Motorola's budget smartphones are set to cost you more than before.
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What used to be a reliable, budget-friendly option is now a tougher sell. The price increases of Motorola's Moto G 2026 lineup leave budget-conscious consumers with fewer good choices.
If you were considering acquiring one of Motorola’s budget smartphones in 2026, you might be disappointed. Motorola has subtly raised the prices of its Moto G (2026) series in the U.S.
These updated prices are now visible on the company's official online store, surprising potential buyers.
What are the details of the Moto G (2026) price increases?
The Moto G Play (2026), which is an affordable yet capable Android smartphone featuring a 6.7-inch LCD 120Hz display, Dimensity 6300 chipset, 32MP rear camera, and 5,200 mAh battery, now retails for $249.99, an increase from its previous price of $179.99.
This price pertains to the model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is considered among the most basic configurations available for Android smartphones in 2026. The company is likely aware of this, which is why it is including four Moto Tags with the purchase.
Next is the Moto G 5G (2026), now priced at $299.99, a $100 increase from the original price of $199.99. This represents a 50% hike for one of the brand’s most popular smartphones in the area. It also features a 6.7-inch IPS 120Hz display and the Dimensity 6300 chipset, but comes with a sharper 50MP rear camera.
The Moto G and Moto G Power have faced the largest increases.
Unlike the Moto G Play (2026), the Moto G 5G (2026) includes 128GB of storage, which is arguably the minimum requirement in 2026.
The Moto G Power (2026) has been marked at $399.99, reflecting a $100 or 33% increase. This model offers a slightly larger 6.8-inch LCD 120Hz display, the same Dimensity 6300 chipset, along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
To help mitigate the price increase, both the Moto G 5G and the Moto G Power come with four Moto Tags and a pair of Moto Buds+.
Clearly, models with greater storage or RAM have undergone significant price adjustments. Even the $70 increase for the entry-level Moto G Play seems excessive. The reasoning is evident: increasing memory costs coupled with heightened demand from AI data centers. What was once a mere speculation a few months ago has become a pressing reality.
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Motorola's budget smartphones are set to cost you more than before.
The Moto G 2026 series was designed to be budget-friendly, but sudden price hikes of up to 50% have significantly challenged that reputation among US consumers.