Motorola's new budget phones have larger batteries than your $1,000 iPhone and Samsung

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Motorola has revealed two new budget smartphones.
• The Moto G and Moto G Play boast improved cameras and battery life.
• Both 2026 models will be available in time for the holiday shopping season.

Motorola is ending the year strong, unveiling two new budget-friendly smartphones for people who want big screens, better cameras, and an all-day battery life. Meet the 2026 Moto G and Moto G Play. Earlier this year, I reviewed the 2025 Moto G and was impressed by the value it packed into a $200 device. It seems to me that this experience will carry over to the upcoming devices.

Also: The best Motorola phones of 2025

At a glance, the 2026 Moto G looks identical to the 2025 model. It features a 6.7-inch, 120Hz touchscreen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 5G ...