More and more phone makers are embracing eSIM technology, even in their most affordable models—and Motorola joined that movement in a big way. The company’s new Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 not only bring upgraded cameras, faster chips, and smoother screens but also add built-in eSIM support, giving users the flexibility to switch carriers without ever touching a SIM tray.

This signals an important shift: eSIMs are no longer a “premium-only” feature. Once limited to flagships from Apple, Google, and Samsung, eSIM is quickly becoming a standard in midrange and even entry-level smartphones—a win for travelers, digital nomads, and anyone tired of juggling plastic SIM cards.

With that future-ready flexibility and impressive entertainment features, Motorola’s latest Moto G series stands out as one of 2026’s best-value smartphone launches.

These new arrivals to the Moto G lineup are designed for the millions of users who stream, scroll, and snap non-stop—but don’t want to pay flagship prices. Both phones feature expansive displays, big batteries, 5G connectivity, and the kind of polish you’d usually expect from devices twice their cost.

Built for Bingeing and Beyond

Let’s start with the screens—because that’s where most people will feel the upgrade first. The 6.7-inch Full HD+ 120 Hz display brings an immediate sense of fluidity and crispness, whether you’re watching Netflix, playing mobile games, or doom-scrolling through social media. The panels can hit up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, meaning you can comfortably use them outdoors without squinting.

This isn’t just a “nice for the price” display—it’s genuinely good. Paired with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos audio, Motorola has created a device that feels purpose-built for entertainment on the go.

And this year, the Moto G Play finally joins the 5G club. Backed by up to 12 GB of RAM Boost, multitasking and streaming are smoother than on any previous Play-series model. It’s an impressive leap for a line that’s always aimed squarely at the budget segment.

Smarter Cameras for Real-World Shooting

Motorola has learned that people don’t want to fiddle with camera settings—they just want great shots, fast. The AI-powered camera systems in both phones reflect that philosophy perfectly.

The Moto G 2026 carries a 50 MP main sensor with Quad Pixel Technology, producing brighter, sharper photos even in tough lighting. A Macro Vision lens handles detailed close-ups, while a 32 MP front camera captures crisp selfies with natural tones.

Meanwhile, the Moto G Play 2026 makes impressive gains of its own, jumping to a 32 MP rear camera (up from 16 MP on its predecessor). AI features like Night Vision, Auto Smile Capture, and Portrait Mode help make casual photography look curated. The 8 MP front camera handles video calls and quick selfies with ease.

It’s clear that Motorola’s AI tuning is catching up with other mid-range stars like Samsung’s Galaxy A15 and Google’s Pixel 8a — though Motorola still keeps things refreshingly simple and intuitive.

Power That Keeps Up With You

A great entertainment phone is nothing without endurance, and both new Moto G devices deliver it in spades. Their 5,200 mAh batteries are rated for up to two full days of use, easily covering a long weekend without charging.

When you do need to top up, TurboPower™ fast charging gets you back in action fast — 30 W for the Moto G and 18 W for the Moto G Play. That’s not record-breaking, but it’s plenty quick for this price range, giving hours of power from just a few minutes of charging.

Style That’s Surprisingly Premium

Motorola’s design language has evolved — and it shows. Both phones feature PANTONE-certified colorways with a leather-inspired texture, giving them an unexpectedly premium feel. The Moto G 2026 comes in Slipstream Gray and Cattleya Orchid (a soft purple that pops), while the Moto G Play 2026 debuts in Tapestry Blue.

Despite the fashion-forward finish, these devices are still built to handle real life. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the display, and IP52 water resistance means you won’t panic over a splash or a drizzle.

Smarter Software, Safer Everyday Use

Both phones launch with Android 16, making them among the first in their price range to do so. You’ll get Google’s latest additions, like Circle to Search and Gemini AI integration, right out of the box.

Motorola’s own Hello UX layer adds useful touches without bloat: Moto Secure for privacy, Family Space for child-safe profiles, and the classic Moto Gestures (like a double-twist to open the camera).

And yes — both the Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 support eSIM alongside a physical SIM slot. That means travelers or multi-line users can easily switch between carriers without fumbling with SIM trays — a welcome addition in 2026, especially as more carriers transition toward digital connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

• Moto G 2026: Available December 11 in the U.S. for $199.99 USD (unlocked) on motorola.com, Best Buy, and Amazon, followed by major carrier rollouts including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Visible.
• Moto G Play 2026: Launches November 13 for $169.99 USD (unlocked) on the same platforms, with later availability through regional carriers and retailers.
• Both models hit Canada via motorola.ca on their respective launch dates.

The Verdict: A Budget Line That’s Growing Up

Motorola’s latest Moto G phones prove that affordability no longer has to mean compromise. Between high-refresh-rate displays, AI-powered cameras, strong 5G performance, long battery life, and now eSIM support, these devices bring features once reserved for $400 phones into the sub-$200 space.

While brands like OnePlus, Samsung, and Google still dominate the midrange with slightly sharper imaging or faster processors, Motorola’s focus on user experience—clean software, comfort, and consistency—gives it a genuine edge for real-world users.

In short, if you want a phone that’s practical, dependable, and fun to use—one that won’t break your budget or your patience—the Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 are two of the most balanced and traveler-friendly options on the market right now.