Moto G 2026 launches with 32MP selfie camera and two-day battery life

Motorola has introduced two new budget-friendly phones in the U.S. - the Moto G Play and the Moto G 2026. The new Moto G combines an AI-powered camera system, a large display, and a sleek design at a very accessible price.

Design and Display

The Moto G 2026 follows Motorola’s familiar minimalist design and comes in two fresh Pantone colors: Cattleya Orchid (a deep purple) and Slipstream (a modern gray). The phone weighs 202g and measures 8.44mm thick, offering IP52 water-repellent protection. It also retains a rare feature these days - the 3.5mm headphone jack. The 6.7-inch LCD display delivers smooth visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits peak brightness, making it bright and fluid for everyday use.

Camera

The 50MP main camera uses Quad Pixel Technology for vibrant, detailed photos even in difficult lighting. AI features such as Night Vision, Auto Smile Capture, and Portrait Mode enhance the photography experience, while a dedicated Macro Vision lens enables close-up shots. The selfie camera has been upgraded to 32MP - a significant jump from the 16MP sensor on the previous generation.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, the Moto G 2026 runs Android 16 and includes tools like Moto Secure, Family Space, and gesture controls through Motorola’s Hello UX. The large 5,200mAh battery can easily last up to two days, and 30W fast charging keeps downtime minimal. The device features 4GB of RAM with RAM Boost, 128GB of expandable storage via microSD, and supports Google Gemini and Circle to Search.

Price and Availability

The Moto G 2026 will be available starting December 11 on Motorola’s website and through carriers like Verizon and Total Wireless, with broader availability at Best Buy and Amazon from January 15. The price is just $199.99 in the U.S., with Canadian sales starting December 11.

At this price point, the Moto G 2026 offers a lot: strong battery life, an AI-powered camera, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. It’s an excellent choice for kids, seniors, or anyone who needs a reliable, affordable smartphone without the complexity or cost of flagship models.