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 price range smartphone house. Formally introduced in the present day, the most recent Energy mannequin doubles down on what the collection does greatest — lengthy battery life, a giant display, and sturdiness — whereas delivering three vital upgrades over final yr’s model. Sadly, there’s a trade-off: wi-fi charging is gone.

Positioned above the usual Moto G (2026) launched earlier this yr, the Moto G Energy (2026) is Motorola’s reply for customers who desire a cellphone that may survive harder situations than a normal cellphone, final greater than at some point, and nonetheless really feel fashionable 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 below typical situations. Sturdiness additionally acquired a critical improve, with IP68/IP69 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification, and Gorilla Glass 7i, giving the cellphone a degree of toughness that continues to be uncommon on the $300 mark. The third improve is available in images: the 50-megapixel primary digital camera now contains optical picture stabilization (OIS), noticeably enhancing on a regular basis photographs and low-light pictures.and low-light pictures.

The Moto G Energy (2025) supported 15 W wi-fi charging, and Motorola has eliminated the function in its successor. The Moto G Energy (2026) as an alternative affords 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 intently to a confirmed formulation. It options a big 6.8-inch FHD+ show with a 120 Hz refresh price, 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 easy and dependable in on a regular basis use, whereas Android 16 ships with the cellphone.

Do you have to 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 price range cellphone. For $299, Motorola is betting that toughness, endurance, and consistency matter greater than wi-fi charging.

The Moto G Energy (2026) will probably be out there in PANTONE Pure Cashmere and PANTONE Night Blue, with a beginning value of $299 within the U.S. The unlocked mannequin goes on sale January 8, 2026, by means of Greatest Purchase, Amazon, and Motorola.com, with provider availability to comply with.

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

Fast takeaway: Select Moto G (2026) if value issues most. Select Moto G Energy (2026) if you need higher sturdiness, longer battery life, and a extra dependable digital camera (and you might be high-quality with out wi-fi charging).

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

Improve abstract: Massive 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.