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Moto G 3rd Gen Pros and Cons

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Moto G 3rd Gen Pros and Cons

The Moto G 3rd generation (2015) offers excellent battery life, a near-stock Android experience, and a water-resistant design at a budget price, but its modest processor, low-resolution display, and dated camera keep it from competing with modern phones. This article details the genuine strengths and weaknesses of this once-popular budget device, helping you decide if it still makes sense today.

Background and Positioning

Released in July 2015, the Moto G 3rd gen was Motorola’s attempt to keep the budget segment fresh. It succeeded the very popular 2014 model, adding a 13-megapixel camera, an IPX7 water-resistant coating, and a slightly larger 5-inch display. It ran Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box and was promised one major update (it eventually received Android 6.0 Marshmallow). At launch, it cost around $180–$220, making it one of the most affordable phones with a near-stock Android experience.

Key Specifications

  • Display: 5.0-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels (294 ppi)
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 (quad-core Cortex-A53 at 1.4 GHz)
  • RAM: 1 GB (2 GB in the 16 GB version)
  • Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB, expandable via microSD (up to 128 GB)
  • Rear camera: 13 MP, f/2.0, dual-LED flash
  • Front camera: 5 MP, f/2.2
  • Battery: 2470 mAh (removable)
  • OS: Android 5.1.1 (upgradable to 6.0)
  • Water resistance: IPX7 (survives submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)

Pros: What It Does Well

  • Battery life: The 2470 mAh battery, combined with the low-power Snapdragon 410 and a 720p display, easily lasts a full day of moderate use. Many users reported 1.5–2 days on a single charge with light usage.
  • Clean software: Motorola kept the UI close to stock Android, with only a few useful additions like Moto Display (glanceable notifications) and Moto Actions (twist for camera, chop for flashlight). This meant fewer bloatware apps and faster updates than most budget competitors.
  • Water resistance: IPX7 rating is rare in this price class. It can survive accidental drops in water, rain, or splashes—though it’s not meant for swimming.
  • Removable battery: Unlike many modern phones, the back cover pops off, letting you swap the battery or access the SIM and microSD slots.
  • Expandable storage: The microSD slot supports cards up to 128 GB, which was generous for 2015 and remains useful today.
  • Headphone jack and FM radio: Both are present, and the FM radio works without an internet connection.

Cons: Where It Falls Short

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 410 with 1 GB RAM (base model) struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Expect lag when switching between apps, slower web browsing, and occasional stutter in games.
  • Display quality: A 720p resolution on a 5-inch screen is acceptable but not sharp. Colors are decent, but brightness and viewing angles are below average compared to later budget phones.
  • Camera: The 13 MP rear camera takes okay photos in good light but suffers in low light, with noise and soft details. The front camera is basic, and video recording is capped at 1080p/30fps with no stabilization.
  • Build quality: The plastic back feels cheap, and the phone is relatively thick (11.6 mm) and heavy (155 g). The water-resistant coating adds a rubbery texture that some find unpleasant.
  • Software updates: It received only one major OS update (Android 6.0). Security patches stopped years ago, so it’s vulnerable to modern threats.
  • No fingerprint sensor: A common feature on mid-range phones by 2015, but missing here.
  • No NFC: Mobile payments and quick pairing with accessories are not possible.

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Battery drain after Marshmallow update: Some users reported faster drain after updating to Android 6.0. A factory reset often helped, as did disabling unused Google services.
  • Touchscreen unresponsiveness: Occasional ghost touches or unresponsive areas were reported. Cleaning the screen and removing screen protectors sometimes fixed it; otherwise, a reboot was needed.
  • Camera app crashing: Clearing the camera app’s cache or updating via the Play Store usually resolved it.
  • Slow charging: The included charger is 5W/1A, so charging takes about 2.5–3 hours. Using a higher-rated charger (like a tablet charger) can speed it up, but the phone’s charging circuitry limits it to ~1A.

How to Choose: Is It Still Worth It?

In 2025, the Moto G 3rd gen is obsolete for most people. Its 1 GB RAM and old processor cannot handle modern apps like TikTok, heavy websites, or even some versions of WhatsApp. Security risks from outdated Android make it unsuitable for banking or sensitive data. However, it can still serve as a:

  • Backup or emergency phone
  • Music player (with expandable storage and FM radio)
  • Device for kids (with restricted profiles)
  • Test device for app development

If you’re buying used, check the battery health and whether the water-resistant seal is intact (the back cover has a gasket that can wear out). Prices should be very low—under $30—otherwise, a modern budget phone offers far better value.

Comparison with Successors

The Moto G 4th gen (2016) brought a 5.5-inch display, a Snapdragon 617, and 2 GB RAM, but lost the removable battery. The Moto G5 (2017) added a metal build and fingerprint sensor. All later models have better cameras, faster processors, and higher-resolution screens. The 3rd gen is clearly the weakest of the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Moto G 3rd gen waterproof?

It is water-resistant with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, this rating applies to fresh water, and the phone’s seals can degrade over time, so it’s not recommended to test it.

Can I upgrade the Moto G 3rd gen to Android 7 or higher?

Officially, no. The last official update was Android 6.0. Unofficial custom ROMs like LineageOS exist, but they require unlocking the bootloader and may have bugs. Installing them also voids any warranty and carries a risk of bricking the phone.

Does the Moto G 3rd gen support 4G LTE?

Yes, the US and global versions support LTE bands common in their regions. However, it lacks support for newer LTE bands (like Band 12 on T-Mobile) and does not support VoLTE, so calls may fall back to 3G or 2G on some networks.

How long does the battery last on the Moto G 3rd gen?

With light use (calls, texts, occasional web browsing), it can last up to two days. With heavy use (video streaming, gaming), expect a full day. Battery life degrades over time; a replacement battery costs around $10–$15 and is easy to install.

Can I use the Moto G 3rd gen as a daily driver in 2025?

It is not recommended. The 1 GB RAM and outdated processor will cause frequent lag, and the lack of security updates makes it vulnerable to malware. If you must use it, limit it to basic calls, texts, and offline apps, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

Does the Moto G 3rd gen have a removable battery?

Yes, the back cover pops off to reveal a removable 2470 mAh battery. This is a rare feature in modern phones and allows easy replacement if the battery degrades.

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