Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) smartphone

Photo: AnVuong1222004 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Motorola

Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen)

July 28, 2015 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) is an Android smartphone released in July 2015, notable for its significant camera improvements and the introduction of IPX7 water resistance at a budget-friendly price point. It featured a 5-inch HD display and was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor.
Display5.0" HD IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 3
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 410
Main Camera13 MP with f/2.0 aperture and dual-tone flash
Battery2470 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $40

💰 Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) Price

The Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) lowest price is $40, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.0 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Pixel Density~294 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 5.1.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 410 (MSM8916)
CPU1.4 GHz Quad-core (Cortex-A53)
GPUAdreno 306

Memory

RAM1GB or 2GB
Internal Storage8GB or 16GB
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB

Main Camera

ModulesSingle
Specs13 MP, f/2.0 aperture, Sony IMX214 sensor
FeaturesAutofocus, dual CCT dual-tone LED flash, HDR, panorama, burst mode, manual focus and exposure control
Video1080p@30fps, slow motion video

Selfie Camera

ModulesSingle
Specs5 MP, f/2.2 aperture
FeaturesDisplay flash

Battery

TypeLi-Ion, non-removable
Capacity2470 mAh

Body

Dimensions142.1 x 72.4 x 6.1-11.6 mm
Weight155 g
BuildPlastic back (removable, textured)
SIMMicro-SIM
Water ResistanceIPX7 certified (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
Bluetooth4.0 LE
GPSYes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
RadioFM radio

Launch

AnnouncedJuly 2015
StatusAvailable

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • IPX7 water resistance
  • Excellent 13MP camera for its price
  • Near-stock Android experience
  • Affordable price
  • Good battery life
  • Customizable design via Moto Maker
  • 4G LTE connectivity

Cons

  • No significant GPU performance jump
  • Super long recharge time
  • Sharp tone with speaker at loudest volume
  • Cheaper rivals had sharper screens (at the time)
  • Non-removable battery
  • Limited internal storage (8GB/16GB)
★ Our Verdict

The Moto G (3rd Gen) offered exceptional value with its IPX7 water resistance, a surprisingly good 13MP camera, and a clean Android experience, setting a high bar for budget smartphones in its era.

For those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone from 2015, the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) remains a notable option, especially if found at a very low price. Its IPX7 water resistance and capable 13MP camera were standout features for its budget segment. However, keep in mind that its Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system is now significantly outdated, meaning many modern apps may not function optimally or at all, and security updates are no longer provided. Performance from the Snapdragon 410 and 1GB/2GB RAM will be slow by today's standards, suitable only for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. Consider it more as a collector's item or a very basic secondary device rather than a daily driver in 2026.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) Handset
  • USB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

Typically, Motorola offers a one-year limited warranty for its smartphones against manufacturing defects.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) released?

The Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) was officially released on July 28, 2015.

Is the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) water resistant?

Yes, the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) features IPX7 certification, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

What kind of camera does the Moto G (3rd Gen) have?

It is equipped with a 13-megapixel main camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a Sony IMX214 sensor, along with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

What operating system did the Moto G (3rd Gen) launch with?

The Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and was upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

What processor powers the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen)?

The device is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor.

Can the storage on the Moto G (3rd Gen) be expanded?

Yes, the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, supporting cards up to 32 GB.