SAN FRANCISCO (WHN) – Motorola’s latest budget contender, the Moto G Power (2026), is arriving with a clear mission: to solidify its position as the go-to device for users prioritizing resilience and longevity over convenience. Priced at $299, this iteration of the Power series doubles down on its established strengths—enduring battery life, a generous display, and outright toughness—while making a notable sacrifice: wireless charging is out.
This isn’t just another incremental refresh. Positioned above the standard Moto G (2026) that debuted earlier this year, the Moto G Power (2026) aims to serve a specific user profile. These are individuals who demand a phone that can endure more than a single day’s use, shrug off minor impacts, and still feel contemporary in 2026, all without demanding a premium price tag.
Motorola has engineered three significant upgrades for this model. The battery capacity sees a modest but meaningful bump, expanding from 5,000 mAh to 5,200 mAh. Motorola claims this is enough to power the device for up to two days under typical usage conditions. That’s the kind of endurance that appeals to users tired of constantly hunting for an outlet.
Durability, the series’ namesake promise, also gets a serious boost. The Moto G Power (2026) now boasts IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings. This means it can handle submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, and crucially, it can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs—a feature often reserved for more specialized devices. Add to that MIL-STD-810H certification, a military standard for ruggedness, and the inclusion of Gorilla Glass 7i for screen protection, and you’ve got a phone that Motorola asserts offers a level of toughness rarely found at the $300 price point.
Photography receives its own significant upgrade. The 50-megapixel main camera now incorporates optical image stabilization (OIS). For everyday users, this translates to noticeably steadier shots, particularly in less-than-ideal lighting. OIS works by physically moving the camera lens to counteract hand shake, a crucial mechanism for reducing motion blur and capturing sharper images, especially when you’re not holding perfectly still.
The trade-off, as stated, is the complete removal of wireless charging. The Moto G Power (2025) offered 15W wireless charging. Its successor opts instead for faster 30W TurboPower wired charging. While faster wired charging is objectively a good thing, especially for quick top-ups, it’s a clear concession for those who had grown accustomed to the convenience of simply placing their device on a charging pad.
Beyond these key changes, the Moto G Power (2026) adheres to a well-established blueprint. It features a substantial 6.8-inch FHD+ display, running at a fluid 120 Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate means on-screen content appears smoother, whether you’re scrolling through social media feeds or navigating the user interface. Stereo speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, promise a more immersive audio experience, which is a nice touch for a budget device.
Under the hood, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor is paired with 8 GB of RAM. This chipset is designed for efficient performance in the mid-range segment, and Motorola supplements it with its AI-powered RAM Boost technology. This feature, according to Motorola, helps the phone maintain smooth and reliable performance during everyday tasks by intelligently managing system resources.
The device ships with Android 16, ensuring users have access to the latest software features and security patches from Google. Motorola’s integration of AI into both its RAM management and camera features aims to make the phone feel more responsive and capable than its raw specs might suggest.
So, should you upgrade from the Moto G Power (2025)? Motorola’s stance is clear: if enhanced durability, extended battery longevity, and a more stable camera are your priorities, then yes. If wireless charging remains a non-negotiable feature for your daily workflow, then perhaps not. The Moto G Power (2026) represents a deliberate refinement of the budget smartphone formula. For $299, Motorola is making a bet that physical resilience, endurance, and consistent performance will resonate more strongly with consumers than the effortless convenience of wireless power transfer.
The Moto G Power (2026) will be offered in two colorways: PANTONE Pure Cashmere and PANTONE Evening Blue. It goes on sale in the U.S. on January 8, 2026, with unlocked models available through major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, as well as directly from Motorola.com. Carrier availability is expected to follow.
The decision matrix is straightforward: opt for the standard Moto G (2026) if your budget is the absolute primary concern. Conversely, the Moto G Power (2026) is the choice for those who prioritize a more rugged build, extended battery life, and a more dependable camera system—provided they can live without wireless charging.
The upgrade summary highlights significant gains in durability, camera stability, and battery management, all balanced against the removal of wireless charging.
The unlocked Moto G Power (2026) begins its retail rollout on January 8, 2026.