If its performance was just a bit better, this Moto would be a real winner. It’s a solid choice if you’re on a budget, but if you can, go for the Moto G Stylus—even if you’re not interested in the stylus. Keep in mind that Motorola is expected to announce a new version early in 2026.
Other Motorola Phones to Consider
I recommend sticking to the options mentioned above, but here are some alternatives if you’re not satisfied.
Motorola Edge 2025 for $400
Motorola remains one of the few brands still producing smartphones with waterfall displays, which give a sleek, nearly bezel-less look. Although this design was quite popular a few years ago, it seems to have faded in recent times due to usability issues—sometimes bezels can actually be helpful! I encountered fewer touchscreen problems with this model, and it has a nice aesthetic thanks to its vegan leather back. However, at its $550 sticker price, it faces stiff competition, and the performance is somewhat choppy (especially noticeable in the camera app). While the main camera performs well, the lack of a solid software update policy makes this a hard recommendation. It’s a better buy during major sales.
Motorola Razr+ (2025) for $650
The Razr+ is similar to the Razr+ (2024) but uses a titanium-reinforced hinge for extra durability. The specifications are otherwise unchanged, so it’s a bit caught in limbo—offering no significant upgrade over the Razr 2025, but not too far off from the Razr Ultra either. You might miss the ultrawide camera for group selfies, and it has the smallest battery among the current lineup. You could save some cash by opting for last year’s Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends), which also has good performance and decent cameras. I recommend waiting for a price drop, as this model has been as low as $580, making it a great deal for a folding phone.
Moto G Play 2026 for $180
Motorola’s budget phone often finds itself in a tricky position. Priced under $200, it’s a functional device that now supports 5G. You get two-day battery life, a headphone jack, expandable storage, and a decent design. However, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip paired with 4 GB of RAM is quite sluggish—be prepared to wait a few seconds for apps to open or web pages to load. The photo quality is mediocre; most of my pictures lacked vibrancy. During calls, others frequently complained about the audio quality, which isn’t great. While it’s nice that this ultra-budget option will receive two Android OS updates, the Moto G Power 2025 is available for $190 on Amazon and usually provides better performance, double the storage, and superior camera quality—making it hard to recommend the Play. Motorola also plans to release the Moto G 2026 ($200) soon, which is nearly identical to the Play but with 128 GB of storage and better cameras. Given the $20 price difference, you might as well go for that option. But ideally, snag the Moto G Power 2025 on sale or wait for the upcoming Moto G Power 2026.
What Motorola Phones to Avoid
Motorola Moto G 2025
Motorola phones tend to lose value quickly. It’s best to avoid purchasing Moto G phones from 2024 or earlier since they likely won’t receive any more Android updates, and the prices aren’t significantly different from the latest models. I also don’t recommend the Moto G 2025 anymore since its successor is on the way. Last year’s Motorola Edge 2024 or the previously mentioned Razr+ 2024 are the oldest options I’d consider—avoid anything older.
The Competition
Motorola faces tough competition from Google, Nothing, and Samsung. If you’re looking for a phone, I’d recommend the Google Pixel 9a ($499). It has many of the features customers want, including wireless charging. Nothing has also launched new models, the Phone (3a) and the Phone (3a) Pro. These devices are stylish, elegant, and budget-friendly, though their carrier compatibility can be tricky. Additionally, Nothing’s sub-brand CMF offers a fantastic option with the CMF Phone 2 Pro for $279.
