Motorola seems ready to level up its mid-range game. Leaked renders and spec sheets for the Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 have surfaced, giving us a first solid look at what to expect. From display upgrades to camera improvements and battery life, here’s the full breakdown of what the leaks show—and how the two will differ.
Design & Display: Two Looks, Similar Build
- Both phones share a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate that can toggle between 60Hz and 120Hz as needed. This means smoother scrolling and animations without constantly draining the battery.
- Display protection is Gorilla Glass 3 on both models.
- The front design features a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera, and relatively flat frames that curve slightly toward the back. Bezels are not uniform: the bottom bezel is noticeably thicker.
- On the back, both are expected to use eco-leather finish, giving a textured, grippy surface. They will also have pronounced camera islands.
Performance & Chipset
- Under the hood, both models are said to use the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chip.
- RAM is 4 GB on both, along with a “RAM Boost” feature that allows temporary use of storage as virtual RAM.
- Storage differs: Moto G 2026 is tipped to have 128 GB, while the Play model may come with 64 GB. Expandable storage is expected via microSD.
Camera Systems: What’s Better, What’s Less
| Model | Main Rear Camera | Additional / Selfie |
|---|---|---|
| Moto G 2026 | 50MP main shooter with Quad Pixel tech, plus macro lens | 32MP selfie camera |
| Moto G Play 2026 | 32MP main rear camera with Quad Pixel tech | 8MP front camera |
- Quad Pixel tech is expected to enhance low-light performance.
- Both phones will support camera modes like Night Vision, Portrait, Face Retouch, Slow Motion, etc. Moto G 2026 seems to get a few extra goodies.
Battery, Charging & Other Features
- Both phones reportedly pack 5,200 mAh batteries, which should offer solid endurance.
- Charging speed is where they differ: Moto G 2026 supports TurboPower 30 whereas Moto G Play 2026 uses TurboPower 18.
- Audio features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers appear on both.
- Other extras: water repellent design, Android 16 out of the box, Face Unlock, Moto Secure, and newer Google tools like Gemini, Circle to Search.
What Makes Moto G 2026 Stand Out vs the Play Version
- Higher resolution main camera (50MP vs 32MP) and better selfie camera.
- More storage (128GB) and faster charging.
- Likely slightly better overall performance due to storage speed & camera processing.
The Moto G Play 2026, meanwhile, is positioned as more budget-friendly—still offering many of the same features but with scaled-down cameras, storage, and charging.
Verdict & What to Expect Next
Motorola is clearly aiming for strong value in 2026’s entry/mid-range smartphones. These leaks suggest incremental upgrades rather than complete overhauls: better displays, bigger batteries, smarter camera software, and refined designs. For anyone who owns a Moto G 2025 or similar model, the improvements will be noticeable but not ground-breaking.
If you’re shopping, the Moto G 2026 is for those wanting more camera power and faster charging. The G Play 2026 might be enough for users who want good essentials without splurging.
FAQs
1. Will the Moto G 2026 & G Play 2026 be expensive?
Not expected. Judging by Motorola’s strategy, price differences will come mainly from specs: G 2026 will cost more due to higher camera quality, storage, and charging speed. G Play should be more affordable.
2. Do both phones support 5G?
Yes. The leaked specs say both run on the Dimensity 6300 with 5G support.
3. Are the displays full HD?
No. Both are HD+ panels, not full HD. That means resolution is modest, though the 120Hz refresh rate improves fluidity.
4. How much RAM do they offer, and is it enough?
Both come with 4 GB of RAM and the option to use some storage as virtual RAM (RAM Boost). For light to moderate use, this will suffice. Heavy multitasking or gaming might still challenge them.
5. Is fast charging supported on both?
Yes, but with differences: Moto G 2026 has TurboPower 30, while Moto G Play 2026 will have TurboPower 18.
6. When are these expected to launch?
No official launch date yet, but leaks suggest they might arrive later in 2025 (or early 2026), depending on region.
Conclusion
The leaks around Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 paint the picture of two solid mid-range phones. If these specs hold up, they’ll offer good upgrades in display, battery, and camera compared to earlier models. Which one to pick depends on whether you want more power (Moto G 2026) or more affordability (G Play 2026). Either way, 2026 looks promising for Motorola’s G-series.
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