Motorola has been on a roll in 2025, refreshing its G-series lineup with two compelling contenders: the Motorola G86 and the Moto G96. Both smartphones offer impressive specs at competitive prices, but they cater to slightly different user preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant display, powerful performance, or long-lasting battery life, these two devices bring a lot to the table. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their strengths, differences, and which one might be the better fit for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Both the G86 and G96 feature sleek vegan leather finishes that feel premium in hand. The G86 is slightly heavier at 185 grams compared to the G96’s 178 grams, but both are slim and comfortable to hold. The G86 has a more refined look with Pantone-inspired color options like Cosmic Sky and Spellbound, while the G96 leans into playful tones like Greener Pastures and Dresden Blue.
In terms of durability, the G86 boasts an IP69 rating, offering better protection against dust and water than the G96’s IP68. While both are splash-resistant and built to withstand daily wear, the G86 edges ahead in ruggedness.
Display: Smoothness vs Sharpness
Both phones sport 6.67-inch OLED displays, but the differences lie in resolution and refresh rate. The G86 features a sharper 1220 × 2712 pixel resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling. The G96 counters with a slightly lower 2400 × 1080 resolution but ups the refresh rate to 144Hz, making it ideal for gamers and users who prioritize ultra-fluid animations.
Brightness levels also differ. The G86 peaks at an astonishing 4500 nits, making it one of the brightest displays in its segment. The G96 offers a respectable 1600 nits peak brightness, which is more than adequate for outdoor use but not quite as dazzling.
Performance: MediaTek vs Snapdragon
Under the hood, the G86 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, while the G96 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. Both are octa-core processors and deliver solid performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
The Dimensity 7300 in the G86 is slightly more efficient and optimized for battery life, while the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the G96 offers better GPU performance and AI capabilities. If you’re into mobile gaming or heavy multitasking, the G96 might feel snappier. However, for general use and media consumption, the G86 holds its own with ease.
RAM and Storage
Both models come with 8GB of RAM and offer virtual RAM expansion. The G86 supports up to 24GB of extended RAM, while the G96 allows up to 16GB. In terms of storage, the G86 offers a single 256GB variant, whereas the G96 comes in both 128GB and 256GB options.
Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD, so choosing the right variant upfront is important. Both use UFS 2.2 storage for fast read/write speeds, ensuring quick app launches and smooth file transfers.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setups on both phones are similar but with subtle differences. The G86 features a 50MP main sensor paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The G96 also sports a 50MP primary camera but uses Ultra Pixel technology for enhanced low-light performance and sharper details. It’s complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide lens with a slightly wider field of view.
Both phones include a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. Image quality is impressive across the board, with good dynamic range and color accuracy. The G96’s camera software includes more AI enhancements and optical image stabilization, giving it a slight edge in photography.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is a strong suit for both devices. The G86 packs a 5200mAh battery, while the G96 goes a step further with a 5500mAh unit. In real-world usage, both phones easily last a full day with moderate to heavy use.
Charging speeds are comparable, with the G86 supporting 30W fast charging and the G96 offering 33W. Both come with chargers in the box, and neither supports wireless charging. The G96’s slightly larger battery and faster charging give it a minor advantage in this category.
Software Experience
Both phones run Android 15 out of the box with Motorola’s Hello UI skin. The interface is clean, responsive, and close to stock Android, with minimal bloatware. Motorola promises one year of OS updates and three years of security patches for both devices.
Hello UI adds useful features like gesture controls, personalization options, and AI-driven suggestions. The G96 includes a few extra software enhancements thanks to its AI-enabled chipset, such as smarter battery optimization and improved voice recognition.
Connectivity and Extras
Connectivity is robust on both devices. They support dual SIM (Nano + eSIM on G86, dual Nano on G96), 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 (G86) and 5.4 (G96), and USB Type-C. The G96 also includes FM radio and NFC, which are missing on the G86.
Both phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors, face unlock, and a full suite of sensors including accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, and ambient light. Audio is delivered via stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, making media consumption enjoyable on either device.
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you prioritize display sharpness, build quality, and a brighter screen, the Motorola G86 is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for users who want a premium feel and reliable performance in a sleek package.
On the other hand, if gaming, camera enhancements, and battery life are more important to you, the Moto G96 offers better value. Its higher refresh rate, AI-enabled chipset, and larger battery make it a versatile all-rounder.
Both phones are excellent mid-range options, and your decision should come down to what matters most in your daily usage. Whether you lean toward the G86’s elegance or the G96’s power, Motorola has delivered two strong contenders that punch well above their price tags.
FAQ: Motorola G86 vs Moto G96
Q: Which phone has a better display?
The G86 has a sharper resolution and higher peak brightness, while the G96 offers a smoother 144Hz refresh rate.
Q: Which processor is more powerful?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the G96 offers better GPU and AI performance, while the Dimensity 7300 in the G86 is more power-efficient.
Q: Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both the G86 and G96 support 5G connectivity.
Q: Which phone has better battery life?
The G96 has a slightly larger 5500mAh battery and faster 33W charging, giving it a small edge.
Q: Is expandable storage available?
No, neither phone supports microSD card expansion.
Q: Which phone is better for photography?
The G96 offers Ultra Pixel technology and optical image stabilization, making it better for low-light and motion shots.
Q: Do both phones run Android 15?
Yes, both come with Android 15 and Motorola’s Hello UI.
Q: Which phone is lighter?
The Moto G96 is lighter at 178 grams compared to the G86’s 185 grams.
Q: Are both phones water-resistant?
Yes, the G86 has an IP69 rating and the G96 has IP68, offering solid protection against splashes and dust.
Q: Which phone offers better value for money?
The G96 is more affordable and offers strong performance, while the G86 delivers a more premium experience at a slightly higher price.
