Motorola has officially unveiled the latest addition to its value-focused G series, the Moto G Power (2026). Following the recent announcements of the Moto G and Moto G Play models, this new device aims to solidify the brand's position in the competitive budget segment by offering a compelling mix of large-screen media consumption, robust build quality, and long-lasting battery life. This article delves into the specifications, key features, and market availability of the newly announced smartphone.
Unveiling and Core Positioning
Announced on December 16, 2025, the Moto G Power (2026) completes Motorola's early lineup for the upcoming year. Positioned as a device that balances everyday performance with exceptional durability, it targets users who prioritize a reliable phone that can withstand the rigors of daily use without breaking the bank. Its announcement, coming just weeks before its market release, sets the stage for its availability in early January.
Display and Design Philosophy
The phone is built around a substantial 6.8-inch LCD display, offering Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. Motorola has equipped the panel with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring reasonable visibility outdoors, and has protected it with Corning's Gorilla Glass 7i. The design is offered in two Pantone-certified colorways—Evening Blue and Pure Cashmere—the latter featuring a soft vegan leather finish, adding a touch of premium texture to the device's aesthetic.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8" FHD+ LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits, Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB LPDDR4X / 128GB UFS 2.2 (expandable via microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide/macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery & Charging | 5,200 mAh, 30W wired charging |
| Durability | IP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810H certified |
| Software | Android 16 with My UX |
| U.S. Price | USD 299.99 |
| Canada Price | CAD 449.99 |
| Release Date | January 8, 2026 |
Performance and Internal Specifications
Driving the Moto G Power (2026) is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 system-on-chip, a 6nm processor designed for efficient mid-range performance. It is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. Motorola's software includes a RAM Boost feature, which can allocate storage to effectively provide up to 16GB of virtual memory, a common tactic to help keep multiple apps active in the background.
Camera System and Imaging Capabilities
For photography, the device employs a dual-camera array on the rear. The primary sensor is a 50-megapixel shooter with Quad Pixel technology and optical image stabilization (OIS), aimed at improving low-light performance and reducing blur. It is accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera that also doubles as a macro lens. On the front, a 32-megapixel camera housed in a center-aligned punch-hole cutout handles selfies and video calls.
Battery Life and Charging Technology
True to its "Power" namesake, the phone is powered by a sizable 5,200 mAh battery. Motorola claims this capacity can deliver up to two days of use on a single charge. It supports 30W wired TurboPower fast charging. Notably, the company provides a longevity promise, stating the battery is designed to retain over 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 complete charging cycles, which addresses common consumer concerns about battery degradation over time.
Durability and Build Quality
A significant highlight of the Moto G Power (2026) is its ruggedness. It carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion and high-pressure water jets. Furthermore, Motorola states the device has been tested across 14 MIL-STD-810H categories, a U.S. military standard that certifies resilience against shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and humidity. This makes it one of the more durable options in its price class.
Software and User Experience
The device launches with Android 16 out of the box, overlaid with Motorola's My UX interface. It includes the brand's suite of features like Moto Secure, Moto Unplugged for digital wellbeing, and ThinkShield for security. It also integrates Google's AI features, including Circle to Search for visual lookup and support for the Gemini AI assistant, enabling contextual searches and smart reminders directly from the interface.
Pricing and Market Availability
The Moto G Power (2026) will be available starting January 8, 2026. In the United States, it will be priced at USD 299.99 and sold universally unlocked through Motorola's website, Amazon, and Best Buy. It will also launch on Verizon on the same date, with availability expanding to other carriers like AT&T, Cricket Wireless, and Tracfone in the following months. In Canada, the phone will be sold exclusively through Motorola's online store for CAD 449.99.
U.S. Carrier & Retailer Availability Timeline
- January 8, 2026: Verizon, Motorola.com, Amazon, Best Buy (universally unlocked).
- "Coming Months" after Jan 8: Cricket Wireless, AT&T, Tracfone, Visible, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile.
Conclusion and Initial Outlook
The Moto G Power (2026) presents a familiar formula executed with notable upgrades in key areas like display refresh rate, chipset, and durability certifications. By maintaining an aggressive price point of under USD 300 while incorporating military-grade toughness and a large, high-refresh-rate screen, Motorola is crafting a strong value proposition. Its success will likely hinge on real-world performance and how it stacks up against the intense competition in the budget smartphone arena when it hits shelves next month.