5 Android telephones you should purchase as a substitute of the Moto G Energy (2026)

Motorola has launched a bunch of fascinating midrange telephones over the previous few years. I really like the modern and enjoyable Razrs, however the firm’s sub-$500 units have helped gas Moto’s resurgence. The Moto G lineup is a major piece of that puzzle, and each time a brand new one is launched, I can’t wait to try it out. The Moto G Energy (2026) is the newest entry, and whereas it nonetheless gives lots of the perks that received clients over within the first place, it’s not good.

It nonetheless encompasses a sturdy construct and a microSD card slot for expandable storage, however its Dimensity 6300 chipset and 8GB of RAM really feel insufficient for $400. Positive, Motorola is aggressive with gross sales, however $400 is an enormous chunk of cash, particularly when there are such a lot of viable alternate options for a similar hit to your pockets.

Listed here are the 5 telephones I’d contemplate as official contenders to purchase as a substitute of a Moto G Energy (2026).

The Google Pixel 10a will set you again $500, although we’ve seen gross sales deliver the value right down to round $400. I count on that pattern to proceed, and there shall be ample alternatives to select up Google’s midrange cellphone at a reduction. Nonetheless, even for just a few extra {dollars}, you decide up loads of bonuses.

The Pixel 10a’s Tensor G4 chipset simply bests the efficiency you’ll get from the Dimensity 6300. It options the identical 8GB of RAM, which can restrict what number of new Gemini Intelligence options you obtain, however Google guarantees seven years of assist for the Pixel 10a, whereas Moto solely affords one yr of Android upgrades — not sufficient for $400.

Motorola’s software program isn’t dangerous, however Google undoubtedly has the benefit with its Materials 3 Expressive design and quicker upgrades. My Pixel 10a is already working Android 17, and I actually couldn’t inform you when Motorola will improve the G Energy, which launches with Android 16 out of the field. Low-light images can also be a lot better on the Pixel 10a, and also you’ll benefit from the 6.3-inch Actua OLED panel on Google’s midranger. It’s the pound-for-pound champ for a purpose, and it’s value a glance for those who’re spending lower than $500.

Samsung’s Galaxy A27 ought to be obtainable shortly in US markets, and its spec sheet ought to be a stable different to the G Energy (2026). Pricing isn’t obtainable for the US but, however with the Galaxy A37 promoting for $449, I’d be shocked if the Galaxy A27 didn’t are available round $350. That’s a gorgeous value, particularly when you think about it has just a few benefits over the G Energy.

Its 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED display ought to look noticeably higher than the G Energy’s LCD panel. Samsung ships some attractive shows, and I’m glad to see that trickle right down to its cheaper choices. The cellphone’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset is a step up from the Galaxy A26, and its efficiency ought to profit from 8GB of RAM.

And, once more, Samsung wins on assist. The Galaxy A27 will obtain six years of One UI upgrades and updates. In case you plan on holding onto your cellphone for any important size of time, it’s value contemplating assist, particularly if the A27 winds up promoting for lower than the G Energy within the US.

You don’t even want to go away the Motorola household to discover a viable different to the G Energy. Sure, the Moto G Stylus (2026) prices extra, however I count on loads of bundles, reductions, and gross sales to deliver the value down over the following few months. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display is attractive, and also you’ll discover the development over the G Energy’s panel. Efficiency is stable, pushed by its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and 8GB of RAM, and also you don’t even have to compromise on the three.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot.

The G Stylus is a unbelievable alternative for an additional purpose: the stylus. I really like that Motorola added energetic features this yr. In a time when Samsung is continually degrading and downplaying the S Pen, it’s fantastic to see Motorola step it up. It’s easy to make use of and extra useful than you’d suppose. I wind up utilizing it a number of instances a day, and also you’ll take pleasure in the identical advantages.

The Nothing Cellphone 4a Professional is one other dearer machine, however you get what you pay for. Sure, it’s $500, however it options a greater show, extra software program assist, and snappier efficiency. It additionally helps that the cellphone is now obtainable at Greatest Purchase, giving us a extra handy avenue to select one up right here within the US. Nothing guarantees three years of OS upgrades and 6 years of safety patches. It’s not class-leading, however it nonetheless simply laps Motorola’s providing on the Moto G Energy.

It’s additionally one other cellphone with an OLED show beneath $500. If the G Energy have been nonetheless round $300, I wouldn’t harp on the display as a lot. Sure, the Galaxy A17 has an OLED for beneath $200, however I felt Motorola at the least supplied different benefits. For $400, any good thing about the doubt is out the window, and it is best to decide up the most effective show and efficiency you possibly can for the cash.

It’s unimaginable to debate midrange cellphone alternate options with out mentioning older flagships. It was robust to suggest telephones from a yr or two in the past, as a result of {hardware} didn’t age gracefully, and software program assist was missing. That’s now not the case, and a cellphone just like the Pixel 8 Professional may be had pre-owned for round $350, with virtually 5 years of assist and upgrades remaining.

My Pixel 8 Professional is working nicely, and also you get comparable efficiency to midrange chipsets with higher cameras. After all, the Pixel 8 Professional isn’t the one older flagship value a glance. Motorola Razrs from final yr make unbelievable offers, with all of the enjoyable that comes with foldables. Samsung has loads of older flagships value a glance, and a Galaxy S25 Plus is round $550.

The Moto G Energy is certainly not a nasty smartphone, however for those who take a look at the panorama, there are many worthy alternate options on the identical (or barely larger) value.