Motorola G Series Review: Still Reliable in 2025?
The Motorola Moto G series has long been a go-to choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable smartphones without breaking the bank. With the release of the 2025 models, including the Moto G (2025) and Moto G Power (2025), the question remains: does this iconic series still deliver the dependable performance and value it’s known for? In this review, we’ll dive into the design, performance, battery life, camera, software, and overall value of the 2025 Moto G series to determine if it’s still a solid pick in today’s competitive budget smartphone market.
Design: Premium Feel on a Budget
Motorola continues to impress with its design choices for the Moto G series, offering a premium aesthetic at an affordable price point. Both the Moto G (2025) and Moto G Power (2025) feature a vegan leather back, a standout feature that adds a soft, grippy texture and a touch of sophistication. The Moto G (2025), priced at $199.99, comes in a sleek Forest Gray colorway, with a sturdy plastic frame and thin bezels that give it a modern look. It measures 6.58 x 3.0 x 0.32 inches and weighs 6.81 ounces, slightly larger than its 2024 predecessor but still comfortable to hold.
The Moto G Power (2025), at $299.99, takes durability to the next level with IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it one of the toughest budget phones available. Available in Leaf Green and Slate Gray, its vegan leather back is a lint magnet, so a case is recommended to keep it clean. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot for up to 1TB of expandable storage on both models is a nod to practicality, setting them apart from competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, which lacks the headphone jack.
Verdict: The Moto G series’ design feels more premium than its price suggests, with the Power model’s ruggedness being a standout feature. However, the lint-attracting back on the Power model is a minor annoyance.
Performance: Serviceable but Not Stellar
Under the hood, the Moto G (2025) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with 4GB of RAM, while the Moto G Power (2025) uses the same chipset but with 8GB of RAM. Unfortunately, both models show inconsistent performance compared to their 2024 counterparts, which used the slightly more capable Dimensity 7020. Reviewers note occasional stuttering when multitasking or switching apps, and the Moto G (2025) struggles with demanding tasks due to its limited RAM. For basic activities like browsing, social media, and streaming, performance is adequate, but don’t expect smooth gaming on titles like Genshin Impact.
The Moto G Power (2025) fares slightly better thanks to its higher RAM, but it still lags behind competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, which offers a more vibrant AMOLED display and comparable processing power for the same price. If you’re looking for a budget phone with better performance, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 ($289) is a stronger contender with smoother operation and a lighter software skin.
Verdict: Performance is functional for everyday tasks but falls short for power users or gamers. The Moto G Power (2025) is the better option of the two, but competitors are catching up.
Battery Life: A Long-Lasting Legacy
Battery life remains a hallmark of the Moto G series. Both the Moto G (2025) and Moto G Power (2025) sport a 5,000mAh battery, delivering exceptional endurance. The Moto G (2025) can last up to two days with moderate use, scoring nearly 22 hours on web browsing tests and 10 hours on YouTube streaming. The Power model matches this performance, with some users reporting 30% battery remaining after heavy use involving navigation and streaming.
Charging speeds are respectable, with the Moto G (2025) supporting 30W wired charging and the Moto G Power (2025) adding 15W wireless charging—a rare feature in the budget segment. However, you’ll need to purchase a charging brick separately for optimal speeds. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, which lacks wireless charging, the Moto G Power (2025) has an edge for convenience.
Verdict: Battery life is a major strength, with both models offering multi-day usage and the Power model’s wireless charging adding extra value.
Camera: Decent but Not Dazzling
The Moto G (2025) features a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Moto G Power (2025) upgrades to a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 16MP front camera. The primary cameras perform adequately in good lighting, producing serviceable photos for casual use, but low-light performance is inconsistent, with blurry results and muddy colors unless you’re patient with Night mode. The macro and depth sensors on the Moto G (2025) feel like afterthoughts, adding little value.
Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, which offers sharper images and better software processing, the Moto G series cameras lag behind. However, Motorola’s gesture-based camera shortcuts, like double-twisting to launch the app, add a fun and practical touch.
Verdict: The cameras get the job done for basic photography but struggle in low light and lack the polish of competitors.
Software: Clean but Short-Lived
Both models ship with Android 15 and Motorola’s Hello UI, which stays close to stock Android while adding useful gestures like chopping to toggle the flashlight. Bloatware is minimal on unlocked versions, though carrier-locked models may include apps like Candy Crush, most of which can be uninstalled. Motorola promises two years of OS updates (up to Android 17) and three years of security patches, an improvement over previous models but still trailing Samsung’s four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the Galaxy A16 5G.
Verdict: The clean Android experience is a plus, but limited software support may leave users wanting more longevity.
Value and Competition
At $199.99, the Moto G (2025) is a solid option for those prioritizing affordability, battery life, and a premium-feeling design. However, its lackluster performance and camera hold it back against the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, which offers a brighter AMOLED display and longer software support for the same price. The Moto G Power (2025), at $299.99, justifies its higher cost with superior durability, wireless charging, and a slightly better camera, making it a compelling choice for rugged use cases.
For those willing to spend a bit more, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 ($289) offers better performance and a unique design, while the Motorola Edge 60 ($300–$400) provides a more premium experience with a faster chipset and brighter display, though it’s not available in the US.
Still Reliable?
The Motorola Moto G series remains a reliable choice in 2025 for budget-conscious users who value battery life and design over cutting-edge performance. The Moto G (2025) is a practical pick at $199.99, ideal for basic tasks and casual use, while the Moto G Power (2025) stands out for its durability and wireless charging at $299.99. However, with competitors like Samsung and Nothing offering better displays, performance, and software support, the G series feels like it’s treading water rather than pushing forward.
Recommendation: If you need a dependable, long-lasting phone and can find the Moto G (2025) on sale for around $175 or the Power model for under $250, they’re excellent value. Otherwise, consider the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Nothing CMF Phone 1 for a more well-rounded experience. The Moto G series is still reliable, but it’s no longer the undisputed budget king.
