Look no further if you’re after the best Motorola phones, we’re here to narrow down your search. It can be overwhelming with so many models, colorways, spec differences, and more to consider when looking at your next phone purchase. As with all of our buying guides, our list of the best Motorola smartphones features the latest models, so you don’t have to worry about aging devices any time soon.
Wondering if the competition have some decent phones too? Check out our lists of the best Samsung phones or the best Xiaomi phones. Or, if you need durability, see our picks for the best rugged smartphone, and if you need to keep your devices juiced, we have all the best power banks to pick from.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend days testing games, phones, tech, and services. We always share honest opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.
The best Motorola phones in 2024
The best Motorola phone overall
Motorola Edge 40 Pro specifications:
Display |
60 Hz 6.4-inch AMOLED (1080 x 2400) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 |
RAM |
12GB |
Storage |
256-523GB |
Reasons to buy
- Top quality chipset
- Significant RAM
- Great storage
Reasons to avoid
- Camera quality
- Difficult to clean
The best Motorola phone overall is the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, the brand’s current flagship device. Boasting a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a crisp OLED display, and a massive amount of local storage, it’s a serious piece of kit, offering some real competition to the latest Google Pixel and Samsung devices. Better still, there are plenty of color options available, including Eclipse Black, Luna Blue, Nebula Green, and Viva Magenta.
Along with a list of impressive features, the Edge 40 Pro is incredibly quick to charge, juicing back up to 100% battery power in less than half an hour thanks to 125w charging. This device is also impressively durable, with water and scratch resistance that hold up against some of the less feature-heavy devices from our list of picks for the best rugged smartphone.
However, it is worth noticing that the camera here just isn’t as good as what’s on offer from the flagship devices of brands like Samsung or Apple. So if you’re something of an amateur photographer with your smartphone, you might have to keep looking. The Edge 40 Pro can also be a bit tricky to clean, but if you use a case, that’s less of an issue.
Motorola Moto G200
The best Motorola phone for most
Motorola Moto G200 specifications:
Display |
144 Hz 6.8-inch OLED (1080 x 2460) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
128-256GB |
Reasons to buy
- Great for gaming
- High-quality display
- Good for streaming
Reasons to avoid
- Slow charging rate
- Plastic parts
Our pick for the best Motorola phone for most people is the Motorola Moto G200, a mighty mid-ranger with more on offer than you might expect. Its Snapdragon 888+ processor isn’t top-of-the-class, but it’s more than enough to power an enjoyable mobile gaming experience or offer quality streaming on the go. There are two colorways for this model, with the option to choose between Glacier Green and Stellar Blue.
Not only is performance up to the job with the G200, but the display is fantastic for the price point. The refresh rate is better than that of the similarly priced Google Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S22, while the 6.8-inch LCD screen offers crisp visuals no matter what lighting scenario you’re dealing with. Match all of that with a stellar 5,000 mAh battery and you start to understand why this is one of our top recommendations.
However, the biggest caveat with the Moto G200 is that it’s not the quickest to charge, taking a while longer than some of the other more expensive picks on this list. It also feels a little cheap due to some plastic parts, so if you’re looking for something that feels a little more luxurious at a mid-range price point, it might be worth looking at another brand or Motorola device.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
The best foldable Motorola phone
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra specifications:
Display |
165 Hz 6.9-inch Foldable LTPO AMOLED (1080 x 2640) |
Battery |
Li-Po 4,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
RAM |
8-12GB |
Storage |
256-512GB |
Reasons to buy
- Dust & water resistant
- High-end display
The best foldable Motorola phone available right now is the Razr 50 Ultra, by some margin. It might be on the expensive side, but most flip phones are, and you’re getting a quality build and a screen that pops with color thanks to the LTPO AMOLED display. This model comes in one more color than its predecessor, with Hot Pink, Peach Fuzz, Midnight Blue, and Spring Green to choose from
An upgraded hinge compared to old Razr models means you don’t have to worry about falling a few millimeters short of the full fold, with this version easily fitting inside your pocket. The foldability doesn’t mean a sacrifice elsewhere, though, with a stellar battery life that takes its time to run down, and the performance is more than enough to play your favorite games, especially thanks to the upgrade to the Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset.
The caveat here is that if you’re not a fan of foldable phones, there’s little this model does compared to others. It’s also important to note that the camera is a little lackluster in the Razr 50 Ultra, and stands out as the only component that doesn’t feel as high quality as it should for the price of the device.
Motorola Moto G31
The best budget Motorola phone
Motorola Moto G31 specifications:
Display |
60 Hz 6.4-inch AMOLED (1080 x 2400) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
64-128GB |
Reasons to avoid
- No 5G coverage
- Slow charging
The Motorola Moto G31 is the best budget Motorola phone available, retailing at a significantly lower price than the rest of the options on this list. It’s a bit basic compared to others on this list, but that’s not always a bad thing if you’re just looking for a smartphone that covers the essentials, while also offering a little more than the budget offerings from other Android brands.
The battery on the G31 is better than anything you’re going to get for under $200, offering up to 36 hours of juice if you’re just using it for the essentials. The AMOLED screen is the star of the show, though, offering a high-quality visual display that rivals some mid-range mobiles that retail for double or more the price of the G31.
Still, as you might anticipate from one of Motorola’s lowest-price offerings, it’s not all impressive. While the G31 boasts multiple cameras, none of them are all that impressive, and they really struggle under low light. There’s also a lack of 5G, which wasn’t as much of a problem on launch back in 2021, but already feels increasingly antiquated.
Moto G Stylus
The best Motorola stylus phone
Moto G Stylus specifications:
Display |
120Hz 6.41-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2400) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
RAM |
6GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Reasons to buy
- Cheap
- Sleek design
- Battery life
Reasons to avoid
- Poor display
- Average camera
The best Motorola stylus phone is the Moto G Stylus, though it might not be worth recommending if you’re in it for anything but the digital writing device. Still, for the price, it’s got a sleek design that feels comfortable in one hand – exactly what you need when the other has a stylus in it – and its impressive battery life means you won’t often be reaching for the charger.
Of course, the stylus is the highlight, and this phone does truly feel like Motorola has designed it for that use, rather than it being an added feature just to try and draw in more attention. With a wealth of Android art apps, you can make use of the generous 256GB storage to ensure you have everything you need to do some doodling on the go.
But don’t expect a crystal clear display, because the LCD screen looks a little outdated compared to some OLED models on the market for a similar price. It’s also worth pointing out that the camera is distinctly average so looking at some of the more expensive Motorola devices is well worth your time if you’re after a clearer picture.
Motorola Defy
The best rugged Motorola phone
Motorola Defy specifications:
Display |
60 Hz 6.5-inch IPS LCD (720 x 1600) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
64GB |
Reasons to buy
- Reliable
- Clear call quality
The best rugged Motorola phone is the Motorola Defy, which is purpose-built to withstand the sort of pressure and application most smartphones can’t. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive model, but if you need something you can rely on to survive, there are few better options across all manufacturers.
As you might expect from a rugged phone, the Motorola Defy is resistant to scratches, drops, water, and dust. Simply put, it really takes a beating to break this one. It’s not just practical in terms of durability, though, with ideal dimensions for slipping in your pocket as well as solid battery life.
The main issue with the Defy is that its camera quality is pretty poor for a smartphone in 2024. It also feels a little cheap, though this only really matters if you value sleek ergonomics over durability, and if you’re even looking at this phone we’re guessing you don’t. This is very much a practical phone, targeted at those who can’t stand the thought of another smashed screen or waterlogged device. Finally, it’s worth saying there are no fancy color options here, so if you don’t want a plain black phone, you may have to continue your search.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G
The best Motorola phone for battery life
Motorola Moto G Power 5G specifications:
Display |
6.5-inch 120Hz IPS LCD (1080 x 2400 pixels) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Mediatek Dimensity 930 |
RAM |
6GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Reasons to avoid
- Sub-par cameras
- No IP rating
The best Motorola phone for battery life is easily the Motorola G Power 5G. This thing stays in the game for just over 48 hours without any problems at all, making it even further than that if you’re not using it too intensively. If you value battery life above all else in a smartphone, this might be the best of the list so far for you.
Considering this device is just a little more expensive than the G31, it’s got some pretty impressive specs when it comes to visuals and performance to make it an attractive budget proposition, while also including 5G capabilities. The storage is as generous as you’re going to find for the price point, with 256GB of space to fill with apps and games.
The big issue with the Moto G Power is a lack of an IP water and dustproof rating. Motorola says this phone is ‘water repellant’, but that’s not enough to fill us with confidence regarding any accidental splashes or, worse still, a full-on submersion. The cameras are also lacking slightly, so if you’re a happy snapper you might have to think about saving to increase your budget or look at a different brand.
Moto G Play
Another Motorola phone for a budget
Moto G Play specifications:
Display |
6.5-inch Max Vision HD |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh battery |
Chipset |
Octa-core processor |
RAM |
3GB |
Storage |
32GB |
Reasons to avoid
- Baseline specs
- Limited storage
Need a fantastic budget phone, but want Motorola’s stamp on it? The Moto G Play has got you covered. The Moto G Play is a no-nonsense, straightforward phone, meaning that if you’re looking for something with top-of-the-line capabilities you’ll be disappointed. And, it doesn’t have the best specs either, by some distance.
But it does the job of a simple mobile phone, and you can’t sniff at the incredibly economical price. Sure, you’ll end up having trouble with storage, and the Moto G Play won’t retain its smooth responsiveness for long. But, if you’re looking for a phone on a budget, this naturally comes with sacrifices.
ThinkPhone by Motorola
Best Motorola phone for cyber security
ThinkPhone by Motorola specifications:
Display |
6.6-inch P-OLED (1080 x 2400) |
Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh battery |
Chipset |
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
RAM |
8GB / 12GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Reasons to buy
- Cyber security
- Battery life
Reasons to avoid
- Average camera
- No microSD slot
Motorola’s ThinkPhone is anchored by its great cyber-security features. This device features ThinkShield, Motorola’s business-grade security system that works tirelessly to protect you from malware, phishing, and other potential threads. It works alongside Moto KeySafe, keeping your PINs, passwords, and cryptographic keys isolated from other device data for extra security.
The ThinkPhone also has impact-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus display protection so that you can feel safe while out and about and a 5,000 mAh battery with turbocharging so you can get power for a full day’s work in just 15 minutes.
How do we choose the best Motorola phones?
We take a lot of elements into consideration when it comes to creating this list of the best Motorola phones. Performance is a key aspect, whether you need some horsepower for gaming or streaming high quality video. However, we also consider aspects like quality of the design, display, build, and maybe the most important part: cost.
As you can see from the tables below each entry on this list of the best Motorola phones, the first things we look at are display, battery, chipset, RAM, and storage. This is all quite technical, and that side of things is essential, but we also know that some of you aren’t interested in the numbers. So, our buying guides also offer advice on how a phone might feel, or just how the device looks. For more on our testing method, check out our how we test page with various explainers for different kinds of hardware.
How do I choose the best Motorola phone?
A lot of this path to finding your ideal Motorola phone is down to preference and needs. However, if you’re just looking for the basics, the G1 or the Defy are perfectly good devices. Looking for some luxury? You may want to take a longer look at our analysis of the Edge 40 Pro and Razr 40 Ultra.
Personal preference in terms of looks is a big factor as well, with many drawn to the sleek foldable action of the Razr 40 Ultra. If you find it hard to get on with a flip phone, perhaps you’d prefer something bulkier like the Defy. Still, it’s dependent on you, so you need to weigh up all the options and work out what’s best before you make a purchase.
There you have it, our picks for the best Motorola phones in 2024. If you’re looking for a handheld console instead, check out our picks for the best portable gaming consoles in 2024.