The Moto G series has long been a favorite in the budget smartphone market. However, the Moto G (2026) faces stiff competition, with its price increasing from $200 to $300 while offering only modest improvements. If you’re looking for alternatives that provide better value, longer software support, and enhanced features, here are five compelling options to consider.
While the Moto G (2026) boasts a 3.5mm headphone jackmicroSD card slot and a large battery its short update policydisappointing performance and poor durability make it less attractive. Fortunately, there are several Android phones that offer a more balanced package.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G: The Sensible Upgrade
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G stands out as a strong contender, despite its slow charging speeds and modest performance. This device is particularly appealing for those who prioritize long-term updatesdurable design and superior screen technology. With six years of OS updatesGorilla Glass Victus and an OLED screen the Galaxy A17 5G offers significant advantages over the Moto G (2026).
Priced at $200, the Galaxy A17 5G is also more affordable than the Moto G (2026), which has seen its price rise. Both phones feature a microSD card slot but only the Moto G includes a headphone port. Despite this, the Galaxy A17 5G delivers a better
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Unique Design and Features
The CMF Phone 2 Pro launched by Nothing over a year ago, remains one of the best budget Android phones available. This device is particularly recommended for users outside the US, thanks to its unique, modular design. The back panel can be unscrewed to attach optional accessories, such as a wallet/kickstand combo and even the small dial at the bottom can be removed for a lanyard attachment.
One of the standout features of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is its 2x 50MP telephoto camera a rarity in the sub-$300 price range. The phone also boasts a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen a Dimensity 7300 chip a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging and the slick Nothing OS. It offers three years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches.
However, the CMF Phone 2 Pro has some drawbacks. In the US, it must be purchased via Nothing’s beta program and does not support all major network bands. Additionally, the modular accessories are not officially available in the US, making it a less straightforward choice for North American buyers.
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G: A Specialist’s Dream
The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G continues TCL’s tradition of offering credible alternatives to Motorola’s budget phones. The standout feature of this device is its NXTPAPER display which uses a matte anti-glare coating to reduce reflections. There’s even a dedicated NXTPAPER button that flips the screen into a monochrome, E-Ink-style mode.
Other notable features include a 5,010mAh battery8GB of RAM up to 256GB of expandable storage and a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor. However, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G does have some weaknesses compared to the Moto G (2026). The Dimensity 6100 Plus chip is clocked lower than the Moto G’s Dimensity 6300 processor and the maximum wired charging speed is a glacial 18W compared to 30W on the Moto G.
Despite these downsides, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is still a great deal at just $200, making it $100 cheaper than Motorola’s handset.
