5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Moto G Play (2026)

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority While the Moto G series was once one of the leading picks for budget phones, the last few years have been a bit rocky for the brand. This is especially true for the Moto G Play (2026) . While it has a strong battery and decent enough camera, these upsides are largely spoiled by its short update policy, poor processing power, and questionable durability.

While it isn’t necessarily a bad phone in a bubble, there are plenty of other devices within a similar price range that are better buys. Below, let’s take a look at a few newer and refurbished options that would make natural alternatives to the Moto G Play (2026).