5 Android Phones You Should Buy Instead of the Moto G Power (2026)

The Moto G Power (2026) has long been a go-to for budget-conscious buyers seeking exceptional battery life. But in mid-2026, the competition has evolved. While the G Power still offers a massive 6,000 mAh battery and a reliable Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 chip, it falls short in display quality, camera performance, and software update commitment. If you’re looking for better value, performance, or features for the same price (around $250–$300), here are five Android phones that outshine it. ## 1. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G — The All-Rounder Samsung has refined its mid-range lineup, and the Galaxy A35 5G is a direct competitor. It features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate — far superior to the Moto’s 60Hz LCD. The Exynos 1380 chip delivers comparable daily performance, but Samsung offers four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, while Motorola typically promises only two. The A35 also includes IP67 dust/water resistance and a better 50MP main camera with OIS. For about $50 more, you get a phone that will feel fresh for years. **Why choose this:** Better screen, longer software support, and water resistance. If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, this is the smarter buy. ## 2. Google Pixel 7a — Camera King The Pixel 7a (still available new in 2026 at discounts) remains unbeatable for photography in this price bracket. Its 64MP main sensor with Google’s computational photography produces images that rival flagships. The 90Hz OLED display is smooth, and the Tensor G2 chip enables exclusive features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Live Translate. Battery life is worse than the Moto (about 8 hours screen-on time vs. 12+), but the camera and software experience are far superior. Google guarantees three years of OS updates and five years of security patches. **Why choose this:** If you take a lot of photos or rely on Google’s AI features, this is the best choice. The trade-off is battery life. ## 3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G — Speed and Charging The OnePlus Nord N30 5G ($299) offers a 120Hz LCD display and the Snapdragon 695 chip — roughly equal to the Moto’s performance. But its killer feature is 50W SUPERVOOC charging, which charges the 5,000 mAh battery from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes. The Moto’s 15W charging takes over two hours. The Nord N30 also has a 108MP main camera, though results are average. OnePlus promises two major updates and three years of security patches — slightly better than Motorola’s track record. **Why choose this:** If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the Nord N30 is a game-changer. It’s also slightly cheaper than the Moto G Power. ## 4. POCO X6 Pro — Performance Bargain For raw performance, nothing touches the POCO X6 Pro at $279. It packs the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip (similar to Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3) and a 120Hz AMOLED display. In benchmarks like Geekbench 6, it scores 4,500+ single-core and 13,000+ multi-core — nearly double the Moto’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 2. This makes it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and AI apps. The 67W fast charging and 5,000 mAh battery give good endurance. Camera quality is decent but not class-leading. MIUI 14 (based on Android 14) is feature-rich but has ads in some regions. **Why choose this:** If you need maximum processing power for gaming or heavy apps, the X6 Pro destroys the Moto. Battery life is still solid. ## 5. TCL 40 NXTPAPER — Unique Display Technology TCL’s NXTPAPER technology is a genuine innovation for eye comfort. The TCL 40 NXTPAPER ($249) uses a reflective LCD that mimics paper, reducing blue light and glare. It’s perfect for reading or working under bright sunlight. The 90Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution are adequate, though colors are less vibrant than AMOLED. The MediaTek Helio G88 chip is weaker than the Moto’s, and cameras are basic. Battery life is excellent (5,010 mAh with power-efficient screen). **Why choose this:** If you spend hours reading or browsing, the NXTPAPER display reduces eye strain significantly. Performance is a step down, but for content consumption, it’s ideal. ## Comparison Table | Feature | Moto G Power (2026) | Galaxy A35 5G | Pixel 7a | OnePlus Nord N30 | POCO X6 Pro | TCL 40 NXTPAPER | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Display | 6.5" 60Hz LCD | 6.6" 120Hz AMOLED | 6.1" 90Hz OLED | 6.7" 120Hz LCD | 6.67" 120Hz AMOLED | 6.6" 90Hz NXTPAPER | | Chipset | Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 | Exynos 1380 | Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 695 | Dimensity 8300 Ultra | Helio G88 | | RAM/Storage | 6/128GB | 6/128GB | 8/128GB | 8/128GB | 8/256GB | 6/256GB | | Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP OIS | 64MP OIS | 108MP | 64MP | 50MP | | Battery | 6,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,385 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,010 mAh | | Charging | 15W | 25W | 18W | 50W | 67W | 18W | | OS Updates | 2 years | 4 years | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | | Price | $299 | $349 | $349 (discounted) | $299 | $279 | $249 | ## Conclusion The Moto G Power (2026) remains a solid battery phone, but it’s no longer the best value. If you prioritize software updates and display quality, the Galaxy A35 5G is the safest choice. For camera enthusiasts, the Pixel 7a is unmatched. The OnePlus Nord N30 wins on charging speed, while the POCO X6 Pro is for performance junkies. And if eye comfort matters most, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER is unique. In a market where $300 can buy you a 120Hz AMOLED, fast charging, and years of updates, the Moto G Power feels increasingly outdated. Choose one of these five alternatives and get more phone for your money.

5 Android Phones You Should Buy Instead of the Moto G Power (2026)

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