Explore the top Motorola phones of 2026, including the stylish Razr Ultra and budget-friendly Moto G models, highlighting their features and value.
Washington DC, United States Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Motorola phones often play third (or fourth) fiddle to Samsung and Google, but the winds are changing. Motorola is among the fastest-growing mobile companies in the world, and the company’s Razr handsets are the most popular folding smartphones in the US. Motorola has also been experimenting with colorful Android phones and fun textures, making its devices stand out from the sea of boring glass handsets.
If you’re an interested buyer, picking the best Motorola phone can be tough because the company launches several models each year. I’ve tested almost all of them, and in this guide, I break down the pros and cons and steer you toward my favorite Moto models—from the Razr Ultra to the Moto G Power 2026.
Check out our other mobile buying guides for more, including the Best Android Phones, Best Samsung Phones, Best Cheap Phones, Best Pixel Phones, and Best Phones With a Headphone Jack.
The Razr Ultra is the best reason to get a Motorola phone over the likes of Samsung, Apple, and Google. It’s a statement piece, not just because it’s a compact folding flip phone, but because it’s stylish, whether you opt for the Alcantara finish or the elegant wood.
The spacious 4-inch OLED screen is quite customizable—you can add widgets for glanceable information, so you don’t need to open the phone constantly. Once you do, you’re treated to a large 7-inch AMOLED display that’s sharp, bright, and smooth thanks to the 165-Hz refresh rate. What you’re paying extra for over the other Razr models is things like the Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 mixture for the cover screen, which makes it tougher to crack.
Frankly, there isn’t much new from this model over last year’s Razr Ultra 2025. You get the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 512 GB of storage, and 16 GB of RAM. (You can thank the memory crisis for that.) Motorola says the chipset is better optimized on this phone, though, and I haven’t found any performance issues, with apps and games operating smoothly.
The biggest and best improvement is the 5,000-mAh silicon-carbon battery. It’s remarkable to have a fairly compact phone with such a large battery capacity, and this is easily the longest-lasting Razr—even better than some Motorola candybar phones. I had no trouble getting this phone to last two full days, and with average use, that sometimes went into the third day on a single charge.
I am quite happy with the camera system here. I took dozens of photos over the course of several weeks, and the 50-MP delivered plenty of nice shots. You do still need to reduce movement and hand-shake as much as possible in low light; otherwise those photos can come out blurry. The best part is that you can use the superior primary cameras—typically on the “back” of the phone, but now at the front—to snap selfies and see previews on this external screen. They’re some of the sharpest selfies you’ll snap.
Video capture is also much better on the Ultra than on any other Motorola phone. Once you enable Dolby Vision (and you do have to tap it manually), you can get well-exposed footage that’s not too grainy or shaky. The camera results, whether in photo or video, still don’t quite match the competition at this price, but this is still Motorola’s best camera system to date.
The software experience is great, except for all the artificial intelligence features Motorola is marketing. Copilot! Perplexity! Gemini! Moto AI! There’s a boatload of options, even a dedicated AI button, though I haven’t found Moto AI too helpful. The best perk is Pay Attention, which sees the phone start recording with real-time transcriptions—handy for interviews, but that’s a common feature on most premium devices.
Motorola has not only focused on high-end devices like the Razr series but has also made significant strides in the budget and mid-range segments. The Moto G series, for instance, has been a staple in the budget category, offering reliable performance at an affordable price. The Moto G Power 2026 continues this tradition, boasting impressive battery life and a solid camera setup.
One of the key selling points of the Moto G Power series is its battery. With a 5,000 mAh battery, users can expect several days of usage without needing to recharge. This is particularly appealing for users who rely heavily on their phones for daily tasks and entertainment. Furthermore, the Moto G Power 2026 features a 6.5-inch display, making it suitable for media consumption and gaming.
In terms of performance, the Moto G Power 2026 is powered by a mid-range processor that balances efficiency and speed. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power, it handles everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and streaming without significant issues. This makes it a solid choice for users who prioritize value over extravagance.
Motorola has also made notable improvements in design and build quality across its range of devices. The Razr Ultra, for example, features a unique folding design that not only looks modern but also adds functionality. The use of premium materials like Gorilla Glass and aluminum frames enhances durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
As for the Moto G series, Motorola has ensured that even budget devices do not compromise on build quality. The Moto G Power 2026 comes with a plastic back and frame, which helps keep costs down while still providing a sturdy feel. The design is minimalist, appealing to users who prefer a straightforward look without unnecessary embellishments.
Motorola’s software experience is another area where the company has made strides. The devices run on a near-stock version of Android, which means users get a clean interface without bloatware. This allows for a smoother user experience and quicker updates, as there are fewer modifications to the operating system.
However, Motorola has introduced some features that aim to enhance user experience, such as Moto Actions, which allow users to perform specific tasks with gestures. For example, twisting the wrist can launch the camera, while a chop motion can activate the flashlight. These features add convenience and make the devices more user-friendly.
Looking ahead, Motorola’s position in the smartphone market is promising. With the rapid growth of the folding smartphone segment, the Razr series is well-positioned to capture the interest of consumers looking for innovative designs. Additionally, the ongoing success of the Moto G series ensures that Motorola remains competitive in the budget segment, catering to a wide range of consumers.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, Motorola's commitment to innovation and quality will be crucial in maintaining its momentum. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements will play a significant role in its future success. With plans for new product launches and updates to existing models, Motorola aims to solidify its reputation as a key player in the mobile industry.
In conclusion, Motorola's offerings for 2026 demonstrate a blend of innovation, style, and practicality. The Razr Ultra stands out as a flagship device that showcases the company's commitment to pushing boundaries in smartphone design, while the Moto G Power 2026 continues to provide exceptional value in the budget segment. As Motorola navigates the competitive landscape of the smartphone market, its focus on quality, user experience, and cutting-edge technology will be essential for its ongoing growth and success.
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