Motorola went through somewhat of a rough patch for a few years, set back partly by some questionable marketing decisions and its ill-fated Moto Mods project. At long last, though, 2023 saw the longtime electronics giant’s resurgence with a handful of powerful, reasonably priced smartphones.
In particular, its standout Razr+ took cues from and built on the success of more seasoned foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip family, but Motorola’s entire stable offers something for consumers of any budget. Our updated guide explores Motorola’s commitment to advancing its hardware and remaining competitive by pinpointing its finest devices and outlining which needs each one fills best.
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
The premier flagship
The Edge+ is Motorola’s (non-folding) 2023 flagship model, and it absolutely crushes it. Combining high-end specs like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a bright, sharp display in a thin-and-light chassis is a real winner, and even the cameras are up to par with some of Motorola’s various Android rivals. Just make sure to buy a case, as the sleek build can be a little slippery.
- Excellent battery life
- High-end specs at an affordable price
- Fast charging with included 68W brick
- Curved screens feel a little dated
- Cameras are capable but fall short compared to rivals
The latest Motorola Edge+ is a great selection if you’re looking for a highly capable phone that’s reliable, regardless of what you might throw at it. This year’s model fixes nearly every weak point seen in previous generations, and it all starts with the price tag. At $800, it’s an expensive phone, but it manages to match — and even outperform, in some categories — similar devices from Samsung and Google. It’s important to note as well that this is before taking into consideration any sale offerings that may be available.
The spec sheet is almost peerless at this price point. At the heart of the Edge+ is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, one of the best SoCs you’ll find in a phone today. Paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of ultra-fast UFS 4.0 storage, and a massive 5,100mAh battery, this is a hugely capable device underpinned by plenty of power across the board. With that said, it’s not a perfect smartphone. While some might take umbrage with the 1080p 6.7-inch display, we think it looks pretty good in action — especially since most modern Android flagships arrive running in FHD mode anyway.
Moto Edge+ (2023) review: It’s time to take Motorola seriously again
The company’s latest smartphone is a surprisingly competent alternative to Samsung or Google
Even the camera is a step above what you’re likely to expect in a Motorola device. Even so, it doesn’t compete against similar models from Samsung or Google. Still, if you’re looking for a competent alternative to the big names in the Android game, the Edge+ is certainly the phone to consider.
Motorola Razr+ (2023)
A pristine flip phone for the future
Move over, Samsung — Motorola is coming for the throne. The newest Motorola Razr+ brings a massive 3.6-inch outer panel to bear. It allows you to manage tasks and apps directly from the front face without even opening the full 6.9-inch interior screen. When you do, you’re met with a familiar Android experience, complete with a speedy processor and solid battery life.
- The 3.6″ outer screen is a game-changer
- Decent battery life for a clamshell phone
- It’s just so dang fun
- Camera quality isn’t anything special
- Not everything works great on the outer screen
- Some software limitations with the exterior panel
A new leader sits atop the pack when it comes to clamshell smartphone design. The newest foldable from Motorola is the first to launch in North America in nearly three years and represents a complete reinvention of the style. The Motorola Razr+ sheds the old-school appearance of its predecessors, instead bringing something that feels in line with the ever-popular Galaxy Z Flip 5. Thanks to an inventive front display, it’s the best use case for a clamshell we’ve seen yet.
The 3.6-inch 1:1 screen that graces the front of the phone feels like a definite return to the truly portable devices of the past. The front screen allows you to accomplish nearly any task imaginable without flipping it open. Once you reveal the ultra-tall 6.9-inch panel inside, you’re left holding something that feels very similar to the exciting and potent Edge+. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is only a small step behind its successor in terms of performance, and thanks to the small display, achieving a legitimate all-day battery life is certainly on the table, even as it hasn’t always been a guarantee with this style of phone.
Motorola Razr+ review: My new favorite foldable
The GOAT of flip phones can finally reclaim its throne
Unsurprisingly, the camera is where the wholly impressive Razr+ falls short. While Motorola’s processing power has never stood up to the output of the market’s best builders, this phone also suffers from the same spatial constraints that plague all foldables. You can only squeeze so much equipment under the hood with a chassis this small, and the result is a sensor array that’s somewhat lacking and showcases the hard truth that hardware matters as much as post-processing. Camera aside, this is an excellent smartphone — and my favorite foldable to date.
Motorola Edge (2023)
Look for it on a good sale
The Motorola Edge (2023) continues the company’s resurgence, offering an affordable smartphone with premium features. Its colorful OLED display and 68W fast charging belie its sub-$400 price tag, and its Dimensity 7030 is powerful enough for daily tasks. It doesn’t compete with 2023 flagships, but on a decent sale, it makes for an excellent mid-range value choice.
- Gorgeous display
- Improved cameras
- Fast 68W charging
- No Gorilla Glass
- Slightly underpowered
The Motorola Edge for 2023 launched at $600, making it a questionable choice with such strong competition, but frequent sales mean you can typically find one for well under $400. At that price, it becomes a strong contender, offering a gorgeous P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a premium feel in the hand, and blistering 68W fast charging.
Moto Edge (2023) review: It’s complicated
The Moto Edge would be a great choice if so many other options weren’t available
It’s powered by a Dimensity 7030, which won’t turn many heads, but it will easily handle daily tasks and light gaming. The Edge’s camera system is no slouch, with Motorola’s lineup-wide focus on improving its shooters. It takes deep, saturated photos that will look amazing on any Instagram or Facebook feed. It doesn’t feature Gorilla Glass, and its heavily tapered display might be a turn-off for some, but at around $350, the Edge is worthy of a look.
Motorola ThinkPhone
A crossover device for productivity
In a crossover for the ages, the ThinkPhone is the brainchild of a collaboration between Motorola and its parent company, Lenovo. The ThinkPhone was designed to pair seamlessly with the ThinkPad platform, but even if you aren’t a dedicated fan of Lenovo’s business notebooks, the low price point could win you over.
- Solid design and great display with flat edges
- Shortcut key adds customization options
- Excellent battery life and fast charging speeds
- Carbon fiber finish isn’t for everyone
- Mediocre camera quality
If the Edge+ isn’t for you, or perhaps you’re just on the hunt for something a little more affordable, you might want to consider checking out the Motorola ThinkPhone. For this business-focused smartphone, Motorola took inspiration from the beloved Think brand that’s been a staple of its parent company, Lenovo, for many years. From here, the smartphone maker built something that feels right at home alongside a Lenovo laptop. Moreover, it’s a high-quality smartphone in its own right. The result of this marriage of ideas is a surprisingly solid yet budget-friendly flagship device. It sports similar specs as the Razr+ but rings up at checkout for several hundred dollars less.
The carbon fiber build is sure to be divisive among users of all backgrounds. But if you’re someone who misses the days of early 2010s smartphone aesthetics, you’ll find something to love here. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains an excellent SoC, even a year later, providing an excellent mix of performance and battery life. In all honesty, this thing is a true warrior when it comes to reliability. The ThinkPhone is capable of marching on for hours and hours before finally requiring a charge. The bundled 68W power adapter brings the phone back to life faster than anything you’ll find from either Samsung or Google.
Motorola’s cameras are a recurring problem area throughout the entire lineup of its smartphones, and the ThinkPhone is no exception in this regard. Even when compared to the underwhelming experience provided by the Razr+, this business-first smartphone just can’t keep up. Still, the rest of the package is so impressive that it’s tough to argue with, especially if you’re a ThinkPad fan. And now that it’s no longer a Motorola store exclusive, you can find it at steep enough discounts to make it quite the bargain.
Motorola Razr (2023)
A fantastic foldable for the price
The Motorola Razr (2023) lacks the external display that the Razr+ offers, and its use of the older Snapdragon 7 processor makes it slower. Nevertheless, this phone is still a great choice for those nostalgic for the flip phone era, but who want modern smartphone features. It has a larger battery and a compact size, and its budget-friendly price is attractive to many users.
- Impressive battery life
- Premium vegan leather is grippy and comfortable
- Clean and simple UI
- Limited uses for external display
- Apps frequently die in the background
While there’s no doubt that the Razr+ is the better foldable, Motorola made a foldable worth having without a substantial cost commitment. The Razr’s build quality is impressive. The phone doesn’t have any creaks or hollow parts, which makes it feel sturdy and well-made. While the $700 (MSRP) may seem expensive, it’s actually quite reasonable for a folding phone. In fact, when compared to traditional slab phones, it’s not a bad price either. Additionally, Motorola has managed to include IP52 water and dust resistance.
The Razr’s external cover display is a 1.5-inch AMOLED panel, which is smaller than the 3.6-inch option available on the Razr+. This is one of the compromises Motorola made to ensure the phone was more affordable. Despite its small size, the outer panel of the Razr is still vivid and bright, with a peak brightness rating of 1,000 nits. There are several software options available to customize the screen with different tiles, such as weather, media, timer, calendar, clock faces, and more.
Motorola Razr (2023) review: Better than it should be
It’s not the flashiest or most powerful, but this clamshell foldable is great for the space
Even with the older Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and a maximum of 8GB of RAM, the Razr still handles quite a while and doesn’t have any trouble completing tasks. This means you don’t have to worry about the slightly older internals messing up your flow.
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
A versatile Motorola
The Moto G Stylus 5G is Motorola’s powerful stylus-equipped smartphone for 2023, and it’s well worth your attention if the S23 Ultra is out of your budget. At $400, performance is just good enough for us to recommend the phone as a truly solid alternative. And with sales already rolling out post-launch for as much as $100 off, waiting for a deal could make this the G-series entry to beat.
- A cheap 5G entry with a stylus
- Big 120Hz display
- Long-lasting battery life
- Don’t expect 120Hz while gaming
- MSRP is a little expensive compared to the competition
- Camera can’t compete with Google or Samsung’s budget devices
Motorola has released two Moto G Stylus devices in 2023, but only one can tout itself as 5G-ready. That’s the Moto G Stylus 5G, a competent, mid-range smartphone that gets all the basics right. It’s a solid performer all around while delivering a workable stylus accessory for $800 less than Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra. And while the 6.6″ FHD+ screen here might not measure up to the beastly panel on Samsung’s largest screens, it’s more than large enough for jotting down notes.
Comparing the two phones might seem ridiculous, but if you care about a stylus with your phone and you’re looking to save a solid sum of cash with your newest addition, it’s tough to compete with the Moto G Stylus 5G. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC powering it is just powerful enough to handle everyday tasks along with some light gaming, though you’ll be unlikely to make the most of the 120Hz display that ships with the device (talk about overkill).
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) review: A stylus phone that won’t break the bank
Motorola delivers a Samsung-like smartphone for a third of the price
Unsurprisingly, the cameras here remain pretty lackluster. As well, the $400 MSRP feels a little steep when considering the overall package strictly on its own merits. But this is a budget Motorola phone, which means you’ll frequently find it discounted, even just a couple of months after launch. We’ve already seen the device drop to $300, a much easier price to justify if you’re looking for a quality smartphone without the biting price tag.
Moto G Power (2023)
Quality tool for a great price
The Moto G Power won’t compare to the best of Motorola’s flagship smartphones, but if you’re seeking a low-cost tool as a top priority, this one’s a great option. With a massive battery and a power-sipping SoC, this phone can last days at a time on a single charge. Just keep your expectations realistic on the included 120Hz display.
- Best cheap Motorola phone
- Big battery
- Adequate performance
- Slow charging speeds for such a large battery
- Camera is as disappointing as you’d expect
- Few software upgrades
The Moto G Power 5G is one of Motorola’s cheapest 5G smartphones on offer. This certainly helps justify its place on this list. While some of Motorola’s smartphones — including the 2022 Moto Edge and the Moto G Stylus 5G — have fallen to price points similar to the G Power 5G (roughly the $300 mark), it helps to see a phone that’s a constant in the affordability category included here. The Moto G Power is also a great option for anyone looking for a device with long-lasting battery life, though the slow charging speeds may turn off some buyers.
Moto G Power 5G (2023) review: If ‘blah’ were a phone
It’s safe and reliable but is that really enough when you’re spending $300
As with most of Motorola’s budget phones, you’ll find many of the same shortcomings here. Upgrades remain a big problem for the company’s G-series devices, missing the newly improved policies implemented on those 2023 flagships. And, of course, the camera here is functional at best; don’t expect much from these sensors once the sun sets. The G Power is a solid option for $300, only diminished by devices like the Pixel 6a. If you’re looking for a cheap Android phone, you could do a lot worse.
Moto G Play (2024)
A simple, affordable phone for basic needs
The decidedly entry-level Moto G Play (2024) won’t dethrone any current industry leaders, but costs less than just about anything else on the market. Its competent hardware, passable software, and good build quality make it an excellent deal if you’re not too picky about performance.
- Processor gets the job done
- Primary camera is actually OK
- Up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Stuck on Android 14 forever
- Only 64GB built-in storage
Nobody will mistake the 2024 Moto G Play for a flagship device, but at $150, that’s perfectly understandable. We went into our hands-on review fully aware of its entry-level aspirations, and came out pleasantly surprised. Its chief upgrade compared to the 2023 model, a Snapdragon 680 backed by 4GB of RAM, delivers a fine Android experience for casual phone users. It won’t win any benchmark showdowns, but works just fine for navigation, messaging, browsing, and basic apps.
Like the one before it, the 2023 G Play sports a 90Hz display, although the brightness leaves a lot to be desired. And although its mere HD+ resolution isn’t the most crisp, fewer pixels and middling brightness combine with a 5,000mAh battery for great battery life. We were also unexpectedly pleased with the camera performance; while nowhere close to the top phones for photography, the main lens takes good photos for something in this price range.
Motorola Moto G Play (2024) review: Getting back into the budget groove
Motorola regains its footing after last year’s budget blunder
Of course, demanding users will need to look elsewhere, as specs like 64GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage and just 15W charging (wired only) make it clear that this isn’t a performance-oriented device. We’re also not particularly enthused with Motorola’s Android update timeliness, as we don’t yet know when the 2024 Moto G Play will receive its singular update to Android 14. But if you need a bargain-basement smartphone that can fulfill basic, everyday needs, you can’t get one much cheaper than this.
Motorola caters to every smartphone user
Competition benefits consumers, so it’s refreshing to see Motorola regain some of the prestige it once held in the mobile phone world. Notably, it gives budget-concsious buyers plenty of freedom, undercutting high-end foldables and competing midrange phones with its capable releases over the last 2 years.
This is more true than ever, given the consistent discounts you can find its best handsets at. The 2023 Edge+, for example, offers a complete package of powerful hardware for as little as $600 from some retailers. Similarly, the Razr+ competes with the best clamshell foldables at a much lower price than most, while the base model Razr puts flip smartphones in reach of a wider range of consumers than ever before.
Finally, Motorola continues to carry the torch for prospective smartphone owners who don’t want to spend much. Developed in conjunction with Lenovo’s immensely popular ThinkPad laptop lineup, the Motorola ThinkPhone serves up a convenient, high-performance experience at a now-reasonable price, and the bargain-basement Moto G Play (2024) provides suitabnle day-to-day usability for those who don’t demand cutting-edge performance or display technology.
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
The premier flagship
The Edge+ is Motorola’s (non-folding) 2023 flagship model, and it absolutely crushes it. Combining high-end specs like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a bright, sharp display in a thin-and-light chassis is a real winner, and even the cameras are up to par with some of Motorola’s various Android rivals. Just make sure to buy a case, as the sleek build can be a little slippery.
