Motorola's new Moto G Play 2026 smartphone offers essential features for $170.

Moto G Play 2026 will come in Pantone Tapestry. | Image credit – Motorola

As one would anticipate, the phone has an IP52 rating, providing limited protection from dust and splashes, but it's not suitable for submersion. The screen is made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a somewhat older version, but still offers adequate defense against scratches and minor impacts.

Regarding cameras, reasonable expectations are advised. While there appears to be a dual-camera system on the rear, there is only a single 32MP main sensor, a downgrade from the previous model's 50MP camera. However, an ambient light sensor is included. The front-facing camera is 8MP.

Moto G Play 2026 will come in Pantone Tapestry. | Image credit – Motorola

Daylight photography should produce sufficiently clear images, featuring natural color representation and acceptable detail. The results are adequate for basic snapshots, though not exceptional.

Motorola has incorporated AI enhancements to simplify operation. The phone uses Quad Pixel Technology in conjunction with AI-driven functions like Night Vision, Auto Smile Capture, and Portrait mode, all intended to enhance image quality with minimal user effort.

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip powers the device, which isn't exceptionally powerful but delivers a significant improvement: 5G compatibility. This addition makes the Moto G Play 2026 considerably more desirable compared to its predecessor.

The device has 4GB of RAM (expandable to 12GB using RAM Boost) and 64GB of internal storage, with support for microSD cards up to 1TB. These specifications align with the phone's budget-friendly positioning.

The 5,200 mAh battery should provide dependable battery life, potentially lasting up to two days. The device supports 30W and 18W TurboPower charging, enabling rapid charging times.

The Moto G Play 2026 ships with Android 16, providing a streamlined user interface with access to Google Gemini and Circle to Search. Motorola's Hello UX suite is also included, featuring Moto Secure, Family Space, and gesture shortcuts, designed to ensure ease of use.

Price and when you can buy it

The Moto G Play 2026 will be available unlocked in the US starting November 13 via motorola.com, BestBuy.com, and Amazon.com. It will also be available in Best Buy stores.

Priced at $169.99, it represents a slight price increase from the prior model, justified by the inclusion of 5G support.

It will also be offered online through T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, and Straight Talk, as well as in UScellular and Cox Mobile stores and online, beginning November 13.

Over the next months, availability will expand to additional carriers and retailers, including Cricket Wireless, AT&T, Verizon, Verizon Prepaid, Visible, Simple Mobile, Tracfone, Walmart Family, Consumer Cellular, Xfinity Mobile, and Boost Mobile.

Competition

The Moto G Play 2026 enters a highly competitive budget smartphone segment. A key competitor is Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G, which is similarly priced but offers superior software support.

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There's also competition from the standard Moto G 2026, which is slightly more expensive at $199 but features better cameras and more color choices. However, if camera quality is not a priority, the G Play 2026 is a sensible choice, offering similar specifications at a lower price.

Should you buy it?

This phone is not designed for demanding users or gamers, which is perfectly acceptable. The Moto G Play 2026 is designed for users seeking simplicity and reliability. It is suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, casual gaming, and provides a large display and a battery life of up to two days. Furthermore, it now offers 5G connectivity for less than $170.

Overall, the Moto G Play 2026 is visually appealing, provides adequate performance for basic functions, and maintains a respectable appearance. It's an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable Android device that performs its intended functions effectively.