The most cost effective Moto you should purchase

I’m not afraid of a lot, however one factor about low cost Android telephones worries me: they’ve began to really feel like rinse-and-repeat copies of themselves. Effectively, perhaps Nothing’s low cost choices nonetheless have some character, however my previous couple of Motorola and Samsung evaluations have felt just a bit too acquainted. And, after I first unboxed the Motorola Moto G Energy (2026), alongside its different siblings in the latest wave of Moto G refreshes, I used to be anxious about extra of the identical.

After having spent just a bit bit longer with the cellphone, although, I really feel higher. It won’t reinvent the Moto G collection in a significant means, however I believe the Moto G Energy (2026) covers its bases effectively sufficient to make it price shopping for. On the very least, this must be Motorola’s new baseline, and right here’s why.

It was unboxing the Moto G Energy (2026) that originally gave me pause. It appears to be like and feels a lot just like the Moto G Play (2026) and the Moto G 5G (2026) — two telephones I’m lower than impressed with, however I’ll save that for an additional overview — that I had a tough time telling them aside. And, when one cellphone prices almost twice as a lot as one other, that’s not likely signal — I normally like greater than six grams and a tenth of an inch of display actual property as figuring out options.

However, as I dug additional into Motorola’s all-too-familiar design, I spotted it wasn’t as an identical as I first thought. Positive, it has most of the identical parts as its siblings, like a headphone jack and expandable storage by way of the SIM tray, but it surely’s Motorola’s alternative of supplies that elevates the ultimate product. No, the plastic body doesn’t really feel any completely different from the opposite plastic frames I’ve held, but it surely surrounds a Gorilla Glass 7i show that really provides me peace of thoughts in comparison with the Gorilla Glass 3 I’ve turn into used to.

Together with that toughened-up glass, the Moto G Energy is the most cost effective member of Motorola’s lineup with an official IP score — two, in truth. Just like the final technology, the Moto G Energy (2026) comes with each IP68 and IP69 safety, that means it’s protected in opposition to immersion and jets of high-pressure water at as much as 80 levels Celsius. Is twin certification overkill for a cellphone like this? Positive, however I’m not going to complain when Motorola’s cheaper telephones skip true IP rankings altogether.

Sadly, although, earlier than I proceed with the issues the Moto G Energy (2026) will get proper, I’ve to the touch on one in all its sillier options. Similar to the remainder of its household, this unhealthy boy provides the phantasm that it has three rear cameras. It doesn’t. It has two. They’re extra helpful than those on the Moto G 5G (we’ll get to that), however there’s completely no purpose for Motorola to fake there’s an additional one. It might simply slim down the digital camera bump with out elevating a single eyebrow.

Anyway, again to the good things. I’ve mentioned it a number of instances now, however I actually do like what’s turn into of Motorola’s partnership with Pantone. The Moto G Energy’s Night Blue end is a darkish sufficient shade of navy that it appears to be like virtually black, whereas the lighter Pure Cashmere model places a cultured spin on the white telephones we’re used to. Each choices use the identical textured rubber for his or her again panels, which is blissfully fingerprint-free and grippy sufficient that I really feel comfy utilizing the cellphone and not using a case.

Now that I’ve talked about a couple of times (or half a dozen) instances about how comparable the Moto G Energy (2026) appears to be like and feels to its siblings, permit me to vary my thoughts. Sure, the body is just about the identical, as is the fingerprint reader and the positions of the buttons, however Motorola’s finest upgrades lie in its show.

Particularly, that is the most cost effective cellphone in Motorola’s lineup with a Full HD show — no lowly 720p to fret about. The 6.7-inch LCD panel bumps to a superbly respectable 1080p to go along with its 120Hz refresh price and 1,000 nits of peak brightness, each of which match its siblings. And whereas I’ll admit I don’t all the time discover a distinction in high quality when scrolling via YouTube Shorts, the additional decision has made following the Winter Olympics on Peacock only a bit nicer.

After all, the slopes and rinks of Milan and Cortina are fairly well-lit, so I’ve had no hassle selecting out particulars. Fortunately, I haven’t had points with darker scenes, like these in Netflix’s Untamed, both. In reality, I’d say the one instances I’ve needed to rewind had been after I briefly appeared away from the Moto G Energy (2026) whereas cooking — hardly the cellphone’s fault.

Sadly, although, I haven’t been in a position to shake one thought as I’ve been exploring the Moto G Energy: Samsung remains to be extra formidable. Its Galaxy A17 5G is $100 cheaper, but it packs Gorilla Glass Victus for defense and an AMOLED panel, albeit with solely an IP54 score and a 90Hz refresh price. I do suppose the Moto G Energy appears to be like and feels higher in hand, however I wouldn’t be shocked if Samsung’s supplies and value sway individuals in its favor.

Maybe one other factor that may steer customers away from the Moto G Energy (2026) is Motorola’s attention-grabbing (learn: complicated) choice to present all its low cost telephones the identical chipset. Similar to each different member of the Moto G 2026 household, the Moto G Energy packs MediaTek’s 6nm Dimensity 6300 chipset, which, sure, is identical as its predecessor. Sorry to anybody who thought the title Energy would include a bump in, effectively, energy.

After all, I shouldn’t be so laborious on the Moto G Energy proper off the bat. It does have double the RAM of the Moto G 5G, checking in with 8GB as a substitute of simply 4GB. It additionally has 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which you’ll increase by way of the microSD slot — all the time a pleasant contact. Anyway, with the Moto G Energy’s modest internals laid out, it’s time to see if there’s truly any distinction in efficiency.

Sadly, there’s not. From the CPU-heavy Geekbench 6 and PCMark checks to the GPU-pushing Wild Life stress checks, the Moto G Energy (2026) scores virtually the identical as its predecessor… and the cheaper Moto G 5G. These further 4GB of RAM don’t appear to make a lick of distinction. Effectively, the Moto G Energy (2026) scores at the least just a little higher than the Moto G Energy (2025) on the excellent PCMark check, but it surely merely matches the Moto G 5G — not an inspiring outcome while you’d must spend one other $100.

Towards intently priced competitors from Samsung and Nothing, the outcomes aren’t as even. The Moto G Energy (2026) falls behind in each the single- and multi-core legs of the Geekbench 6 check, together with by a fairly important margin when in comparison with the Nothing Telephone 3a. It’s a bit nearer on the PCMark facet, truly beating the costlier providing from Nothing, which is a fairly good outcome given the higher effectivity of that cellphone’s 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset.

Once we change to the GPU facet, although, the Moto G Energy (2026) falls proper again consistent with its cheaper siblings. It’s so shut, in truth, that I couldn’t inform the three stress checks aside at first — at the least not till I zoomed in on the graph to seek out the smallest deviations between the blue, inexperienced, and yellow traces.

This time, although, there’s little doubt that Samsung and Nothing pack extra punch into their near-$300 choices. The Galaxy A26 5G almost doubles the typical rating from the lowly Moto telephones, with the Nothing Telephone 3a nearer to tripling the rating. This won’t make an enormous distinction in your day-to-day life — none of those telephones are designed for content material creators or avid players — but it surely’ll give each Nothing and Samsung a little bit of an edge if you happen to do wish to dip into lighter gaming titles.

I, in fact, hoped that our managed testing wouldn’t truly inform the entire story of the Moto G Energy (2026). In spite of everything, its siblings had carried out advantageous in real-world utilization, so just a little further RAM ought to maintain this one operating smoother. Usually, I believe that held true. I felt like issues began just a bit bit faster and ran just a bit bit smoother on the Moto G Energy, whether or not I used to be streaming Brandi Carlile’s Tiny Desk efficiency whereas ready for signed data to drop or frantically refreshing Winter Olympics protection to maintain up with the curling event.

Whereas I’ll fortunately say most issues ran easily, the Moto G Energy (2026) isn’t with out its quirks. Many of the software-based ones come from Motorola’s partnerships, together with the one with 1Weather, which now reveals full-screen pop-ups asking you to pay for a premium subscription to get your forecast with out advertisements. It is a new low, provided that I’ve already complained for years that Motorola’s default climate expertise is likely one of the worst round.

The opposite subject that may undoubtedly upset me down the street is Motorola’s replace help. As soon as once more, its most cost-effective choices include solely two years of Android help and three years of safety patches — lower than half of what Samsung presents to your cash. And no, I do know you received’t have to fret about this till 2028 or so, however the price range cellphone market has modified a lot over the previous few years that the Moto G Energy will in all probability really feel outdated earlier than then.

So far as the correct day-to-day duties go, although, the Moto G Energy (2026) retains up simply advantageous. It takes a second or two to shift into gear while you bounce from one factor to the following too shortly, like switching from YouTube Shorts to the digital camera and again, however I had no points if I simply took a second between apps. The issue will get worse with gaming, although, because the Moto G Energy (2026) struggles to get Pokémon Go off the bottom similar to its siblings did.

That mentioned, if you happen to follow Motorola’s baked-in folder of video games — which incorporates the fundamentals like 2048 and a model of Solitaire — I suppose you’ll be advantageous. It feels type of like enjoying low-powered video games in your grandpa’s pc while you had been a child, although.

As anticipated, Motorola’s modest reliability continues on the battery facet. The Moto G Energy (2026) matches its Moto G 5G sibling virtually completely, buying and selling leads between the Zoom and internet shopping checks and almost tying the remainder of the way in which. Sadly, although, which means each telephones get completely smoked by the Nothing Telephone 3a in 4K playback, and neither helps 4K recording, in order that’s a giant outdated clean on our sheet.

My day-to-day with the cellphone tells the identical story because the Moto G did: the Moto G Energy simply lasts effectively right into a second day on a single cost. I suppose the mixture of a giant 5,000mAh battery and strong 30W wired charging remains to be one, even when the processor doesn’t take advantage of the facility it has. That mentioned, I really feel like this cellphone must be above Motorola’s different inexpensive choices, particularly when it prices $100 greater than the Moto G.

Whenever you do want Motorola’s 30W wired charging, although, I’d say you’re in for a well-priced deal with. No, it’s not as quick because the 50W peak of the Nothing Telephone 3a, but it surely beats what you get from Samsung and Google (if we depend an older Pixel A mannequin that’s now priced round $300). I’ve no qualms about spending round 70 minutes tethered to a charger just like the Moto G Energy (2026) calls for, although you may wish to take a look at a few of our favourite wall chargers if you happen to suppose your setup wants an improve.

Additionally, there’s no wi-fi charging on the brand new Moto G Energy, which is a downright odd choice after the final mannequin provided 15W wi-fi speeds. It’s like Motorola was decided to take one step ahead and two steps again, it doesn’t matter what it took.

Whereas the dearth of distinction beneath the hood isn’t actually sufficient to separate the Moto G Energy (2026) from the Moto G 5G (2026), or actually the Moto G Play (2026), it’s round again the place I lastly discover a distinction. Sure, it’s nonetheless foolish that Motorola tacked on a digital camera bump with three rings to recommend a 3rd sensor, however at the least I discover myself prepared to make use of each of the lenses which are truly there, not like simply the one on each cheaper digital camera telephones.

As soon as once more, Motorola has determined to stay with its 50MP major sensor, a transfer I’d readily say is sweet sufficient. It’s the identical 1/2.88-inch sensor as final 12 months, which suggests it nonetheless opens to a really extensive most aperture of ƒ/1.8 for loads of gentle seize. And sure, it bins all the way down to 12.5MP pictures by default, however that’s nonetheless ok for viewing and posting from the 6.7-inch LCD panel. The 2026 G Energy additionally lastly provides 60fps video recording to its 1080p decision seize. There’s no 4K, however at the least your clips might be good and clean.

The sensor that makes the Moto G Energy stand out from the remainder of Motorola’s 2026 launches is its ultrawide digital camera. Sure, it’s additionally the identical because the earlier technology, pairing an 8MP decision with a 119-degree area of view, but it surely’s miles forward of the devoted macro sensor on the Moto G 5G and the, effectively, nothingness of the Moto G Play. Additionally, it helps software-based macro mode, so I suppose it’s type of like 1.5 sensors if you happen to actually wish to throw Motorola a bone.

And with that, let’s take a look at some images.

I’ll admit there’s not an entire lot to get enthusiastic about throughout these first 4 pictures. The ivy is crisp, however the shade science doesn’t pop that a lot, and the portrait of an indication that I’ve taken dozens of instances does an honest job of selecting out the sides, solely to overlook the highest of the pole. I just like the low-light shot of the bar signal on the left, although it will get just a little fuzzy in each the constructing’s bricks and the tree branches within the background.

On this row, issues look just a little higher. The colours of the stickers within the window are a bit extra lifelike, and the Moto G Energy (2026) truly picked out its human topic over to the proper. The disco ball, nonetheless, appears to be like just a little flat in opposition to the brick constructing behind it, virtually making the scene really feel too cluttered. That mentioned, I as soon as once more like the colours, because the cellphone nailed the publicity of the late afternoon setting solar.

As for the Moto G Energy’s ultrawide sensor, I largely suppose I like its outcomes, too. The mural and creeping vines off to the proper are precisely as I noticed them, and the size of Baltimore’s still-frozen harbor to the left is good. I’m glad the cellphone didn’t lose the sundown’s colours, as I used to be anxious the smaller sensor would muddy the blues and reds. There’s, nonetheless, an attention-grabbing inexperienced solid to the church within the center, which can be a results of Motorola attempting to course of different-colored streetlights via the 5MP sensor.

The opposite piece of Motorola’s ultrawide setup — and the half that really shocked me — is its macro mode. It’s a lot sharper than I anticipated throughout all three of my samples, with wonderful element and colours within the carved leaves on the left. It’s powerful to attract a lot texture out of the movie digital camera on the proper, however I like the way in which the sunshine hits the brand, and at the least I really feel just like the Moto G Energy (2026) did job of highlighting the digital camera’s very small grip.

My shot within the center, overlaying the textual content under the portrait of the bust I featured above, could be probably the most spectacular of the bunch. It’s sharp from the ornamental parts via the letters and numbers, and the completely different colours of aged bronze are straightforward to select. All advised, I don’t get why Motorola’s devoted macro cameras aren’t this good in comparison with what its software program can do.

If you happen to’ve learn any of our different current Motorola evaluations, you’ll know that the 50MP major sensor isn’t precisely versatile. It reaches as much as 8x zoom earlier than calling it a day, and the outcomes are barely greater than passable. Positive, I’d submit one thing at both 1x zoom or 2x zoom in my Instagram story, however the particulars simply aren’t there when you go additional. I recognize that the colour profile is mostly the identical throughout the board, save for a darker 4x zoom shot, however I’m fairly let down by the dearth of sharpness.

As for the selfie digital camera, I’d say Motorola’s 32MP punch gap sensor is first rate. It’s sharp sufficient regardless of the backlit window, and it captured my beard with out decreasing it to a brown blob, which occurs typically sufficient with low cost telephones. I believe the portrait mode captured sufficient of my hair to make an entire profile, but it surely missed a few thicker locks by the bricks and the tree, so I can’t say it’s excellent.

You may also take a look at full-resolution variations of those samples (and plenty of extra) at this Google Drive hyperlink.

On the finish of the day, I don’t suppose the most recent Motorola Moto G Energy (2026) adjustments the sport in any significant means. It doesn’t actually need to, nor do I believe it set out to take action. As an alternative, I’d say it’s a fairly good baseline for what Motorola’s low cost Android telephones ought to really feel like going ahead. It does sufficient issues effectively and incorporates simply sufficient premium touches to really feel like a worthwhile entry level into one of many cleanest Android households round.

And sure, I do know that the Moto G Energy (2026) isn’t the entry level into the Moto G household. On paper, each the 2026 iterations of the Moto G Play and Moto G 5G are cheaper whereas providing similarities, equivalent to the identical chipset, the identical major digital camera (as on the Moto G 5G), and the identical replace dedication. Nonetheless, it’s the Moto G Energy’s extras past that baseline that assist justify its barely increased price ticket.

I’d attain for its extensive and ultrawide setup over its fellow Moto G cameras any day of the week, and it’s the most cost effective Motorola cellphone you will get with a correct IP score. Not solely that, however its twin IP68 and IP69 safety matches (or exceeds) the sturdiness of telephones that price twice as a lot. Add within the headphone jack and expandable storage, and the Moto G Energy (2026) appears like a fairly first rate bridge between outdated dependable options and the brand new price range market.

Maybe the largest problem Motorola faces, nonetheless, is making its Moto G Energy stand out from its opponents. Sure, it’s the most effective low cost Motorola possibility (till we get a Moto G Stylus for this 12 months), but it surely’s stacked in opposition to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G ($228 at Amazon), and, in case your provider is appropriate sufficient, the Nothing Telephone 3a ($374 at Amazon) and the CMF Telephone 2 Professional ($259 at Producer website), all of which land inside $100.

Sadly for Motorola, Samsung’s Galaxy A26 5G is sweet sufficient that we’ve been recommending it over the costlier Galaxy A36 5G. It presents a significantly better replace dedication, even harder Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, and the IP67 score is near IP68/69 sturdiness. No, it’s not precisely as powerful, however we’d say the commerce of an AMOLED panel and further software program help is price it.

Up subsequent, the CMF Telephone 2 Professional and Nothing Telephone 3a are like two sides of the identical low cost Android coin. You’ll must test that they work along with your provider, but when they do, you’re in for a deal with. The CMF Telephone 2 Professional takes a extra refined strategy to the unique modular design, updating the interchangeable again panel and including digital camera equipment. Oh, and an actual third digital camera, not simply an empty ring made to appear like one.

As for the Nothing Telephone 3a, its IP64 score won’t meet Samsung’s or Motorola’s requirements, however its 50W wired charging and light-up Glyph Interface make up for it. It makes a reasonably large distinction when you will get your self away from a charger only a bit sooner, particularly when you’ve a trio of extensive, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras to discover, together with Nothing’s personalized digital camera presets. As soon as once more, you’ll have to verify it really works along with your provider — and that you may stand the Important Key — but when so, Nothing might need probably the most attention-grabbing price range telephones to purchase.

The one different consideration to say is the 2025 mannequin of the Moto G Energy ($299.99 at Amazon). There’s lots of carryover right here between generations, and whereas the improved display sturdiness, upgraded selfie cam, smoother video recording, and a barely bigger battery are all good to have, if you could find the Moto G Energy (2025) on sale, it’s price a glance — plus that one has wi-fi charging.