Moto G (2026) vs Moto G Power 5G (2025)
Winner
Motorola Moto G (2026)
Lifespan decides this one: the Moto G (2026) is supported until Dec 2028 at $6.28 per month of safe use, while the Moto G Power 5G (2025) runs out in Mar 2028 ($12.95/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.
Value Score: Moto G (2026) 69 · Moto G Power 5G (2025) 59 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
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
Genuinely durable and well-equipped for the money, but Motorola's stingy one-upgrade promise undercuts a phone you'd otherwise keep for years.
Pick it if
- ✓ People who are hard on their phones and want rugged value
- ✓ Buyers who want wireless charging cheaply
Skip it if
- ✗ You expect long-term Android version support
- ✗ You want a light, compact phone
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.
The Moto G Power 5G (2025) has the stronger camera system (2 real rear lenses vs 1).
5,200mAh vs 5,000mAh — the Moto G (2026) lasts longer between charges.
The Moto G (2026) is supported until Dec 2028 — 9 months longer than the Moto G Power 5G (2025).
Overall value goes to the Moto G (2026) at $6.28 per month of safe use.
Frequently asked
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.
How long will the Moto G Power 5G (2025) get updates?
Expect a single Android OS upgrade and about three years of security patches from its early-2025 release, putting end of support around 2028. Coverage reporting points to just one OS bump, which is disappointing given the otherwise sturdy hardware.
Does the Moto G Power (2025) really have a strong water rating?
Yes. It carries IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it can survive submersion and even high-pressure water jets, which is exceptional for a phone in this price range.
Full spec table
| Spec | Moto G (2026) | Moto G Power 5G (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $179 | $250 |
| Display | 6.7-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1604 (HD+), 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.8-inch LCD, 2388 x 1080 (FHD+), 120Hz |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Battery | 5,200 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired, 15W wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 2MP macro | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 167.2 × 76.4 × 8.5 mm | 167.2 × 76.0 × 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 202 g | 208 g |
| Water resistance | IP52 | IP68/IP69 |
| Supported until | Dec 2028 | Mar 2028 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.