
Motorola Moto G86 5G: A Real-World Mid-Range Powerhouse in 2025

With so many mid-range smartphones launching every month, it’s tough to know which one gives you your money’s worth. Thankfully, Motorola has stepped in with a strong new contender: the Moto G86 5G. Designed for users who want solid performance, premium features, and 5G connectivity without burning a hole in their pocket, this phone is aiming for that sweet spot between price and power.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Moto G86 5G brings to the table and how it stacks up against the competition in India, the U.S., and China.
A Quick Dive Into the Specs
Launch & Availability:
- Announced: May 29, 2025
- Released: July 7, 2025
- In India, Lunch 30 July 2025
Build & Design:
- Sleek and lightweight (161.2 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm, 185g)
- Glass front with Gorilla Glass 7i, plastic frame, and a soft-touch eco-leather back
- Water and dust resistant (IP68/IP69), plus MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability
Display:
- 6.67-inch P-OLED panel
- 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support
- Insanely bright — 4500 nits peak brightness
- Sharp resolution: 1220 x 2712 (446ppi)
Performance:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) chipset
- Octa-core: 4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.5GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- GPU: Mali-G615 MC2
- OS: Android 15 — clean, fast, no bloat
Storage Options:
- 8GB RAM + 256GB
- 12GB RAM + 256GB
- 12GB RAM + 512GB
- Expandable via dedicated microSDXC slot (rare these days!)
Camera Setup:
- Rear: 50MP (wide, OIS) + 8MP (ultrawide)
- Front: 32MP selfie cam
- 4K video on both front and rear, with gyro-EIS for steady footage
Audio & Connectivity:
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- No headphone jack, but solid wireless support
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
Battery Life:
- 5200 mAh battery — more than enough for a full day and then some
- 30W wired fast charging
Colors:
- Pantone options: Spellbound, Golden Cypress, Cosmic Sky, Chrysanthemum
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Real-Life Comparison: Is It Worth It?
Display: Better Than It Should Be
The G86 5G’s P-OLED screen is one of the best in this price range. With HDR10+ and ultra-high brightness, it outshines most AMOLED screens on competing phones like the OnePlus Nord CE 4 or Samsung Galaxy A36 5G. Outdoor visibility is fantastic, and media consumption is a joy.
Performance: Not a Gaming Beast, But Very Smooth
With the Dimensity 7300 chip, the Moto G86 doesn’t aim to be a gaming phone, but it handles daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming with ease. If you’re switching between apps, watching videos, or editing photos, it runs like a champ.
Compared to something like the POCO X6, which may pack a bit rawer power, the G86 trades top-tier gaming for efficiency and better thermal control.
Cameras: Practical and Polished
The dual camera system isn’t just about megapixels — it’s the inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) that makes it stand out. Many mid-range phones skip this. Whether you’re shooting at night or capturing quick motion, your photos are likely to be sharper and more usable.
Selfie fans will also love the 32MP front camera, which surprisingly shoots 4K video — a rarity in this segment.
Battery: Reliable All Day Long
That 5200 mAh battery is the kind of thing you want when you’re out and about. It easily lasts a full day, and often more depending on use. While 30W charging isn’t the fastest around (some Realme phones offer 67W+), it’s still quick enough to get you powered up within an hour.
Durability & Software: Where It Shines
The IP68/IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H compliance are standout features. You just don’t see that level of protection in phones under ₹30,000 often. And Motorola’s near-stock Android 15 experience is fast, clean, and free from ads or heavy skins — a huge plus.
Regional Price Breakdown
India:
- ₹20,000 – ₹28,999 (depending on variant)
- Competes with: OnePlus Nord CE 4, Realme 12 Pro+, Nothing Phone 3a
United States:
- Around $395 USD
- Rivals: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, Moto G Power 5G (2024)
China:
- ¥2366 to ¥3655
- Faces: Redmi K70E, OPPO A3 Pro, Vivo Y200 GT
- Note: Some Chinese variants may include a bigger 6720 mAh battery
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Moto G86 5G?
If you’re someone who values a clean Android experience, a bright, colorful display, and solid camera performance, the Moto G86 5G is one of the best-rounded options in the mid-range segment for 2025. It may not have the fastest charging or the most powerful chipset, but it offers durability, usability, and polish that many others simply don’t.
In short — it’s a phone that doesn’t try too hard but gets everything right where it matters.
If you’re shopping in the ₹20K to ₹30K range (or its equivalent), this is a phone you can buy and comfortably live with for the next couple of years.
Motorola Moto G86 5G – At a Glance
Feature | Details |
Display | 6.67″ P-OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) |
RAM/Storage | 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB + microSD slot |
Cameras | Rear: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP, Front: 32MP |
OS | Android 15 (near-stock) |
Battery | 5200 mAh, 30W wired charging |
Price (India) | ₹20,000 – ₹28,999 |
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