The $299 Moto G Energy (2026) goes all-in on sturdiness, drops wi-fi charging

For $299, Motorola’s new Moto G Energy (2026) is making its debut within the finances smartphone area. Formally introduced at the moment, the newest Energy mannequin doubles down on what the collection does finest — lengthy battery life, an enormous display screen, and sturdiness — whereas delivering three important upgrades over final 12 months’s model. Sadly, there’s a trade-off: wi-fi charging is gone.

Positioned above the usual Moto G (2026) launched earlier this 12 months, the Moto G Energy (2026) is Motorola’s reply for customers who desire a cellphone that may survive harder circumstances than a typical cellphone, final greater than at some point, and nonetheless really feel trendy in 2026 — all with out breaking the financial institution.

Motorola made three main upgrades:

First, battery capability expanded from 5,000 mAh to five,200 mAh, with Motorola claiming as much as two days of use underneath typical circumstances. Sturdiness additionally acquired a severe improve, with IP68/IP69 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification, and Gorilla Glass 7i, giving the cellphone a stage of toughness that continues to be uncommon on the $300 mark. The third improve is available in pictures: the 50-megapixel essential digital camera now contains optical picture stabilization (OIS), noticeably enhancing on a regular basis pictures and low-light pictures.and low-light pictures.

The Moto G Energy (2025) supported 15 W wi-fi charging, and Motorola has eliminated the characteristic in its successor. The Moto G Energy (2026) as an alternative provides 30 W TurboPower wired charging, which is quicker, however nonetheless a disappointment for customers who loved dropping their cellphone on a charging pad.

Past these modifications, the Moto G Energy (2026) sticks carefully to a confirmed method. It options a big 6.8-inch FHD+ show with a 120 Hz refresh fee, stereo audio system with Dolby Atmos, and a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor paired with 8 GB of RAM. Motorola’s AI-powered RAM Enhance and digital camera options assist the cellphone really feel clean and dependable in on a regular basis use, whereas Android 16 ships with the cellphone.

Must you improve from the Moto G Energy (2025)? Sure, if sturdiness, battery longevity, and digital camera stability matter to you. No, if wi-fi charging is a must have. The Moto G Energy (2026) is about refining the finances cellphone. For $299, Motorola is betting that toughness, endurance, and consistency matter greater than wi-fi charging.

The Moto G Energy (2026) will likely be out there in PANTONE Pure Cashmere and PANTONE Night Blue, with a beginning worth of $299 within the U.S. The unlocked mannequin goes on sale January 8, 2026, via Finest Purchase, Amazon, and Motorola.com, with service availability to observe.

Moto G (2026) vs Moto G Energy (2026): what’s the distinction?

Fast takeaway: Select Moto G (2026) if worth issues most. Select Moto G Energy (2026) if you would like higher sturdiness, longer battery life, and a extra dependable digital camera (and you’re wonderful with out wi-fi charging).

Moto G Energy (2025) vs Moto G Energy (2026): what modified?

Improve abstract: Large wins: sturdiness, digital camera stability, battery administration. Commerce-off: wi-fi charging is gone.

Filed in General. Learn extra about Android 16, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 and Motorola.