2025 has been packed with smartphone launches, but few have caught as much attention in the mid-range segment as the Moto G86. Motorola’s “G” series already has a fanbase for its “value-for-money” offerings, but in a sea of budget competitors, does the G86 stand out?
Spoiler: Yes, it kind of does. Here’s why.
Display: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
The biggest highlight of the G86 is its display—and it’s no joke.
- 6.67” curved AMOLED panel
- 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 4,500 nits brightness
- HDR10+ support with rich colors and contrast
- Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection
Real-world feel:
Bright enough for outdoor use, smooth for scrolling and gaming, and looks far better than what you’d expect at this price. The curved display adds a flagship vibe—though if you don’t like edge touches, there’s a flat screen variant too (check your region).
Performance: Handles Daily Life Like a Pro
The Moto G86 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 or 7400 chipset, built on 4nm architecture, paired with:
- 8GB or 12GB RAM
- Up to 256GB storage
- Android 15 with Moto’s Hello UI / MyUX (almost stock)
- RAM Boost (virtual memory) feature
What it means for you:
- Multitasking is smooth.
- Social media, YouTube, light gaming — no hiccups.
- The phone doesn’t heat up much even after long use.
The clean software experience is a big win—no heavy bloatware, and the signature Moto gestures are still here (like chopping for flashlight).
Only downside: Some versions may get just one major Android update, so keep that in mind for long-term users.
Battery Life: One Word—Insane
Depending on the region, the G86 packs:
- 6,720mAh battery (India/Asia)
- 5,200mAh battery (Global)
- With 30W–33W fast charging via USB-C
In simple terms:
- 10+ hours of screen-on time? Easily.
- 2-day battery backup? Very possible.
- Great for students, travelers, and people who hate charging their phones every night.
Durability: Surprisingly Tough
- IP68/IP69 water & dust resistance
- Military-grade drop protection (MIL-STD-810H)
This phone isn’t just sleek—it’s durable, which is rare in this price range. Whether you’re outdoorsy, a bit clumsy, or just want a sturdy phone without a case, this will hold up.
Camera: Practical Versatility for Social Creators
Specs:
- 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization)
- 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
- 32MP front selfie camera
- All cameras support 4K video recording
What’s trending in photography:
- Daylight shots: crisp, vibrant, and with strong dynamic range for the price.
- Low-light and night vision: OIS and AI scene optimization noticeably improve stability and clarity. Reddish skin tones or color-changes in “fun” modes still appear, but less than last-gen models.
- Ultrawide: Solid for landscapes, though not flagship-grade.
- Selfie/video creators: 4K from the front cam is a social media and vlog favorite.
- Camera app: Snappy, easy to use, and features popular Google Photos AI editing.
Limitations:
- No telephoto or optical zoom (expected at this price).
- Macro cam is a gimmick; main/ultrawide do the real work.
Audio, Connectivity, and Extras
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio: Very loud, clear, little distortion even at high volumes.
- Moto Spatial Sound: Well-tuned for streaming, podcasts, and hands-free calls.
- Expandable storage: Dedicated microSD slot (up to 1TB) makes it a real storage champion.
- NFC, in-display fingerprint reader, hardware Google Assistant button, Moto AI (new voice & vision features).
- VoNR, 5G support, dual-SIM: Futureproof network compatibility for most regions.
Price & Value: Punches Above Its Weight
- India Pricing: ₹17,999 to ₹29,000, depending on RAM and storage configuration.
- Global Pricing: Approx. $249–$320 (may vary slightly by market).
For this price range, the Moto G86
Who Should Consider Buying the Moto G86?
✅ Students & Young Professionals
Perfect for day-to-day life—whether it’s attending online classes, binging YouTube, or scrolling Instagram. A vibrant display, solid battery, and reliable camera system make it a solid companion.
✅ Frequent Travelers & Field Workers
With military-grade durability, IP rating, and a massive battery, the G86 is built to survive drops, dust, and long hours away from a charger.
✅ Content Creators & Social Media Enthusiasts
Thanks to 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras, OIS support, and a high-resolution selfie cam, it’s a dream for vloggers, Reels creators, and mobile photographers on a budget.
✅ Productivity-Focused Users
Near-stock Android UI means zero bloatware. Couple that with a large display, fast charging, and microSD support—it’s a reliable tool for those who work on the go.
✅ Users Tired of Fragile Flagships
If you’re done with premium phones that break easily or die by evening, the Moto G86 keeps things simple and essential without compromise.
Who Might Want to Skip It?
Camera Enthusiasts Looking for Zoom & Manual Controls
There’s no telephoto lens or pro-grade manual controls here. If you’re a photography nerd, this might feel limiting.
Hardcore Mobile Gamers
The Dimensity 7300/7400 chip is efficient and stable for casual to moderate gaming, but those playing AAA titles at max settings may notice the occasional frame drop.
Fans of Custom Skins & Themes
Motorola’s near-stock Android is clean, but also minimal. If you love heavily customizable UIs like MIUI or One UI, it may feel a bit too plain.
Luxury Build Seekers
While the G86 is solidly built, the eco-leather or matte plastic finish won’t please those wanting premium glass or metal aesthetics.
Real-World User Reviews and Sentiment
- Display quality is universally praised, especially at this price.
- Battery life: Described by users as “legendary,” with reviewers confirming Motorola’s SOT (screen-on-time) claims.
- Software: Widely appreciated for being “clean, smooth, and responsive,” though regional variants’ update policy could be clearer.
- Cameras: Above average for day and night—social media creators are particularly happy.
- Ruggedness: Many cite accidental drops and exposure to rain/dust as “no problem” moments.
Comparison: Moto G86 vs Competition
| Feature | Moto G86 | Redmi Note 14 Pro | Realme 13 Pro+ | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
| Display | 1.5K Curved AMOLED | 1.5K OLED | AMOLED | Full HD+ AMOLED |
| Battery (India) | 6,720mAh | 5,200mAh | 5,500mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Camera | 50MP OIS | 108MP (No OIS) | 50MP OIS | 50MP OIS |
| Durability | IP68/69, MIL-STD | IP54 | IP54 | IP67 |
| OS/Updates | Android 15 (clean) | MIUI 16 | Realme UI 5 | OneUI 7 |
| Price | ₹17,999–₹29,000 | ₹20,999–₹28,000 | ₹19,999–₹28,999 | ₹28,999–₹31,499 |
Final Thoughts: Is Moto G86 Worth It?
- The Moto G86 isn’t trying to be flashy, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s not perfect, but in a market cluttered with compromises and gimmicks, this phone gets the basics so right that it feels like a breath of fresh air.
- The display alone punches way above its price class—rich, vibrant, and flagship-grade. Battery life? A true workhorse. Add to that the durable build, clean UI, and cameras that consistently deliver social media–ready shots, and you’ve got a phone that doesn’t just talk specs—it proves its value in daily life.
- In short:
For the price, the Moto G86 offers unmatched everyday usability. It’s the kind of phone that may not excite spec-sheet hunters, but it will quietly win over anyone who actually lives with their phone 24/7. - Not perfect, but perfectly dependable—and that’s a win in my book.
Should You Buy?
If you want modern performance, practical durability, a fantastic display, and battery life that just won’t quit—the Moto G86 is a must-consider option. It’s an especially strong buy for Indian users and anyone worldwide who wants flagship basics without flagship costs. If you’re curious about the hidden truths of the Vivo V60, don’t miss our in-depth breakdown here.
Those seeking zoom superstar cameras, ultrafast chipsets for pro gaming, or flashy custom UIs might want to keep looking—but for nearly all typical users, this is one of 2025’s smartest phone picks.
Have you tried the Moto G86? What do you think—is it the new mid-range king? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions below!