The problem? There is a significantly better phone for just a little more: the Google Pixel 9a. Google will support that device for seven years, and it also comes with flagship-grade performance, better cameras, and more smart software features. The Moto G Stylus will only get two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. This is precisely why you should buy it on sale.
Specs Display: 6.7-inch, 120-Hz AMOLED Processor and RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 256 GB (expandable with microSD) Battery: 5,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Two OS upgrades, three years of security updates Extras: Qi wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint unlock, headphone jack, microSD, eSIM Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
Best Moto G Under $300
I have good news and bad news. First, the good: Motorola's latest Moto G Power 2026 is a pretty solid smartphone. Unlike last year's model, performance isn't super stuttery. It's a little odd because Motorola didn't actually change the processor inside the Power—it still employs the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 8 GB of RAM. I'm chalking it up to performance optimizations and the latest Android 16 version.
That leads us to the bad news: There's not much difference between this phone and its predecessor; Motorola even removed wireless charging, which irks me, and the phone's fun, bold colors are no longer available. It may not hit the highs of the 2024 Moto G Power, but at least it's not a stuttery mess. What has been upgraded, then? The selfie camera now has a 32-megapixel sensor, and the battery capacity is slightly higher at 5,200 mAh. Battery life is truly excellent, as I managed to squeeze two full days of use out of this phone, though that's with average use.
I like the fake leather texture on the back, which gives this phone some character. The 6.8-inch LCD is sharp and bright, and you get a reliable fingerprint scanner, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. It's still IP68/69 rated, meaning it will be fine in heavy rain and even submerged in water for some time. Motorola also promises two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-MP ultrawide, and a 32-MP selfie camera. Photos from the primary shooter have washed-out colors and look processed, almost as if someone dialed up the “detail" slider to make the photo appear sharper. It can struggle with high-contrast scenes, and you generally have to be very still during capture to avoid a blurry photo. If you're patient, you can end up with decent images, but cameras are not the Moto G Power's strong suit. Even the upgraded selfie camera is just fine.
There's not a ton of competition at this price, especially considering that the Moto G Power 2026 will dip to $250 or even $200 over the next few months during major sale events. If you can grab it on sale, it's a decent Android phone, but I recommend saving up and waiting for the Moto G Stylus 2026.
Specs Display: 6.8-inch, 120-Hz LCD Processor and RAM: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 128 GB (expandable with microSD) Battery: 5,200 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Two OS upgrades, three years of security updates Extras: IP68/69, fingerprint unlock, headphone jack, microSD Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
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