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ZDNET’s key takeaways
Motorola has revealed two new budget smartphones.
The Moto G and Moto G Play boast improved cameras and battery life.
Both 2026 models will be available in time for the holiday shopping season.
Motorola is ending the year strong, unveiling two new budget-friendly smartphones for people who want big screens, better cameras, and an all-day battery life. Meet the 2026 Moto G and Moto G Play. Earlier this year, I reviewed the 2025 Moto G and was impressed by the value it packed into a $200 device. It seems to me that this experience will carry over to the upcoming devices.
At a glance, the 2026 Moto G looks identical to the 2025 model. It features a 6.7-inch, 120Hz touchscreen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 5G connectivity, and RAM Boost for enhanced performance. You’ll also find a 50MP wide-angle camera returning for the new generation. It appears that all the major changes for the 2026 model are internal.
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Motorola
That 50MP lens will be supported by Motorola’s “Quad Pixel Technology,” which the company states allows the 2026 Moto G to deliver “sharper, more vibrant results, even in tricky lighting situations.” It’ll even have a new “dedicated Macro Vision camera” for upclose shots. On the front will be a 32MP selfie lens, a solid upgrade from the 16GB camera used on the previous generation.
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The other major change is the bigger 5,200 mAh battery. Motorola states that the 2026 Moto G is capable of lasting up to two days straight. However, based on my experience with last year’s Moto G, I believe there’s a good chance it can run for even longer with light use.
Other notable features for the upcoming Moto G refresh include an IP52 resistance rating and support for 30W TurboPower charging. The smartphone will be available for purchase on Motorola’s website starting December 11 for $200. It’ll arrive in two colors: Pantone Slipstream (grey) and Pantone Cattleya Orchid (purple).
Time to play
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Moto G Play will be up your alley. It shares many of the same features as its counterpart, sporting a 6.7-inch display, a 5,200 mAh battery, and a 50MP rear lens, but pares back a few things. For example, the Moto G Play doesn’t have a 32MP selfie lens, opting instead for an 8MP option. The device supports TurboPower as well, but instead of 30W, this phone only supports a charging speed of 18W.
It’s not all downgrades. The Moto G Play features a unique set of AI enhancements for its cameras, including Night Vision, Auto Smile Capture, and Portrait modes. Motorola’s Moto G Play is set to launch on November 13 through the company’s digital storefront, Amazon, and Best Buy, for $170. It’ll be available in a single color: Pantone Tapestry (deep blue).
There’s still a lot that we don’t know about either smartphone, including which chipset Motorola is using this time. The 2025 model was powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300. It’s possible that the same hardware will be used, but I don’t think so, since the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 has been around since February.
I believe Motorola will pick the 6400, but we won’t know for sure until the release date.
