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Introduction
After reviewing the Moto G Power (2026), it’s time to take a closer look at the vanilla Moto G (2026). In terms of specifications, the vanilla model sits right in between the G Power (2026) and the Moto G Play (2026).
Interestingly, the vanilla Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) are almost identical devices. We have both smartphones available, and although we won’t be reviewing the G Play (2026) alone, you’ll see us referencing it throughout this review.
Motorola Moto G (2026) • Motorola Moto G Play (2026)
The Moto G (2026) and G Play (2026) have some key features, starting with the design and vegan-leather-like back, that punch above their weight. They also have dedicated microSD card slots and 3.5mm audio jacks – two features that are becoming harder to find. It also has stereo speakers and eSIM support. And finally, the Moto G and G Play are significantly cheaper than the Moto G Power.
Although they have mostly similar features, there are some differences between the Moto G and G Play. The camera setup of the Moto G Play has been slightly downgraded, with a 32-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel selfie camera and no macro cam. Storage on the G Play is also half the size at 64GB. And its maximum charging power is rated lower – 18W vs 30W. but that’s about it.
And despite not having the “Power” branding, all three phones in the series have similar sized batteries with a 5,200 mAh capacity.
Specifications of Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) at a glance:
- Body: 167.2×76.4×8.5 mm, 202 g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame; Water-repellent design.
- Display: 6.70″ IPS LCD, 120 Hz, 1000 nits (peak), 720×1604 px resolution, 20.05:9 aspect ratio, 262 ppi.
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm): Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC2.
- Memory Moto G: 128GB 4GB RAM; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- Memory Moto G Play: 64GB 4GB RAM; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- OS/Software: Android 16.
- Rear Camera Moto G: main: 50 MP, f/1.8, 0.61μm, 29mm, PDAF; macro: 2 MP, fixed focus.
- Rear Camera Moto G Play: main: 32 MP, f/2.2, 0.64μm, 28 mm, PDAF.
- Front Camera Moto G: 32 MP, f/2.2, 0.64µm, 23mm, fixed focus.
- Front Camera Moto G Play: 8 MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm, 26mm, fixed focus.
- video capture: rear camera:1080p@30fps; front camera:1080p@30fps.
- Battery: 5200mAh; moto g – 30W charging; moto g play – 18W charging; .
- Connectivity: 5G; é SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT; NFC; FM radio; 3.5 mm jack.
- various: fingerprint reader (side-mounted); Stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos).
Despite their different price points, all three Moto G devices are based on the same MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is 5G capable but quite weak overall, as we saw in our Moto G Power (2026) review.
Another red flag in the specs is that the Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) come with a downgrade in the display department compared to the already disappointing LCD of the Moto G Power (2026). The resolution has now been reduced, going from FullHD+ to HD+ (720p). So definitely pay attention to our detailed analysis of chipset performance and display quality on the next pages.
Furthermore, unlike their G Power (2026) siblings, the vanilla Moto G (2026) and G Play (2026) lack any formal ingress protection – just Motorola’s vague promise of a “water-repellent design.”
The Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) are also equipped with a meager 4GB of RAM, which, as you can imagine, is far from ideal for a 2026 device and even more so for future-proofing.
And finally, neither the Moto G (2026) nor the Moto G Play (2026) have an ultrawide camera on the back.
unbox
Both the Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) come in a very thin, two-piece cardboard box with a simple, two-tone design and glossy printing.
Motorola has completely worked on eco-friendly packaging here – there is no plastic anywhere, neither inside nor outside, and the printing is also done using soy ink. Bonus points for that.
As far as contents are concerned, there is not much about the accessories bundle to talk about. With the phone, you just get a basic USB Type-C to Type-C cable (rated for 3A), which is wired for both charging and data. And that’s all – no charger, no protective case, no extra accessories.
