Verdict
With the Moto G6 Plus you're getting a top-quality display, battery life to spare, and a camera that doesn't disappoint (barring defective lenses, that is). In our book that's the three main pillars covered. Top that with software that touches up on pure Android in all the right places, and we really struggled with that Cons list below.
Pros
Super bright display, also very accurate in one of the modes (though not by default)
Dependable battery life, quick top-ups
Superb audio quality and loudness through the 3.5mm jack, very loud speaker too
A fine blend of vanilla Android and proprietary customizations
Cons
A bit tall, and the light weight doesn't leave a premium vibe
No notification LED and MotoDisplay isn't quite like an always on display (not that it automatically renders the LED redundant, just saying)
Battery consumption in standby is higher than other implementations of this power efficient chipset
A classier mid-range phone
Moto G6 Plus Review
There's no other way to say it, Motorola still masters the art of the mid-range phone with the Moto G6 Plus. While the standard Moto G6 may strike the ultimate balance of price and capabilities, the G6 Plus is a great example of the complete package you can get for what's still a very affordable $349.
Motorola managed to get a great-looking and feeling body, a large 18:9 display and solid specs together for an affordable price, while also adding value in many other places. Its software is still top-notch and filled with useful features, the camera is surprisingly good despite some AI shortcomings, there's support for dual SIM, an SD card and a headphone jack, and holy moly the battery life is spectacular. The only real shortcomings to speak of are the slippery body and some sporadic performance hiccups — but let's remember the price bracket this phone is playing in ... I can forgive those two issues.
The Good
Fantastic battery life
Clean, simple software
Big, nice-looking screen
Above-average camera
Headphone jack and FM radio
Dual SIM + SD card
The Bad
Sporadic performance hiccups
Slippery to hold
"Splashproof" not waterproof
Moto X4 may be a better value
The sixth generation of Motorola's G-series leaves positive impressions in more ways than it has negatives. Thoughtful design choices coalesce with stock Android and long battery life for the ultimate in daily usage, and software update convenience.
Each phone has a weak point – just average battery life from the G6, subpar audio on the G6 Play, or inconsistent camera on the G6 Plus, but on aggregate the devices flaunt a very good value-for-money ratio.
With that out of the way, we regret to inform you that the most souped-up member of the trio – the G6 Plus – isn't planned for the American market, but the other two won't leave you disappointed at what Motorola told us will be a $199 price for the G6 Play, and $249 for the G6 stateside.
At these tags you can only find a few Chinese company models in the US, like the Honor 7X. Well, Moto is owned by one, too, and yet the brand has way more cachet with American customers, hasn't gotten in hot water with the intelligence agencies, and its wares are compatible with all US carriers from the get-go.
Verdict
The Motorola Moto G6 Plus is the best of the G series, representing a considerable shift for the series and push towards premium.
That said, we do find the presence of three different handsets (G6 Play, G6 and G6 Plus) a little confusing. The Plus is barely any larger than the standard G6, too, which feels like a missed opportunity. And the power available can be found for less cash in the Nokia 6, which puts the Plus in a tricky spot in some respects.
Taken in isoltation, however, and the G6 Plus offers aplenty. There's a dual camera, fast-charging, an 18:9 aspect ratio screen, modern glass design, fingerprint scanner, and decent battery life to boot (far better than the G6, we found). The power boost compared to the standard G6 also puts this phone in a much more comfortable position.
Pros
Great build quality
Crisp and bright FHD+ screen
Welcome software customisation and experience
Swift fingerprint scanner
Great battery life
Cons
Camera is a little slow
Not water-resistant