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"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" -- that simple phrase seems to have been Motorola's mantra with the 2026 Moto G, a midrange smartphone that closely mirrors last year's model. On one hand, that's a good thing. I liked the 2025 Moto G a lot -- it's a great device with a long-lasting battery and features that made it a "pocket-sized theater".
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The downside to adhering so closely to the original formula, however, is that it retains many of the same issues. Let's take a look at the 2026 refresh of this eye-catching $200 Android smartphone.
Sleek and bold
One of the most noticeable changes in the 2026 Moto G is its slightly larger form factor, measuring 167.15 x 76.40 x 8.44 mm (6.58 x 3 x 0.33 inches) and weighing 202 grams. This extra heft doesn't make much of a difference, as it's still sleek and lightweight. It's also comfortable to hold, thanks to its rounded corners and soft vegan leather backing, which gives it a distinctive look.
Motorola made some bold design choices, too. The phone boasts a striking Cattleya Orchid pink finish, a much more eye-catching color scheme compared to the Forest Gray of the 2025 model. I also appreciate the inclusion of a headphone jack in an era dominated by Bluetooth earbuds.
Return of the pocket theater
The Moto G houses a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1,604 x 720 pixels. While the screen isn't 1080p, it still impresses with its bright and accurate colors, strong peak brightness of 1,000 nits, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This is a solid combination of features, enabling vibrant video playback and fluid scrolling.
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