Motorola Moto G8 Review | Another Solid Sub-£200 Budget Phone?

Review of the Motorola Moto G8, yet another smartphone entry to the budget-friendly G-series of 2020. I've been testing the Moto G8 as my personal handset for a few days and here's how the camera tech, performance, battery life and other bits stack up.
The ever-growing range of cheap Motorola mobiles is getting ever more complicated, so check out my comparison of the full family to see which is best for you. I've also rounded up my favourite budget smartphones under £200 if your funds are a bit tight.
The Motorola G8 is one of the more affordable handsets in the series, costing less than the Power and Plus models. You have a 720p display instead of Full HD, plus no stereo speaker setup, but the performance is still provided by a Snapdragon 665 platform - backed by 4GB RAM. Battery life is good too, although the Power does offer a stronger return with its 5000mAh cell.
That triple-lens rear camera is unsurprisingly limited, but the Moto G8 can still take good looking photos in respectable lighting. Motorola's AI features are back on board to help as well.
So that's my full review, and check out my unboxings and verdicts on the other G-series phones of 2020 to see how they compare.

[@TDHurley]

"It didn't piss me off the entire time I was using it" Surprisingly high praise for a sub £200 phone!

[@victorcapote7376]

If it doesn't piss him off, then it won't piss my friend off. He really does't get mad easily, but his current phone really kinda stinks and he gets annoyed every time it kind of lags or downloads things really slow. So, when he gets this phone, he will get really happy and can do more with this rather than what he has now.

[@japaredoakfield3537]

Literally that put my mind at ease lmao

[@sajeesh_s]

5:36 The Art 5:45 The Artist

[@knoxscarlett7490]

You're awesome bro! Love the coverage outside of the Samsung and Apples of this world

[@khizerali7086]

You are doing the best videos on budget smart phones

[@Alex-AzerusAngel]

My hero I've been looking for a new phone and this one is on my list but couldn't find a review thank you !!

[@Aswinishere]

my favorite line of affordable basic and clean Android phones. Been buying it for my mom and wife for a while 😉

[@mikhailcui5311]

What's good Chris?! Good review bro!

[@cathevans9859]

On this price point they should leave out the macro lens and enable NFC which is more useful, I think

[@Tone720]

NFC and battery life extension would be the main things I'd buy for now. Maybe wireless charging for the more expensive Pro/Plus version...

[@DarthAwar]

NFC is only $2 to add Macro Lens is around 5 to 10 depending on Pixel Density and Sensor Size so you are right no excuse for no NFC!

[@MrNobody_Music]

Hi Chris, I recently bought this Moto G8 and am currently using the clear case that came in box. I'd prefer a better sturdier case but can only find ones for the G8 Power / Plus. Do you know where I can get a good case? Thanks mate!

[@Jesuosivwi]

I'll be adopting your PUBG control configuration. Really nice!

[@jamessimpson9690]

I can't get my G8 Power to cast to TV. I have a Netgear PVT3000, and when I try to cast it says "available", then "connected", but switches back to "available" and never connects, never casts to TV. Worked fine on my Axon ZTE. Any idea why my G8 Power won't cast to TV?

[@barrymelody4477]

I bought one after doing a lot of research. It was this of the g8 power lite. This won as the Professor is better like all your reviews hits all the basics and what the average punter needs to know.

[@ScottParsloe]

That's a decent looking can of Yelamu you've got there, Chris ;-) The Moto G8 is pretty decent too, especially for the coinage.

[@TacticoolGear]

Great video. Realme 6 pro or Moto G8 plus?

[@nagamongsor7622]

Sir,I on behalf of all my fellow otakus, wants to know where do you get such wonderful and beautiful wallpapers from?

[@Renkencen]

I have the G5 version for a couple of years now. While I liked the phone the way it is but it coming into reviews that I can't played Animal Crossing Pocket Camp anymore thanks to its new update (only support 64gigs now which while G5 is 64 but it only support 32 software). With Black Friday coming up, I can buy the power version for a good deal (£170 saving £40). I suppose this is more of a question of want vs need? I mean is it a worthy replacement?

[@MatasL]

Where do you get your wallpapers from?

[@dexio85]

Bought this for my mum. Great dependable phone for folks that do not want/need that much tech.

[@CarlosAndreyz]

Watching this on my note 10 lite. Motorola does a great job

[@mrjup4589]

I've had the g phones up to the g5 when I switched to the Xiaomi mi 9t pro. I will always have a soft spot for the g series.

[@MuhammadSalman7236]

@I'm Beavis heh heh expected from a Chinese company.

[@fluff5]

@I'm Beavis heh heh who cares everyone is doing the same thing.

[@mrjup4589]

@@PaddyWV No clue, nothing wrong after nearly a year of use. With these Chinese phones, the specs you get for the price is amazing

[@mrjup4589]

@I'm Beavis heh hehgood thing I don't use their browser.

[@manoharreddy8760]

Xiaomi phones are 💩 Ui displays semi nude ads

[@barrymcveigh58]

Please can u confirm if the moto G8 power phone cases/wallets will fit the Moto g8. Having serious difficulties finding a case for the moto g8

[@colinoverton790]

Good review. Moto seem to have put up prices for the other Moto G8s after the launch prices. Shame you can't change the battery as in my G5, Moto should not follow the i-crowd or Samsung.

[@marlonelmorefreedomisoursn9744]

The cowboy Bebop background with Spike 👍🏿👍🏿👌🏿

[@nielsjosefsen431]

I have g7 power. I love it. It covers my needs at everyday life. Including Netflix, youtube, f.b. And others.

[@Tone720]

Can't believe still no NFC, yet I have that on my old G6. Was also a reason I haven't gone to G7.

[@mollies13]

Okay... The motorola one action has it

[@DarthAwar]

NFC cost around $2 per device to add no good reason to not included it for a device over $199!!!!

[@epistte]

The Nokia 5.3 is about the same price and it has NFC. Its also an Android one phone.

[@ihave7sacks]

The moto g7 has NFC I've been using it for a year.

[@avejst]

Nice phone Thanks for sharing :-)

[@carissalloyd4305]

Does the G8 have a depth camera to blur the background of photos?

[@jesseling144]

They need to make a better midranger with the 700 platform

[@yvs2076]

Cool! First like!!!!

[@TheAkopunta23]

Will you do a magic earbuds review?

[@michelejp69]

Do you recommend this or the Realme 6?

[@linndrumfan1959]

Fear not peeps, the Moto G8 will indeed get updated to android 11. All new midrange Moto phones get at least one update; I'm not really sure why people think it won't get android 11? That said, it remains true that they do indeed fall behind some what on monthly security updates (I'm currently on the February patch).

[@ray5952]

Moto are stepping up their game!

[@KimDahl77]

Yes they have now entered 2014 smartphone specs.

[@gtsonev1988]

If the device comes with A10 pre-installed does that mean it will most likely receive A11?

[@mikem3614]

By The Time This Video Came Moto Has Another Phone Out

[@trevorbyron9448]

Incredible phone

[@aidentheboss102]

I brought it and it said it will come in around 5 days 🤩🤩🤩also first phone

[@OneDollaBill]

6.4" 720p ips.. umm no thx. Rather get a mi a3 it has amoled screen and its more compact.

[@THazra2083]

How to go back from an open app, how to go to the home screen. I dont see any hone or back button on the screen.

[@mutazal80]

I love the way you say Xiaomi And Realme

[@AurioDK]

NFC is a must now a days, at least here in Denmark, every single person in all walks of life are paying with their smartphones.

[@PUBGNomoneynolove4314]

Motorola is first company to lunch mobile, and my first mobile is also Motorola in black in white mobile time,

[@OFDM-network]

Whats the music at the end?

[@kevin.the.explorer1]

Is the back button a fingerprint scanner?? My does not work at all!??

[@drunkpanda9301]

Do g8+ vs g8 power

[@finparry6658]

How about the Huawei p smart z? £150 1080p display, pop up selfie and dual rear camera. Worth it?

[@sidsnot6952]

Don't buy Chinese

[@shubham7376]

NICE

[@peashsheikh5985]

Make a review of "Motorola Edge"

[@FXCKYEAHIAM]

Is that of mice & men i see on the phone? Noiceee

[@thepianogang512]

Should I switch to that one from my Galaxy a8?(2018) Is it worth an upgrade?

[@Melodie_Info3]

S25 plus is better for life plus is now 600

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

i can't find the phone number! i've looked on all forums and it doesn't show the same as my phone! Help

[@InTheEdit]

If anyone knows of a decent screen protector for this phone please let me know - everything on eBay and Amazon seems to be for the Power or Plus.

[@alanjagroop1282]

Does it have mods for the phones

[@puderkman]

I was concidering bying this, but i picked up the power instead.

[@fasn279]

I'm rocking the Moto g7 power

[@ajax22gr8]

Please share your wallpaper collection..

[@chetandhamke4242]

I love you video...and specially moto phone review

[@hello3262]

Moto g8 plus or Huawei p smart z?

[@pankajbaghel7933]

I need that wallpaper plz

[@Baxtexx]

No 5 Ghz?! How much would they save on that... This sounds more like it has become the e series.

[@samualsmith9909]

I love Motorola looking at this for my next one my last Nokia 5.3 is crap 😂

[@JTManuel]

I'll pass on this one and wait for the xiaomi redmi note 9 pro instead.

[@gamerize7451]

Hoping you can help me decide which phone to go for. I cant make up my mind between the G8 Plus or the One Action. G8 plus is slightly more expensive, but doesnt seem to have as good CPU and GPU? One Action is lacking that battery oomf and fast charging. Please help!

[@ArchanaSharma-ri2tc]

Which is the best smartphone under 250 dollars?

[@GranPuba]

I stopped caring after you said "single band WiFi" 🙄😒🤦

[@3mar00ss6]

what's that (; ‾ ▵‾) • • •?

[@mathiasegeland1941]

@@3mar00ss6 it means it can only connect to 2,4GHz networks.

[@3mar00ss6]

so we are bound to Samsung's A series again (ಠ﹏ಠ)

[@aidentheboss102]

Goose I’m in australia so it’s normal

[@EMPERORakshaypatil]

I'm still waiting for android 10 on g8 plus

[@astonnoor]

I See You Are a Man Of Culture As Well

[@johnskuttysabu7915]

Good phone affordable price

[@ianvincent6670]

How about using different wallpapers instead of cowboy bebop all d time? Nothing against it but i just want to see more! Hehe

[@danielhao123]

Is it laggy when running the latest version of Google map?

[@Melodie_Info3]

Yep 60fps amazing phone

[@rgsvasan]

Waiting for Nokia 5.3 review.

[@hudzaifahyaman5681]

Xperia L4, please

[@intelligenceservices]

does not see my JBL bluetooth headphones. even my old samsung S5 saw them. i'm going to return this if i can't figure it out. the support forum is horrifying. they belong to lenovo now?

[@somethingelse4878]

Anyone know of a fix for the fire 8hd audio drop Also a fix for amazon not paying tax or respecting its workers Oh and all the malware in the amazon store

[@henriquemagalhaes3062]

Battery life is great so is the clean and bloatware free ui...if you value this you'll struggle to find a better phone on this budget

[@matiasjuul89]

Nice phone

[@fashionworld4123]

All wallpapers plz

[@rishimakhanlal8905]

My moto G4 has a 1080p display

[@Brianck1971]

Who cares ?

[@vinobruins6719]

for 200$ - 720P display, plastic build, single wifi band, no nfc, old chipset(SD665) and limited update this is trash compared to its competitors.

[@Neppis]

Can this device take raw photos?

[@mollies13]

no sir but one action can

[@chriss8070]

I would Like to buy a new 200< Smartphone, but at this Point, I Just have no Idea which one to buy. I want it to have a 1080p display

[@JTManuel]

The xiaomi redmi note 8 is on sale if you're in the UK. That one has a 1080p screen, 4/64 GB memory and storage, gorilla glass 5 front and back, etc all at £179.

[@sidsnot6952]

Don't buy Chinese phones as there are better options out there.

[@tianic]

I stopped believing in Moto since I found out G8 power doesn't support 5GHz WiFi. It's like, only 2.4??? what year is it? Come on And I heard G8 (the one in the video) has a known hardware issue which the fingerprint sensor will stop working after a few weeks. Buyers beware

[@mariorossi9655]

They also really fucked up on the G7 Power. When the Bletooth is on it cripples your wifi connection.

[@emanuelecolo8531]

@@mariorossi9655 same issue on redmi note 8 pro.

[@jussikankinen9409]

2.4 is better

[@helgehavardstun1000]

Does not have 5GHZ or NFC but it works fine for me

[@metatronblack]

👍😃

[@leedorney]

The G8+ has it 'all' BUT not Android 10 - over to you Motorola/Lenovo... 🙄

[@VinodSharma-pg7ew]

I'm first, #SuperCheapy Hahaha..😎

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Just wait for the Samsung A31! It's a better phone for the same price.

[@linndrumfan1959]

It's getting bad reviews.

[@skilling445]

Best £200 phone?

[@milpatel83]

You'd be mad to get this over the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

[@dontreadmyprofilepicture7086]

I m just here for hearing your voice Addicted to your voice (don't read my name)

[@memegod4433]

Is it waterproof?

[@mollies13]

sometime

[@gyatlickr69]

my dad has this

[@nickdew6813]

720 screen no 5ghz and no nfc. So many last gen phones are now this price and have much better specs. Just don't see the point of this if the power and the plus exist.

[@jasonl9266]

$399 is budget?1 god help us!

[@Killswitch1991]

I wanted this phone as a cheap alternative to get me by but as soon as he said no contactless payments I stopped the video

[@1fluffyrazor]

Very disappointed with the camera on my Moto g8, my photos are rubbish, even outdoors. There's a delay when you press to take the picture and when it actually takes it...so annoying. Won't be keeping this for long

[@riddyhyde2152]

Apple is pro so is this one 👌 cool 😎

[@rajkumar.r7662]

Why moto G8 series is not available in India ???????

[@emanuelecolo8531]

No NFC, no 5 ghz wifi, no night mode for the camera. Commercial suicide

[@agenteles]

Moto g series lost is ways, they're other hand sets seem better imo.

[@OldSchoolVibes1978]

I'm done with Motorola. 720p screen? You're having a laugh!

[@user-gp5md9tb3w]

Agreed, when I heard that I clicked off

[@jamiel0985]

No NFC and no 5GHz WiFi? No thanks.