Motorola has ushered in 2025 with a refresh of its budget-friendly Moto G lineup, introducing the new Moto G and Moto G Power. While both phones offer compelling features for their respective price points, the Moto G Power steals the spotlight with its remarkable durability, usually reserved for high-end rugged phones, at an incredibly affordable price of $299.99.
The 2025 Moto G Power boasts an impressive IP69 water-resistance rating, a significant upgrade over the IP52 rating of its predecessor and even surpassing most flagship smartphones. This rating signifies complete protection against dust and high-pressure water jets and steam, in addition to the submersion protection afforded by the IP68 rating. This level of ruggedness, previously found only in specialized devices, is now accessible at a fraction of the cost, making the Moto G Power an exceptional value proposition. This durability extends beyond water resistance, as the G Power has also met the MIL-STD-810H military standard, signifying its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and drops from a significant height.
Despite its rugged build, the Moto G Power maintains a surprisingly slim profile at under 9mm thick. However, it’s not a small phone by any means, featuring a large 6.8-inch LCD display protected by Gorilla Glass 5. This display size puts it in the same league as premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The substantial size allows for a capacious 5,000mAh battery with wireless charging capabilities, a welcome feature for extended usage. Motorola has also retained the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio.
Accompanying the G Power is the standard Moto G, priced at $199.99. While aesthetically similar to its tougher sibling, the Moto G sports a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display and a more basic IP52 rating for dust and water resistance, protected by Gorilla Glass 3. However, both phones share the same MediaTek chipset and similar 50-megapixel rear cameras, suggesting comparable performance for users who don’t prioritize the G Power’s enhanced durability. This commonality in core components ensures that users opting for the more affordable Moto G won’t experience a significant drop in performance.
A key area of concern for the 2025 Moto G lineup is software. Previous iterations of the Moto G series, while lauded for their hardware, were often criticized for the inclusion of excessive pre-installed bloatware. This unnecessary software can impact performance and storage space. Motorola will hopefully address this issue in the 2025 models, providing a cleaner and more streamlined software experience. A more refined software approach would significantly enhance the overall user experience and solidify the Moto G series’ position as a leader in the budget phone segment.
The unlocked versions of the Moto G and Moto G Power will be available for purchase online through Motorola.com, Amazon, and Best Buy, with the Moto G launching on January 30th and the G Power following shortly after on February 6th. Both models will also be available through major carriers in the subsequent months, ensuring wide accessibility for consumers. This broad availability, coupled with the competitive pricing and impressive features, positions the 2025 Moto G series as a strong contender in the budget smartphone market.
