GoKawiilRyan Haines / Android Authority
While the Moto G series was once one of the leading picks for budget phones, the last few years have been a bit rocky for the brand. This is especially true for the Moto G Play (2026). While it has a strong battery and decent enough camera, these upsides are largely spoiled by its short update policy, poor processing power, and questionable durability.
While it isn’t necessarily a bad phone in a bubble, there are plenty of other devices within a similar price range that are better buys. Below, let’s take a look at a few newer and refurbished options that would make natural alternatives to the Moto G Play (2026).
Which of these Moto G Play (2026) alternatives would you pick? 27 votes Moto G Power (2025) 22 % Google Pixel 8 Pro 19 % Samsung Galaxy A17 19 % Samsung Galaxy A37 15 % Google Pixel 10a 26 % Other / None of the above (Tell us more in the comments) 0 %
Moto G Power (2025)
Rushil Agrawal / Android Authority
The Moto G Power (2025) might be a year old, but it’s a much better choice than any of the newer Moto G variants. In fact, the only thing we didn’t like about it when it arrived last year was that its actual performance is a fair step above the Moto G series but a bit weak for the phone’s original $300 asking price. Fast forward to today, and you can get one for around $250.
At this price, the Moto G Power (2025) is a major upgrade over the Play. While they run on the same Dimensity 6300 processor, you’ll get double the RAM and storage in the 2025 Power, as well as a more powerful dual-camera setup, wireless charging, and a few other perks — like a 1080p display over the Play’s 720p resolution. There’s even IP59 water- and dust-resistance, as well as improved Gorilla Glass protection.
Like the Moto G Play, you won’t get an amazing software update commitment, but you should at least see Android 17 here. If you care about long-term official software support, this might not be enough, but if you’re looking for an affordable device to use for a couple of years before upgrading? It should be more than up for the job.
Motorola Moto G Power (2025) Motorola Moto G Power (2025) Grippy, vegan leather back • IP68/69 rating • Great battery life MSRP: $299.99 The top Moto G phone for 2025. The Motorola Moto G Power (2025) delivers flagship-grade waterproofing, fast wired and wireless charging, great battery life, and much more. See price at Amazon Motorola Moto G Power 2025
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