Why This Inexpensive Motorola Phone Stands Out Against Cheaper Google and Samsung Models

Introducing the 2026 Motorola Moto G

The motto 'if it's not broken, don't try to fix it' seems to be the guiding principle behind the 2026 iteration of Motorola's Moto G. This update makes minimal changes to a successful formula, ensuring some of the standout features and flaws from the past model remain.

While this tactic may lead to some drawbacks, a review of this refreshed $200 Android device reveals why it remains a compelling choice.

A Refined Design

The 2026 edition of the Moto G sports a slightly bulkier design at 167.15 x 76.40 x 8.44 mm and a weight of 202 grams. Despite its larger size, it retains a lightweight and sleek feel, aided by comfortable rounded edges and a soft, vegan leather back that stands out.

Bold aesthetic choices are evident in the vibrant Cattleya Orchid pink finish, offering more flair than its predecessor's Forest Gray. Moreover, maintaining the headphone jack is an appreciated feature for those not solely relying on Bluetooth audio.

Entertainment on the Go

Boasting a 6.7-inch HD+ display, the Moto G delivers vivid colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate—even in its non-1080p resolution of 1,604 x 720 pixels. With 1,000 nits of peak brightness, films and videos are a pleasure to watch.

The sound system, accentuated by Dolby Atmos tuning, provides rich and immersive audio, enhancing the movie-watching experience with balanced soundtracks and dialogue.

Enhancements to Photography

Equipped with a main 50MP and an ultra-wide 2MP camera, this model notably addresses the previous issue of color oversaturation, offering a more balanced color palette that excels in photo quality, particularly in low light.

For optimal image quality, viewing your captured photos on a computer screen is suggested since the phone's display may not completely showcase the camera's capabilities.

Performance and Longevity

Running on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, the phone smoothly handles multitasking and media streaming. Its performance is supported by a 120Hz refresh rate and RAM Boost that transforms unused storage for better memory management.

Storage is generous at 128GB with expansion possibilities via microSD up to 1TB, yet intensive gaming can strain the device. Battery life impresses with near 24-hour streaming endurance, although not quite achieving the full two-day claim.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy

Available for $200 directly from Motorola, this model makes a persuasive case as a strong contender among budget smartphones, particularly with the striking pink finish. The alternative Slipstream blue is also available for those preferring a subtler look.

This version offers improvements over its predecessor such as enhanced storage and a superior camera. It's especially worth considering if advancements in those areas appeal to you or if you're deciding between this and the comparable previous model.