The Moto G series has been a staple in the budget smartphone market for over a decade, but the Moto G (2026) has left a bitter taste in many users' mouths. While my colleague Ryan Haines praised its big battery and solid camera, he also pointed out its shortcomings, such as short update policies, disappointing performance, and poor durability. So, what's the alternative? The market is flooded with cheap Android phones, but making a choice can be overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of five excellent alternatives to the Moto G (2026), each offering something unique and compelling.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a strong contender, offering long-term updates, a durable design, and superior screen tech. It boasts six years of OS updates, Gorilla Glass Victus, and an OLED screen, all while maintaining a competitive price of $200. However, it's not without its flaws, including slow charging speeds and disappointing secondary cameras. The Moto G (2026) has also seen a price hike, making the Galaxy A17 5G an even more attractive option. I'd argue that the Galaxy A17 5G delivers a better overall package, especially for those who value long-term support and a premium feel.
CMF Phone 2 Pro
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a unique offering, especially for those outside the US. Its modular design allows for customization, and it stands out with a 2x 50MP telephoto camera, a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen, and a decent Dimensity 7300 chip. The phone also offers a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging and the slick Nothing OS. While it's not available in the US without joining the beta program, it's a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich, affordable phone. The CMF Phone 2 Pro's long-term software support and unique design make it a compelling alternative to the Moto G (2026).
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G
TCL's 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a paper-like phone that offers a unique experience. Its NXTPAPER display reduces glare and reflections, and it even has a monochrome, E-Ink-style mode. The phone also boasts a 5,010mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and a 50MP + 5MP + 2MP triple camera setup. While it falls short in some areas, like the Dimensity 6100 Plus chip and 18W wired charging, it still delivers excellent value at $200, making it a great deal compared to the Moto G (2026).
Moto G Power (2026)
For those who prefer a Motorola phone, the Moto G Power (2026) is a solid choice. It offers water and dust resistance, modern Gorilla Glass protection, a higher-resolution display, more RAM, and an ultrawide camera. While it shares the same Dimensity 6300 chip as the Moto G (2026) and has a disappointing software update policy, its positives, such as IP68 and IP69 durability and a vegan leather finish, make it a strong contender. The Moto G Power (2026) is a well-rounded budget phone that combines decent materials with solid protection.
Google Pixel 10a
The Google Pixel 10a is a premium alternative, offering a Tensor G4 processor, great performance, and exclusive features like the Now Playing screen and Pixel Recorder app. It also boasts a compact form factor, a 48MP + 13MP rear camera, and a 5,100mAh battery with wired/wireless charging. The Pixel 10a is significantly more durable than the Moto G (2026) and offers seven years of OS updates. While its $500 price tag is a significant jump from the Moto G (2026), the value it provides is undeniable. The Pixel 10a is a refined mid-range phone that showcases Google's best AI features and delivers an exceptional user experience.
In conclusion, the Moto G (2026) has its strengths, but these alternatives offer a range of compelling features and improvements. Whether it's long-term updates, unique design, or powerful performance, each of these phones provides a strong case for upgrading from the Moto G (2026). It's time to make a choice and embrace the future of budget smartphones!
