Motorola Phone Packs an 88dB Speaker—But Where’s the Bass?

Motorola Moto G87 audio and display: loud speakers, weak bass, and PWM flicker to consider

The Motorola Moto G87 makes a strong first impression when it comes to volume. Its speakers can reach up to 87.8 dB, which is loud enough for watching videos, playing games, or taking calls in busy environments. If you often use your phone without headphones, the Moto G87 has no trouble filling a medium-sized room with sound.

However, loud does not always mean rich or detailed. While the Moto G87 delivers plenty of volume, its audio quality is held back by weak bass. Low frequencies are noticeably lacking, with bass measuring 35.4% below the median. This gives music, movies, and games a flatter sound than many users may expect.

For casual video watching, podcasts, social media clips, and mobile gaming, the speakers should be more than acceptable. But if you care about deep bass, fuller music playback, or immersive movie audio, you may want to use wireless earbuds, headphones, or an external Bluetooth speaker.

The display is another area where buyers should pay attention. The Motorola Moto G87 uses PWM brightness control, with flickering measured at 361.6 Hz. For most users, this may not be an issue during normal daily use. Still, people who are sensitive to PWM flicker could experience eye strain, tiredness, or discomfort, especially during long viewing sessions.

This is especially important if you spend hours reading, browsing, gaming, or watching videos on your phone. Some sensitive users report problems even at higher frequencies, so it is a good idea to test the screen in person before buying if you know you are affected by flickering displays.

In everyday use, the Moto G87’s strengths and weaknesses are easy to understand. It is loud, practical, and capable of handling videos and games without needing extra accessories. But its sound profile is not ideal for music lovers, and the display may not be the best choice for users who are sensitive to PWM.

Compared with a similarly priced rival, the Moto G87 may offer higher speaker volume, but it falls behind in bass response and overall balance. That means the better choice depends on your priorities. If you want louder speakers, the Moto G87 has an advantage. If you prefer richer and more balanced sound, another mid-range phone may be a better fit.

Overall, the Motorola Moto G87 is a solid option for users who want loud speakers and dependable everyday media playback. Its biggest drawbacks are the weak bass and the presence of PWM flickering on the display. For casual users, these limitations may be easy to live with. For audio-focused buyers or anyone sensitive to screen flicker, they are worth considering before making a purchase.