Are you tired of phones that can't keep up with your streaming, snapping, and everything in between? Motorola has heard you loud and clear! They're unleashing two new budget-friendly powerhouses: the moto g – 2026 and the moto g play – 2026. These aren't just phones; they're your all-access pass to immersive entertainment, smart photography, and battery life that refuses to quit.
Get ready to say goodbye to lag and hello to seamless streaming, vibrant photos, and power that lasts all day (and night!). Motorola is doubling down on accessible technology with these additions to their moto g family in North America. Both phones are packed with surprisingly advanced features for their price point, boasting bold displays, AI-enhanced cameras, and smooth overall performance.
Whether you're a binge-watching aficionado, a mobile gaming guru, or simply someone who loves scrolling through social media, the new moto g and moto g play are designed to elevate your entertainment experience. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the specs; it's about making that top-tier experience accessible to everyone.
They both come equipped with a vibrant 6.7” 120Hz display¹ that can reach a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to cozy dimly lit rooms. Imagine watching your favorite shows with crystal-clear clarity, no matter where you are! Plus, both phones offer superfast 5G performance² and up to 12GB of RAM Boost³ for seamless multitasking. For the first time ever, the moto g play series is delivering powerful 5G connectivity to all users.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might say that budget phones always compromise on camera quality. Motorola is challenging that assumption with the new moto g and moto g play, and the results speak for themselves.
Capturing those unforgettable moments shouldn't require professional photography skills; it should be easy and intuitive. That's why both phones feature AI-powered camera systems that handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on the moment while still capturing stunning photos.
The new moto g features a 50MP camera system⁴, ensuring sharp and detailed images from any angle. The camera system uses Quad Pixel Technology for vibrant and clear images, even in challenging lighting, plus a dedicated Macro Vision camera for extreme close-ups. Selfie lovers will rejoice at the 32MP front camera⁵, perfect for capturing every detail of your best smile.
The moto g play also delivers impressive image quality with its 32MP camera system⁵, ideal for capturing everyday moments with crisp detail. Quad Pixel Technology, combined with AI enhancements like Night Vision, Auto Smile Capture, and Portrait mode, helps you get stunning results with ease. The 8MP front camera ensures clear, natural-looking selfies and smooth video calls.
All that entertainment needs serious power, right? Both the moto g and moto g play come with a 5,200mAh battery⁶ that provides up to two days of worry-free power.⁷ No more frantically searching for an outlet in the middle of your favorite movie! And when you finally do need to recharge, the new moto g and moto g play offer fast charging with 30W and 18W TurboPower™ charging capability, respectively.⁹,¹⁰ You can get hours of power in just minutes.
These phones aren't just powerful; they're also stylish and durable. Both devices offer a premium look and feel, along with IP52 water resistance¹¹ and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 to protect your screen from scratches and damage.
The moto g comes in two stunning colors: PANTONE Slipstream, a magnetic grey that exudes strength, and PANTONE Cattleya Orchid, a vibrant purple that radiates creativity. The moto g play is available in PANTONE Tapestry, a deep blue that speaks to sophistication. All three colors are complemented by a leather-inspired finish that feels great in your hand.
Both phones run on Android 16 out of the box, offering a smarter, safer, and more seamless experience. You'll also have access to Google Gemini and Circle to Search, along with Motorola's signature software experiences through Hello UX, including Moto Secure, Family Space, and Gestures. These features work together to give you more control, convenience, and connection in your daily life.
moto g Availability:
In the United States, the moto g – 2026 will be available unlocked on December 11 at motorola.com, followed by Best Buy and Amazon.com on January 15 (MSRP: $199.99).¹² It will also be available at Verizon, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, Tracfone, Walmart Family, and Visible on December 11, with availability at T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, AT&T, Google Fi Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Optimum Mobile, and UScellular in the coming months.
In Canada, the moto g – 2026 will be available starting December 11 at motorola.ca, with availability at select carriers and national retailers soon after.
moto g play Availability:
In the United States, the moto g play – 2026 will be available unlocked on November 13 at motorola.com, BestBuy.com, and Amazon.com, with Best Buy stores to follow. (MSRP: $169.99).¹² It will also be available online at T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, and Straight Talk, as well as online and in-store at UScellular and Cox Mobile on November 13. In the coming months, the device will also be available at Cricket Wireless, AT&T, Verizon, Verizon Prepaid, Visible, Simple Mobile, Tracfone, Walmart Family, Consumer Cellular, Xfinity Mobile, and Boost Mobile.
In Canada, the moto g play – 2026 will be available starting November 13 at motorola.ca.
So, what do you think? Can budget phones truly deliver a premium experience? Are the new moto g and moto g play the real deal, or are there compromises that haven't been mentioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
