Moto G (2025) vs Moto G (2026)
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 3 points overall, so it depends on you: keep phones for years → Moto G (2026) (supported until Dec 2028); want maximum speed → Moto G (2025) (MediaTek Dimensity 6300).
Value Score: Moto G (2025) 66 · Moto G (2026) 69 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A comfortable, good-looking budget 5G phone that does the basics well but won't see many Android versions.
Pick it if
- ✓ Value buyers who want 5G and a nice in-hand feel
- ✓ People upgrading from an old budget phone
Skip it if
- ✗ You want sharp video or photos
- ✗ You keep phones for many years
A $199 5G phone with a big battery and a 120Hz screen that covers the basics, but a low-res HD+ panel and Motorola's vague, roughly one-upgrade software support make it a short-term buy.
Pick it if
- ✓ Budget buyers who mainly text, call, browse and stream
- ✓ Anyone upgrading from an old 4G phone who wants cheap 5G
Skip it if
- ✗ You want a sharp screen or a strong camera
- ✗ You plan to keep the phone more than about three years
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
Performance is a wash — same chip tier.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
5,200mAh vs 5,000mAh — the Moto G (2026) lasts longer between charges.
The Moto G (2026) is supported until Dec 2028 — 10 months longer than the Moto G (2025).
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Frequently asked
How long will the Moto G (2025) get updates?
Some listings mention up to two OS upgrades, but Motorola's consistent budget pattern points to roughly one Android upgrade and about three years of security patches, ending around early 2028. Confirm with Motorola for this specific model, as its policy is not firmly documented.
Does the Moto G (2025) have 5G?
Yes. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 5G support, plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
How long will the Moto G (2026) get software updates?
Motorola has been vague: it launched on Android 16 in December 2025 but did not clearly commit to major OS upgrades, so plan for at most one and roughly three years of security patches, ending around late 2028. If long-term support matters, Samsung's budget Galaxy A line is a better bet.
Does the Moto G (2026) have 5G and a headphone jack?
Yes to both. It runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 5G, and it keeps a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside a USB-C port, microSD expansion and NFC — a practical mix for a $199 phone.
Full spec table
| Spec | Moto G (2025) | Moto G (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $170 | $179 |
| Display | 6.7-inch LCD, 1604 x 720 (HD+), 120Hz | 6.7-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1604 (HD+), 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 2MP macro | 50MP main, 2MP macro |
| Dimensions | 167.1 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | 167.2 × 76.4 × 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 196 g | 202 g |
| Water resistance | IP52 | IP52 |
| Supported until | Feb 2028 | Dec 2028 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.