In-Depth Review — Moto G Power (previous generation)

Motorola Moto G Power (previous generation) Review

Day-plus battery, wireless charging and NFC make it a sensible budget pick; watch for middling performance and a rear finish that shows smudges.

Updated March 2026 Reviewed by Marcus Webb

★ Independent research across performance, build quality, value, and compatibility 📊 Community & published benchmarks aggregated and scored 🔍 No paid rankings — ever 📅 Last updated March 2026

The Motorola Moto G Power (previous generation) exists squarely in the budget segment, carrying over Motorola’s focus on endurance and practical features. Tested hardware and published reviews identify a 6.7-inch 2400×1080 display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 930 chipset, 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and a 50MP primary camera. The phone adds NFC and wireless charging support while retaining a headphone jack and microSD slot.

This review synthesizes testing data and coverage from PCMag (Moto G Power 5G 2024 review), UL Benchmarks (device benchmark medians including a 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme score of 2511), Wired’s review notes on performance and update promises, and PhoneArena’s reporting on the follow-up 2026 model for context. I use those published measurements and observations as the basis for the conclusions below.

High level: the phone’s strongest attributes are battery life and practical feature set—wireless charging, NFC, IP68 rating and expandable storage—while weaknesses include a performance profile that reviewers flagged as weaker than some predecessors, a rear finish that attracts smudges, and a screen peak brightness (about 500 nits) that trails some rivals. It’s a competent budget handset if you prioritize endurance and everyday features over raw speed or top-tier brightness.

Performance is competent but not class-leading

The Moto G Power runs a MediaTek Dimensity 930 and, in the configuration referenced by public benchmarks, ships with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. UL Benchmarks report a median 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme score of 2511 (physics 3113, graphics 2382) with graphics test frame rates around 14 FPS and 8 FPS on the two graphics tests, indicating modest gaming and GPU performance.

Wired’s coverage notes a performance dip versus at least one predecessor, and PCMag’s testing emphasized that the 2024 model improved processor speed versus older models but still competes in a crowded midrange segment. In short, day-to-day tasks and media playback are fine; sustained heavy gaming or intensive multitasking will expose the SoC’s limits.

Battery life is a standout — it routinely lasts a day or more

Multiple sources highlight strong endurance: PCMag observed that the Moto G Power lasts longer than many phones in its price range, and Wired describes 'day-long battery life, if not more.' The family name ‘G Power’ reflects Motorola’s focus here, and real-world testing aligns with that claim.

The phone also supports wireless charging, a relatively uncommon convenience on budget models and called out positively in reviews. If battery longevity and the option for wireless top-ups are primary needs, this handset delivers.

Big, vivid display but limited peak brightness and a smudge-prone rear

The display is a 6.7-inch panel at 2400×1080 with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. PCMag noted vibrant colors and usable outdoor visibility, but measured peak brightness around 500 nits, which is lower than some rivals (OnePlus Nord N30 reaches roughly 680 nits). Thin bezels and an in-screen hole punch for the selfie camera give it a modern front profile.

Motorola uses a vegan leather rear on some colorways rather than plain plastic; PCMag warned the back 'doesn't stay clean,' and reviewers observed visible smudging. The phone’s dimensions (roughly 6.58 × 3.01 × 0.33 inches) and weight (about 7.09 ounces) make it slightly larger and heavier than last year’s model.

Decent 50MP main camera for the class, but not a leader

The device is listed with a 50MP main sensor. PCMag’s comparative testing found that the OnePlus Nord N30 5G captures better photos, but Motorola’s camera is serviceable for everyday shooting and video in good light.

Reviews characterize the camera as 'decent' without elevating it to a category-best; expect usable daylight shots and more limited low-light performance compared with higher-tier phones.

Clean-ish Android experience but limited guaranteed OS support

The phone ships with Android 13 in the referenced reviews and includes NFC and a traditional headphone jack plus a microSD slot — features reviewers noted as beneficial. Wired flagged the presence of bloatware on the 2025 refresh, so expect some preinstalled apps depending on carrier or retail channel.

Wired also reported Motorola’s update promise for the series as two years of OS updates and three years of security updates, which is modest compared with some competitors offering longer OS support windows.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Long battery life — reviewers report 'day-long battery life, if not more' and PCMag found it lasts longer than many phones in its class
  • ✅ Supports wireless charging (uncommon on many budget phones)
  • ✅ Includes NFC, headphone jack and microSD slot (practical connectivity and expandability)
  • ✅ 6.7-inch 2400×1080 display with adaptive 120Hz refresh for smoother scrolling and media
  • ✅ 50MP main camera that produces serviceable daylight photos
  • ❌ Performance is modest for heavy use — UL 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme median of 2511 indicates limited GPU performance
  • ❌ Peak screen brightness around 500 nits, lower than some rivals (OnePlus Nord N30 ~680 nits)
  • ❌ Rear vegan leather finish 'doesn't stay clean' and shows smudges, per PCMag
  • ❌ Wired flagged increased bloatware on a subsequent refresh and only two years of OS updates / three years of security updates

How It Compares to the Competition

  • OnePlus Nord N30 5G — Takes better photos according to PCMag and offers higher peak brightness, but the Moto G Power has stronger battery claims and wireless charging support.
  • Motorola Moto G Power (2026) — The 2026 refresh brings slight improvements to battery and camera (PhoneArena) — consider it if you want marginally newer optics and tweaks over the previous generation.
  • OnePlus Nord N30 — Another midrange rival referenced alongside the Nord N30 5G; the Nord line prioritizes display brightness and camera output where the Moto favors battery endurance.

Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It

Buy it if: Buy this if you need a budget Android phone with very good day-plus battery life, wireless charging, NFC, expandable storage and a large 6.7-inch 120Hz display. It's a practical pick for users who value endurance and everyday features over top-tier gaming performance or peak screen brightness.

Skip it if: Skip this if you prioritize peak daytime screen brightness, the fastest possible chipset for gaming, or guaranteed long-term OS support beyond two years. Photographers who need best-in-class cameras should look at rivals noted for superior imaging.

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