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Verdict
The Motorola Moto G8 Plus does the basics right and then some. It’s got a versatile camera system that also records wide-angle videos, a big and bright display to view those videos and a fast processor that provides that performance boost when you need it the most.
Add in a water-repellent design encased in a glittering Cosmic Blue finish and you have an impress phone for budget users that offers a clutter-free Android experience.
However, there are certain caveats with the phone such as camera optimizations and low RAM model such that it is apparent where Motorola has cut costs. So, it’s a viable option for most people who want a to watch content or play games with great audio experience and a battery life that doesn’t give up that easily.
The camera system needs to be better optimized and we definitely need access to create wide-angle pictures from the action cam.
Other than that, the Moto G8 Plus looks solid, packed with the essential features that are used on a daily basis. And while it can’t go up against one or two competitors in certain regions, especially India with its packed budget phone market, it reasserts Moto’s focus on its budget-centric G-series as it receives some much-needed upgrades.
Who's it for?
The Moto G8 Plus is for people who're looking for a budget smartphone from a tried-and-true brand, who want the reliability of a known name and a phone they'll get a lot of mileage from.
Should I buy it?
If you're looking for a few novel features in your new smartphone, like the action-cam for video recording, and a fantastic audio experience (for this price tag), you can't go wrong with the Moto G8 Plus.
As we've explained, it does have some negatives too though, so if you're looking for an all-round 'fine' phone there are some others you should consider first.
Competition
Considering the Moto G8 Plus? Here are some similar devices you should check out first.
Moto G7 Plus
The Moto G7 Plus came before the G8 Plus (as the name suggests), but it's only eight months older, so it's not hugely outdated. It does come with an older processor, less impressive camera array, and a battery capacity only 3/4 the size, but it's also a little cheaper now thanks to price deductions over time.
You're also getting a very similar screen and design, so it's not a hugely different device either.
Read our in-depth Moto G7 Plus review
Honor 20 Lite
The Honor 20 Lite was one of the first budget smartphones to come with three rear cameras – it has the same main, ultra-wide and depth sensor combo as the Moto G8 Plus, but you can actually take ultra-wide pictures on the Honor 20 Lite.
Other than that there's a decent battery life, similar screen quality to the Moto G8 Plus, and a great-looking design, but there are a few issues too, like the presence of a micro-USB charging port instead of the more modern USB-C.
Read our in-depth Honor 20 Lite review
Oppo Reno Z
The Oppo Reno Z is one of the best smartphones you can get at its price tag right now, which (as you can tell from its presence on this list), is very similar to the Moto G8 Plus.
It's a robust and reliable device, with a good-looking design and software. There's no ultra-wide camera, but it's not like the Moto G8 Plus makes good use of this lens, and the battery capacity is a touch bigger than the Moto's too. The biggest difference though? The Oppo Reno Z has a fantastic AMOLED display, that's one of, if not the, best you can get at this price.
Read our in-depth Oppo Reno Z review
First reviewed October 2019
