• expired

Motorola G54 5G 8GB RAM/128GB Storage $206.10 Delivered / C&C @ BIG W

1690
XOCT2024
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The G54 is the cheapest phone with eSIM, 5G, 8GB RAM and powerful performance for the price. It's much better than the 4G Redmi 12 which people unfortunately thought was a good deal.

Specs:

  • MediaTek Dimensity 7020
  • 6.5" FHD+ 120Hz IPS screen
  • 50 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP macro + 16 MP selfie
  • 5000mAh battery with 15W charging
  • Ships with Android 13, released October 2023, updated to Android 14. 3 years security
  • microSD card up to 1TB
  • Stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack
  • NFC
  • Dual SIM: nano + eSIM
  • 20W charger included

Indigo Blue Vegan Leather.

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closed Comments

      • +1

        "many other features that outperform this g54"

        It has worse bluetooth, no 5g, worse front camera, worse back camera, worse GPS, older OS, worse battery life. In fact the only advantage I can find is it charges 3w faster (18w vs 15w).
        Sure the screen is slightly better, but you lose a whole inch in screen size.

        • Screen size is fairly subjective, some people prefer a more compact phone. I'd agree with everything you've said but I'll defend the back primary camera quality on the V30. Even as a specs comparison, the V30 has a lower f stop, larger pixel size, laser focus for close up shots, higher native resolution. I do get jealous of my friends' new iPhone pictures, but G54 would be an downgrade for me personally.

          That said, the ultra wide and front camera are garbage and I haven't touched them in 5+ years.

      • Your only choice is v50 second hand then change the battery yourself. Camera is not good though I wouldn't use. V50 user here

        Planning to change battery myself probably end of this year

    • +1

      funny i use it as back up phone rather than my old x3, they seem pretty similar but the battery is my x3 is pretty awful now.

      for $30, it still seems like a bargain

    • +1

      I doubt people buy it for the camera as it is still a budget phone

      Other than that the other specs are bang for buck

    • Poco X3 Pro is 4G compatible. I'm getting messages and emails from catch connect that my device won't work after 28th October. I don't understand why 🤔

      • +1

        Because although it's a 4g phone and works on Aus 4g band 7 and band 28 volte calls…. It doesn't have the Aus emergency 000 volte call handling firmware on it. Other global manufactures like apple and google etc all put most nations e000 settings on their phones… But poco didn't.

        So technically your phone will be able to do 4g calls after the 3g shutdown. But it won't be able to call 000. So by law, all telcos have to block such devices so no one is left with a phone that can't call 000 in an emergency.

        • Any source for this as a fellow poco owner….

          • @rxjb: Well apart from the countless SMS's from Voda. Failing the 3 sms to 3498. Failing upon queries to Voda customer support. Not being on the ATAMS or whatever it is list of supported Aus post3g phones…..

            The main thing is that Voda just bricked my phone as of about 15 minutes ago.

      • They are going to disconnect my Poco X6 Pro 5G, 2024 model. The general consensus is that it's a shitshow..

        • -2

          Optus network? Maybe try Vodafone network. It's not good if people cannot use their latest phones in Australia only because no support for 000. Banning people's phones feels authoritarian. We are in Western country, not even communist country.

          • @neoleo: I don't think communist means what you think it means.

            Communist means everyone would be entitled to a phone, and all phones would be funded by the state.

            It may be 2034 by the time your get your Ericsson T20 or Nokia 9110 though.

            Srsly though, it's to ensure no one is unable to call 000, which isn't a simple phone call, and 000 is considered to be a primary priority.

    • Because it's a budget android phone and this price is on the low end however was obtainable under $149 or $99 so what phone can you get at the price point better than this

    • with an atrocious camera, definitely a downgrade from my previous Poco X3 Pro

      @doperst: maybe like-with-like comparison: Poco X3 Pro vs Samsung-A35 ?

      Anyone: what compel people to buy parallel/grey-import, other than small-saving ?

      Try Gcam: feel free to provide an update to your comments ?

  • +3

    G84 is far better, for not much more.

    • +11

      No esim on G84 makes it a hard NO for many people.

      • +5

        esim is super handy. Rented a G54 to use in the States specifically for this; easily signed up for free esim trials, free data FTW!

        • +3

          You "rented" a G54 for free data? I just used my G84 and bought a cheap $10 sim.

        • +3

          Serious question, whats so difficult about physically replacing a Sim card?

          Don't understand the true benefit of an eSim.

          • +3

            @smartProverble:

            Don't understand the true benefit of an eSim.

            eSIMs are tied to your phone's hardware, so it's easier to "track" the person.

            eSIM on the other hand, can get different phone numbers very quick, ie. within minutes,
            you can activate plans and swaps numbers, without needing to wait for SIM cards…or even look for SIM cards.
            Imagine, you arrive somewhere overseas…and with the press of an App, and Paypal payment,
            you already got a phone number without talking to anyone, or needing to show passports, etc.

            I am not advocate of eSIM, but I see why it's beneficial for buyers, sellers, … and three-letter agencies.

            • +1

              @whyisave: Thank you. So essentially it is convenience that some people can't live without.

              (Do you sleep?)

            • @whyisave: 3 letter agencies… Took me a long minute to figure out that KGB is a 3 letter agency!

          • @smartProverble: the plastic waste?

      • +2

        The OLED screen is far superior. LCD is a hard no for many, hard to go back.

    • +1

      cant find cheap g84 before 3g goes rip

    • +1

      The G84 has got to be the best value smartphone around ,and if you can wait it will probably end up being not much more than this phones price when it goes on sale again.
      The G54 is just the cheapest.

      • +2

        But… but G84 doesn't have esim.

    • No esim.
      But 12 GB ram instead of 8 GB.

      And g84 does Motorola PC Connect. G54 apparently doesn't.

      Anything that gives something like Dex capability is great I think.

  • +1

    InB4 someone mentions the 3G shutdown. Damn too slow.

  • Is this good as a handheld emulator?

    • Lol no.

      An old Samsung Galaxy S10 (5+ years old now) would be better than this for that purpose… Even old Pixels

  • Sorry, noob question: can I use multiple e-SIMs on this phone?

    • +4

      Yes and no. Only one eSIM can be active at a time but you can usually swap between them. However there is a limit on the total memory of the eSIM storage and eSIMs come in different sizes. If the carrier decides to use extra storage in the eSIM, some people have reported only being able to fit a single eSIM on it, but it all comes down to the carrier. I’ve had three stored on it at a time with no issues.

      • i heard switching eSIMs back and forth can be difficult/takes time and effort, depending on telcos?

    • +4

      When Cashrewards had 100% cashback on the Amaysim/Optus big data sims/esims I bought a few and registered them all as esims on the G54 with no issues, it was surprisingly easy, I flicked back and forth between them all at first just to make sure they all worked, no issues, then I just toggled them all on 1 by 1 in the network settings to use them up… I used them to upload 740GB to Youtube in a short period while I was on the road, using the G54 as a hotspot for my lappy…

      • oh i meant switching from one phone (esim) to another phone (esim). Is it easy? or need time.

        • Completely dependent on the telco. If it's on their app you can do it straight away but otherwise you might need to go through customer support. There's no way to transfer from one phone to another that I know of. You need to request a new eSIM from the telco for the phone change.

  • -2

    I've still got my poco x3 NFC and going strong. Don't think I'll upgrade yet

  • +2

    This or samsung a15/35? Or any other phone 🤷‍♂️

    • Same here, but not this by the comments above.

    • +1

      A35 for $299 is a better option if it's within your budget

    • -1

      Save a bit more and buy a mid-range Samsung.

      Entry level phones are simply junk from the start and you will want to replace them asap, feels like a waste of money and source of frustration.

      • What do you think of nothing 2a?

        • +1

          From my research… That is a budget phone that costs at least double this phone, so doesn't feel budget…

          Performance wise the nothing is clearly better.

          If I had the cash for this nothing phone, I'd go with a second hand Samsung flagship S series (realistically the S20 series) at least for the much superior camera, but also for better performance and software features like Samsung Dex (turns phone into a desktop computer) and Samsung Health… However if I wanted a new phone with OS and security updates, I'd look towards the Nothing compared to a S20 or this Motorola

          (For the price of the nothing 2a you can look at a new Samsung Galaxy A55. Not sure how they compare)

          • -1

            @smartProverble: The Phone (2a) is quite clearly not a budget phone, your research has failed you.

            • @ldd-mn: MKBHD says otherwise. Also that's why I said it does feel like a budget phone.

    • For those who have a slightly HIGHER-criteria, ok with 1 pSIM & NO-eSIM, consider Samsung-A35 $299-> https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15813030/redir

      Visit JB-Hifi & play with their DEMO-models & SEE-it for YOUR-self…validate comments & write-ups ?

  • +1

    the cheapest is $149 from memory.

    • JB perks before

  • +1

    minus $10 perks voucher at jb was what I picked it up for ,
    Seems to be ok , battery’s good.
    If I was to buy again I’d probably wait for the G84 to be under $250 ,
    and if it gets close to this price I’d jump all over it.

  • -6

    waste ya money . samsung or apple

    • +5

      You'll waste ya money on Samsung or Apple

      FTFY

    • -1

      Midrange to flagship Samsung.

      Entry level is entry level, will cause frustration and you'll want to switch sooner than later… Waste of money.

      But if you want no headaches, generally Samsung or Apple (and now, also Pixel).

  • +2

    My phone's going to get bricked soon.
    Someone tell me which phone to get

    • How do you know for sure though, unless it doesn't have 4G?

      So much confusion around this shit storm.

      • +5

        There are a lot of early 4G phones that won't work once 3G shuts down, as they either aren't VoLTE capable, or even if they are VoLTE capable the firmware still forces the phone to utilise 3G-only when calling 000. The carriers are identifying these phones, alerting customers and blocking them. I received an warning one of my 4G phones will be blocked from the network by the 22nd of Oct, as it won't be able to contact 000 once 3G is shutdown and is deemed as an "unsafe" device.

        • +3

          Optus blocked one of my (fully 000 compatible) handsets on 1 October.

          There's an excellent piece here https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

          • @hotphil: When you mention fully 000 compatible, are you able to share how did you deem it to be?
            Did it work with 4G VoLTE on Telstra as well?

            Also, if you dont mind could you share the model of your handset that got blocked?

            I am using a Xiaomi Note 5, it is 4G VoLTE compatible on Optus and Vodafone, but not on Telstra. And my worry is, this is what deems it NOT to be fully 000 compatible.

            • @djoz: It was an imported Xperia XQ-BT52 I was running Sailfish on. I didn't have a Telstra SIM to try. It doesn't show on the AMCA checker website. But bang, 1 October, all calls got a recorded announcement saying the handset was blocked. From memory I had to dig into the modem config and confirm all was good for it not dropping to 3G, and identical Australia-market handsets were OK (I'm told). Spent two hours on phone with Optus trying to get them to confirm why it was blocked. Made me remember how much I hate Optus. At one point they asked for a screenshot of the audio announcement. Raised it with my MP, yet to hear back.

              Basically, after 1 November, it'll be a real gamble if you import a handset. So the only confident way to buy a handset is through the networks. At their inflated prices. And with their bloat/spyware.

              If Optus hasn't blocked your device yet then you may be OK. But maybe be prepared to buy a new handset on 1 November. But watch out as the market will have lots of other blocked devices lol. Optus helpdesk gonna have a bad day - 3G shutdown and deliberate handset blocking.

              And roaming visitors will get a nice announcement about how they hopefully won't need to call 000 and that they've only got 60 days until blocked. An absolute crapfest.

              Edit: Literally as I typed that the office of my MP mailed back. Looks a totally copy/paste useless fob-off

              *Thank you for your email to Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Federal Member for Swan. Zaneta has asked me to respond on his behalf.

              Australia’s mobile network operators, Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom have each made a commercial decision to switch off their 3G networks. Telstra and Optus will commence switching off from 28 October 2024, and TPG Telecom’s network has already been switched off.

              Some mobile handsets being used by Australians, including some 4G handsets, have been configured by the manufacturer to rely on 3G to make Triple Zero calls. Some of those handsets will otherwise work normally, except for Triple Zero – and consumers may only realise this when they can least afford to.

              The mobile network operators have endeavoured to advise affected end users of the need to upgrade prior to 28 October 2024. End users can also check for themselves whether their mobile handset is affected by texting ‘3’ to 3498.

              Nevertheless, there is a risk that, absent regulatory action, some Australians will fail to upgrade in time and their handset will fail them in an emergency.

              Therefore, Minister for Communications has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to make changes to the law such that mobile network operators must not provide carriage services to mobile handsets that cannot call the emergency call service (Triple Zero).

              This decision protects public safety, particularly when the remaining 3G networks are switched off from 28 October 2024. It also maintains the status quo in which any mobile handset connected to a network, including a handset without a sim card, can make a Triple Zero call.

              Both Optus and Telstra have put measures in place to support customers concerned about the financial burden of purchasing a new handset, including sending out free handsets to those affected. To discuss these options further you can contact Optus on 1300 219 070 and Telstra on 13 22 00.

              I hope this information is of assistance.

              If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.*

              • -3

                @hotphil: if instead of spending 2 hours talking to optus and then further time trying to talk to a politician, but used those 2 hours and 5 more hours at minimum wage you would have enough to buy a compatible phone.
                Of course its even worse if you earn an average wage.

                • @Ti-au: I hear you. I was multitasking keeping mission-critical public service IT infrastructure running at same time. And researching alternative handsets on which privacy-focussed OSes would run.

                  • -2

                    @hotphil: ahhhh public sector…. well you may as well waste your time… ;-)

                  • @hotphil: Buy a Pixel and run GrapheneOS? Or not paranoid enough for you?

        • Grey-import & parallel-import phones: is it worth the small-saving & how does it compare to HEAVY-discounting by AU-distributors with AU-warranty ?

          Buyers must have OTHER-criteria & feel free to share ?

          • @ab c: Superfast charging is one of my criteria. My OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G has 67 w charging capability. There are certain times that people may want their phone to be recharged faster.

            No problem with the battery as it has 1600 cycles compared with many other phones with only 800 cycles. So, in theory the phone battery longevity should last longer within years.

            Dual sim card capability is a must for me. I don't want Samsung A35 with only 1 sim card for example.

            Now I have Moto G54 as a backup phone. The esim will be very useful for me while overseas. I got it very cheap with $200 Amaysim voucher.

            • @neoleo: Interesting criteria & '1600-cycles', thanks for sharing.

              OnePlus-Nord: does it work with Vodafone now (CALL-function) & will it works when Telstra/Optus shutdown their 3G network (receive impacted-device notification) ?

              Starting-point-> https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-401a-fast-and-ultra…

              • @ab c: No problem with Vodafone and Boost Mobile (Telstra). Read my previous comments here:
                https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15764389/redir

                https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15784288/redir

                My phone doesn't feel hot while charging. I don't play games while charging anyway. It takes around 37 minutes from 0 to 100% fully recharged.

                There's "wise charging" options that learns people's charging habit like charging overnight or all day to slow down battery ageing. That's what it says in the Battery settings.

                Also in Battery settings, there's a sentence under "Battery Booster":
                "Battery Booster combines biomimetic electrolyte technology and an exclusive intelligent battery health algorithm to keep lithium ions active for an extended battery life".

                • @neoleo: May be you're an-outlier/minority: lucky that your grey-import works & compatible with Telstra & Vodafone…BUT NOT-Optus.

                  There're many parallel/grey-imports owners won't be as lucky as you…I know some of Samsung-owners with parallel will say that mine is NOT-impacted too 🤔 etc.
                  Is it that-technical & many NOVICE don't want to search XDA-forums etc to find a fix…& risk their NEW-device.

    • +3

      G54

      • G84 when it goes on sale.

        • Agree, but if you need esim, G84 doesn't support esim.

          • @Sun One: Yea, it also doesn’t have a robot arm, G84 doesn’t support a robot arm.

            • @beach bum: haa haaaaa,,, thats very funny.. as a frequent traveler, I really value esim facility with G54, even G84 comes with robot arm, I still choose G54 against G84 since I am not expecting robot arm from mobile phone.

              • +1

                @Sun One: Yes eSIM is good for travelers, but robot arm is good if staying in. You say” robot arm , find tv remote “. or “robot arm, pat me on the back, so I feel better about my purchase”.
                Is good, no?

                • @beach bum: :) These wording says lot "I feel better about my purchase", sorry you missed esim…

                  • @Sun One: Thank you, but is ok.
                    I have robot arm to make feel better.
                    She so nice.

                    • @beach bum: It looks like G84 controls you as a robot arm. Don't let her. Get out of your imagination and head to BigW for the winner, G54. Then travel everywhere with esim, you will find lot of different robot arms as much as you like once you start to travel. ;) ;) ;)

          • +2

            @Sun One: You can always just get an esim adapter from 5ber.

  • +2

    Enjoying my phone so far mosyly. One issue is it won't give messenger notifications till you open the messenger app up.
    Tried all the tricks people have suggested online. PITA

    • That's annoying.

      • +1

        Yeah. Played with all the settings. Few forum posts where people have the same issue. Even with whatsapp.
        It's been a while since I've tried to trouble shoot so maybe I should have another crack.

    • Thanks for sharing an expired deal

  • +1

    its kinda comical that this $200 phone has a high refresh screen whereas base apple devices costing much more dont lol.

    • -1

      I find it the funniest that most iPhones still do not have Opitcal Image Stabilisation; and so the videos shot by it when help by hand are still very shaky.

      Not sure if it has been provided in the latest iPhone 16 or so.

      • That's incorrect. The iPhone 6S Plus has OIS. The first small iPhone with OIS is the iPhone 7. Every iPhone since has had OIS.

  • +1

    A great phone

  • +12

    I have had this phone for over 6 months now and have not experienced any of the issues mentioned , it just works and is a great phone for very little money , I have dropped it numerous times with the standard silicon case that comes with it and it's still in perfect condition , I only use messenger and it has worked perfectly and has always given me notification of new messages , the camera has been great and takes good photos and video , I have even had complimentary comments on the photos I have taken with it , for how much it costs I don't think there is another phone that can compare , I have been very happy with this phone and it's performance and think it's a bargain.

  • +4

    I have this phone and very happy with it. Great phone for a low price.

  • +3

    That is one really good phone for that price! I used this for about 8 months and just upgraded it last week to S24 FE. To be honest, apart from mediocre camera this phone ticks all the boxes for me. NFC / 5G / Good Screen and Superb battery.

  • +1

    Average price consider 6 months ago was $149 JB hifi perks and Amaysim deals few months ago better at $99 etc

    Best feature has esim great phone for overseas travel

  • +2

    Just an FYI which may not necessarily be related, but I recently purchased a G84 for a family member and had to abandon it because it has an awful Whatsapp bug where it doesn't push notifications or data consistently (maybe 20% of the time). So the phone was missing calls and texts.

    It was a common problem noted on Reddit, Moto acknowledged but yet to fix. Hopefully the G54 doesnt have this same issue.

    • +1

      Thanks for reporting.

      That crosses the G54 off the lis.
      Damn reminds me why i went to grey imports in the first place. I remember having those issues to varying degrees of reliability on my last 2 samsung phones.

  • Seems like a good deal, hopefully still around this price if/when CalyxOS supports it.

  • +1

    Yawn, another giant phone. My hands are not small (nor are my pockets or bags), but I have difficulty with all of these 6-inch plus phones. Not easy to find sensible 5- or 5 1/2- inch phones, and they seem to be very low end. I went from a Moto E4 to a Nokia C02 and I'm reasonably happy, but not looking forward to replacing the Nokia…

    • +1

      I am not a fan of Apple products, but I recently bought an iPhone SE gen 3 (for app development) and it's so small and slim! If it wasn't an iphone, it would definitely be my main phone.

      • +2

        We need more size similar to Pixel 5

    • Giant? I was actually thinking it's not big enough for me

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