Moto G86: A Mid-Range Marvel with Stellar Features

The Moto G86 is the latest addition to Motorola's popular G series, and it’s already turning heads in the smartphone market. Launched in May 2025, this device promises a blend of affordability and premium features, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-range segment. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and solid performance, the Moto G86 caters to users who want a reliable daily driver without spending a fortune. But how does it stack up? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build: Style Meets Durability

The Moto G86 doesn’t just perform—it looks good doing it. Available in Pantone-curated colors like Spellbound, Chrysanthemum, Cosmic Sky, and Golden Cypress, it offers options ranging from a sleek dark grey to vibrant faux leather finishes in green, red, or purple. Weighing just 185 grams, it’s lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use. The "Soft Luxe Texture" surface adds a premium, rubberized grip that feels great in hand.

For the first time in the G series, the Moto G86 boasts an IP68 rating, making it dust- and water-resistant. It can handle submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes—perfect for clumsy moments or outdoor adventures. The 6.67-inch display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, ensuring it can withstand scratches and minor drops.

Display: Bright, Bold, and Beautiful

The Moto G86’s 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED display is a showstopper. With a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth scrolling and vivid visuals. Its peak brightness of 4500 nits makes it one of the brightest screens in its class, ensuring readability even under direct sunlight. The 10-bit panel supports over a billion colors, making everything from Netflix binges to mobile gaming a visual treat.

Performance: Power-Packed for Everyday Use

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset (built on a 4nm process), the Moto G86 offers reliable performance. This octa-core processor, clocked at up to 2.5 GHz, handles multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming with ease. It comes with up to 12GB of RAM (expandable to 24GB via RAM Boost) and up to 512GB of storage, plus a microSD slot for extra space. Whether you’re juggling apps or storing a photo library, this phone has you covered.

Camera: Capture Life in Stunning Detail

The Moto G86’s camera system is built to impress. Its 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) delivers sharp, steady shots, even in low light. An 8MP ultra-wide lens doubles as a macro camera, offering flexibility for landscapes or close-ups. Selfie lovers get a 32MP front camera that shines for video calls and portraits. Both front and rear cameras support 4K video at 30fps, making this a budget-friendly pick for content creators.

Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging

With a 5200mAh battery, the Moto G86 keeps you going all day—even with heavy use like gaming or GPS navigation. When it’s time to recharge, 30W TurboPower fast charging gets you back up to speed quickly. Users report it can stretch to a day and a half under moderate use, making it a dependable companion.

Software and Connectivity: Clean and Connected

Running Android 15 out of the box, the Moto G86 offers a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. Motorola’s Moto and Moto Secure apps add handy features like gesture controls and enhanced security. It’s 5G-ready, with support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC for payments. Some users note that Wi-Fi speeds could be snappier, but overall, connectivity is solid.

User Opinions: What Are People Saying?

Early feedback on the Moto G86 is largely positive. Users love the bright display, long battery life, and clean software. The camera, especially the 50MP main sensor, earns praise for its detail and versatility. However, there’s a catch: in India, it’s slated for just one major OS update (to Android 16), which feels stingy for a phone priced around ₹20,000. Some also report minor software bugs, though updates should smooth these out.

Price and Availability: Worth the Investment?

The Moto G86 starts at around ₹20,000 in India for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, while in Europe, it’s priced at €299.99 (roughly ₹29,000). For its display, durability, and camera, it’s a steal—but the limited software support in some regions might give you pause.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice with Room for Improvement

The Moto G86 shines as a mid-range smartphone with its stunning display, robust battery, and stylish, durable design. The IP68 rating and military-grade build make it a standout for active users. While the camera and performance punch above its weight, the skimpy update policy and occasional software quirks hold it back from perfection. If you want a feature-packed phone at a reasonable price and don’t mind the update tradeoff, the Moto G86 is a compelling pick.