Moto G7 & G7 Power: Budget Brilliance Reviewed

The Motorola Moto G series has long been a stalwart in the affordable smartphone market, consistently delivering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value since its inception in 2013. Indeed, the original Moto G quickly became Motorola's most popular smartphone, setting a precedent for subsequent generations. The Moto G7 and G7 Power, part of Motorola's seventh-generation lineup, continue this successful tradition. They present themselves as more powerful and visually appealing than their predecessors, yet crucially, they remain incredibly accessible price-wise. If you're seeking a substantial smartphone experience without the premium price tag, these devices are certainly worth a closer look, catering specifically to the budget-conscious consumer who desires quality without compromise.

While both the Moto G7 and G7 Power uphold Motorola's commitment to affordability, they each offer distinct advantages. The Moto G7 aims to provide the most well-rounded experience within the G7 family, balancing features and performance. Conversely, the Moto G7 Power truly excels in one key area: battery life, though it does come with slightly lower specifications overall. True to the Moto G ethos, these phones adopt a no-frills approach; you won't find extraneous bells, whistles, or gimmicks here. They focus on delivering a solid, dependable smartphone experience. Priced at £299 for the Moto G7 and a mere £249 for the Moto G7 Power, they offer outstanding value, provided your expectations are appropriately set for their respective price points.

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Feel on a Budget

Despite their budget or mid-range classification, Motorola has done a commendable job of integrating modern design trends into the Moto G line. Both the Moto G7 and G7 Power boast glass bodies paired with sturdy metal frames. This construction is a common sight among smartphones costing three to four times as much, but it's a pleasant rarity in this price bracket. Consequently, both phones feel significantly more premium than their price tags would suggest. They are comfortable to hold, and the overall build quality is excellent, exuding a sense of robustness. While their design isn't overtly striking, they are certainly easy on the eye.

The Moto G7 Power is noticeably chunkier than the standard G7 across all dimensions, with the added thickness being the most apparent difference. This is directly attributable to the G7 Power housing a substantially larger battery. While the G7 Power still maintains an attractive aesthetic, the Moto G7 proper feels sleeker and more refined in hand. Hardware features are largely identical between the two. Both devices incorporate a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a reliable rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, expandable storage via a microSD slot (supporting up to 512GB), and a convenient 3.5mm headphone jack. The only minor distinction lies in the placement of some of these ports: the Moto G7 places its headphone jack and a dedicated speaker on the bottom edge, whereas the G7 Power positions the headphone jack at the top, with its speaker cleverly integrated into the earpiece.

The fingerprint sensors on both models are discreetly located on the rear glass panel, subtly denoted by the iconic Motorola logo. This placement, which Motorola adopted more consistently in recent years, has always felt like the most intuitive spot for a rear-mounted sensor. As expected, the sensors proved to be fast and accurate in our testing, with a quick and straightforward setup process.

To achieve the G7 series' competitive price points, certain sacrifices were inevitable. One notable omission is official IP certification, meaning neither phone is fully water-resistant. However, both devices do feature Motorola's typical "nano coating," which the company states provides splash resistance. This coating should offer adequate protection against light rain or accidental splashes, but it's crucial not to submerge the phones in water. Another feature conspicuous by its absence is NFC (Near Field Communication), which unfortunately means no mobile payment capabilities via services like Google Pay, nor the ability to transfer content using Android Beam. NFC functionality has fluctuated across different Moto G generations, and Motorola confirmed its exclusion from the G7 series was purely a cost-saving measure. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, it's a significant consideration for those who frequently rely on mobile payments.

Display Technology: Clarity vs. Endurance

Keeping pace with contemporary smartphone trends, both the Moto G7 and G7 Power feature somewhat bezel-less displays, complete with notches. Both screens measure 6.2 inches diagonally and utilise LTPS LCD technology, but their similarities largely end there. The Moto G7 boasts a significantly sharper Full HD+ (2,270 x 1,080) resolution, while the G7 Power is limited to HD+ (1,520 x 720). While a casual glance might not reveal a drastic difference, for those with a keen eye for detail, the G7 Power's display isn't quite as crisp. Jagged edges can be fairly noticeable, particularly on smaller elements such as app icons and text.

The notches themselves also differ. The Moto G7 employs a more aesthetically pleasing waterdrop-style notch, whereas the G7 Power features a more traditional, wider notch. This design choice on the G7 Power is due to its earpiece being integrated directly into the notch, while the G7 pushes its earpiece to the outer bezel, thus allowing for the smaller waterdrop. From both an aesthetic and functional standpoint, the G7's waterdrop notch is preferable, offering a slightly larger screen-to-body ratio. Neither phone features exceptionally slim bezels, but the Moto G7's are marginally thinner.

While the quality of these displays won't leave you awestruck, they are perfectly serviceable for daily use. Colours appear good, and viewing angles are decent. The primary drawback for both displays is their brightness. They perform well indoors, but under direct sunlight, visibility becomes a significant challenge, even at maximum brightness. Aside from this limitation, there are no major complaints regarding the display quality.

Performance: Capable for Daily Tasks, Less So for Gaming

Regardless of which Moto G7 model you opt for, you'll find the same mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor, an octa-core chip clocked at 1.8GHz. However, the Moto G7 does gain a slight edge over the G7 Power in terms of memory and storage. The G7 comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, while the G7 Power features 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This difference means the standard G7 offers a marginally better multitasking experience and allows for more media storage before performance begins to degrade.

In everyday usage, both phones felt remarkably similar and performed admirably. The Moto G7 and G7 Power are more than capable of handling common tasks such as web browsing, scrolling through social media feeds, launching applications, and streaming YouTube videos with impressive smoothness. We encountered no significant issues with lag or application crashes during our testing. However, it's important to temper your expectations when it comes to gaming. Graphically demanding titles, or even some less intensive games, can be frustrating. For instance, playing Clash Royale, a game I frequently enjoy, often suffered from noticeable lag on both the G7 and G7 Power, despite its relatively low graphical requirements.

Benchmark tests, including GeekBench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark, showed both the G7 and G7 Power performing roughly on par with each other. The scores aren't particularly staggering, but they are entirely consistent with the specifications of these devices, indicating a solid, if not groundbreaking, performance for their class.

Battery Life: A Standout Feature

Battery life stands out as one of the most significant strengths of both the Moto G7 and G7 Power, particularly for the latter. The Moto G7 is equipped with a 3,000 mAh battery, while the G7 Power boasts a massive 5,000 mAh cell. Both support Motorola's 15W TurboPower charging, allowing for quick top-ups.

Motorola boldly claims up to three days of battery life on a single charge for the G7 Power. While this might sound ambitious, it's not entirely far-fetched given its generously large battery, lower-resolution display, and less power-hungry processor. Although I didn't quite reach the three-day mark, the G7 Power effortlessly provided two full days of use. This is still incredibly impressive. Screen-on time consistently reached a staggering 10 hours, and I often went to bed with well over 50% battery remaining. Despite attempts to drain the phone in a single day with hours of gaming and YouTube streaming, I never succeeded. This phone simply refuses to die!

The standard Moto G7, while not offering the same extreme endurance as its Power sibling, still delivers excellent battery life. I typically achieved between five to six hours of screen-on time daily, which is more than sufficient to comfortably last until late evening. For users who consume less media on their smartphones, even longer battery life can be expected.

Camera Capabilities: Good Enough for Social Sharing

If you're expecting the cameras on the Moto G7 and G7 Power to rival those found on smartphones costing two or three times as much, you'll likely be disappointed. However, for their price, the cameras are perfectly adequate. In favourable lighting conditions, the images produced are good enough to share on social media without any embarrassment.

Motorola's camera application is straightforward and user-friendly, prioritising simplicity over an abundance of exciting features. Switching between photo and video modes is as intuitive as swiping left or right on the viewfinder. A full swipe to the left reveals all available shooting modes, which include panorama, portrait, cinemagraph, slow-motion video, time-lapse, and the ability to broadcast live directly to YouTube. A manual mode offers more granular control, and Google Lens integration is also present.

The Moto G7 generally offers the superior camera of the two. While both feature 12MP sensors, they are not identical. The G7 boasts a wider f/1.8 aperture compared to the G7 Power's f/2.0. Crucially, the G7 also includes a dedicated 5MP depth sensor. A wider aperture allows for slightly better low-light performance and significantly improved portrait mode photos. The presence of a depth sensor on the G7 also enables the ability to refocus and adjust background blur after a photo has been taken – a feature unavailable on the G7 Power, which is limited to taking portrait mode photos only when it detects a face.

Let's be realistic: neither camera performs spectacularly in low-light conditions. Highlights tend to be severely blown out, details become muddy, and images exhibit significant noise. However, in bright outdoor conditions or average indoor lighting, both phones are capable of capturing good-looking shots with vibrant colours and decent detail. Photos from the Moto G7 and G7 Power appear fairly similar at first glance, but closer inspection reveals some differences. The Moto G7's photos are typically brighter and exhibit slightly more vibrant colours, which generally makes them more appealing.

Both the Moto G7 and G7 Power feature the same 8MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, so you can expect identical results for selfies. Selfie images aren't quite as sharp as one might desire, and colours can appear a little flat. The auto beauty mode, which is enabled by default, proved to be a bit too aggressive with skin softening for my preference, so I opted to disable it.

Software Experience: Near-Stock Android Goodness

One consistent strength of Motorola smartphones throughout the years has been their software experience. Ever since the original Moto X, Motorola has adopted a minimalist, near-stock Android approach. The software on the Moto G7 and G7 Power is as close to a pure build of Android 9 Pie as you'll find outside of a Google Pixel device. It's clean, remarkably fast, and features virtually no bloatware to hinder the user experience.

Motorola has even managed to improve upon certain aspects of stock Android Pie. The app drawer on Motorola's launcher, for instance, can be accessed with a simple short swipe upwards, rather than the annoyingly long swipe required on standard Pie. Motorola's gesture navigation is also notably more intuitive than Google's implementation. For those who prefer traditional controls, the software defaults to standard on-screen navigation buttons.

All of Motorola's well-regarded software enhancements, such as Moto Actions, Moto Display, and Moto Voice, are conveniently consolidated within the dedicated Moto application. This thoughtful organisation makes them easy to find and prevents the software from feeling cluttered. There's a wide array of gestures for controlling basic actions, including Motorola's signature double chop motion to activate the flashlight and a wrist twist to quickly launch the camera. Many of these gestures are genuinely useful, and it's appreciated that Motorola has continued to expand upon them over the years.

Both the Moto G7 and G7 Power are highly likely to receive at least a couple of major software updates during their lifespan, though predicting the precise timing can be challenging. Since the Lenovo acquisition, Motorola's track record for delivering speedy updates hasn't been the most consistent. For context, Motorola's first phone to receive Android Pie, the Motorola One, took 114 days, placing them as the eighth fastest OEM in terms of Pie rollout. The next major version of Android, Android Q, is still several months away from its official release, so we'll have to wait and see how quickly Motorola reacts. If history is any indication, a considerable wait might be in store.

Audio Experience: Functional, Not Flashy

There isn't a great deal to highlight regarding the audio experience on these devices; it's functional but not particularly special. Neither phone features stereo speakers, which is largely expected at this price point. Both the Moto G7 and G7 Power come with a single firing speaker. The Moto G7's speaker is located on the bottom edge, while the G7 Power's is integrated into the earpiece. Neither speaker delivers spectacular audio quality, though they do get sufficiently loud for basic tasks like watching a short YouTube video. Regardless of which device you choose, you'll experience a somewhat lopsided listening experience due to the single speaker setup.

Key Specifications Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are the Moto G7 and G7 Power good for gaming?

While both phones can handle casual games and everyday tasks smoothly, they are not designed for demanding gaming. You might experience noticeable lag and stuttering with graphically intensive titles.

Do these phones have NFC for mobile payments like Google Pay?

Unfortunately, neither the Moto G7 nor the Moto G7 Power includes NFC connectivity. This means you won't be able to use them for contactless payments or Android Beam.

Are the Moto G7 and G7 Power water resistant?

Neither phone has an official IP rating for water resistance. However, they both feature a P2i nano coating which provides splash resistance, offering protection against light rain or accidental spills. They should not be submerged in water.

How long does the battery typically last on the Moto G7 Power?

The Moto G7 Power boasts exceptional battery life, often lasting two full days of typical usage on a single charge, with up to 10 hours of screen-on time. Its 5,000mAh battery is a major highlight.

Which phone has the better camera, the Moto G7 or G7 Power?

The Moto G7 generally has the better camera. It features a wider f/1.8 aperture and a dedicated 5MP depth sensor, which allows for better low-light performance and more versatile portrait mode photos, including the ability to adjust background blur after shooting.

Will the Moto G7 and G7 Power receive Android updates?

Yes, both phones are expected to receive at least a couple of major Android software updates during their lifespan. However, Motorola's track record for delivering these updates promptly has been inconsistent in the past.

The Verdict: Solid Value for Money

The Moto G line has consistently led the pack in the budget smartphone segment, and with the Moto G7 and G7 Power, Motorola continues to deliver a quality experience at an affordable price point with remarkably few compromises. Even in 2019, there are not many competitors that offer such a compelling package. While alternatives like the Android One Nokia 6.1, HUAWEI P20 Lite, and HONOR 8X exist, some of these may not offer full compatibility across all major UK carriers.

Both the Moto G7 and G7 Power are fantastic options if you're looking for a solid, all-round smartphone experience without spending a fortune. You'll benefit from a modern design, fast and clean software, and truly excellent battery life, especially with the G7 Power's TurboPower enabled endurance. While camera quality could be better, it's difficult to complain too much about devices priced under £300. If your priorities include advanced features such as official IP certification, a top-tier camera, NFC for mobile payments, or wireless charging, then these phones may not be for you. For those features, you would need to consider more expensive alternatives, such as premium flagships.

Ultimately, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Moto G7 and Moto G7 Power to anyone who desires modern smartphone features and a reliable user experience without necessarily needing the absolute latest bleeding-edge specifications. They represent superb value in their category.

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