also bundling a transparent protective case and a 33 W fast charger in the box.
The fingerprint sensor is under the display, and the phone supports face unlock. It also has 5G dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Company Strategy and Market Goals
Motorola, owned by Lenovo, has a long history in the Indian smartphone market. Its G series was once one of the best-selling midrange lines in the country. However, over time, the company lost market share to more aggressive competitors.
In the last two years, Motorola has been trying to rebuild its presence with phones that focus on quality displays, clean software, and balanced pricing. The company hopes that the G96 5G will help it win back consumers who have shifted to other brands.
“India remains a critical market for us,” said a Motorola India spokesperson. “The G96 5G reflects our commitment to bring premium experiences to more users.”
Future Outlook
Analysts believe the Motorola G96 5G launch could play an important role in shaping the company’s future in India. The timing, just before the Diwali festive season, is likely to boost sales. If successful, Motorola may introduce more midrange 5G devices to expand its portfolio.
“Festive season sales account for a major chunk of annual smartphone sales in India,” said Pathak. “Motorola’s pricing and timing are smart moves. The challenge will be sustaining momentum beyond the initial launch.”
Consumer Choice in a Crowded Market
The Indian smartphone market is highly price-sensitive, with buyers expecting flagship features at midrange prices. Brands are increasingly focusing on display quality, camera performance, software experience, and battery life as key decision factors.
For Motorola, the G96 5G is more than just another launch. It is an attempt to reclaim relevance in a market it once led. Whether the strategy pays off will depend on customer response and how well it competes against strong rivals.
