5 Cheap Android Phone Alternatives to Moto G (2026)

Although Motorola makes quite the solid mid-range phone, there’s a handful of other devices to consider before committing to the Moto G (2026).

Collage of the 5 best cheap android alternatives to the Moto G (2026)

The Moto G series has been one of Motorola's most successful phones series, and has already been around for just over a decade. However, their latest version the Moto G (2026) features a massive battery, good all-round camera performance, a microSD card slot, and a nostalgic 3.5mm port. Sadly, that’s where the praise ends and the criticism includes poor performance, short update commitment, and lacking durability.

These cons would make anyone think about what other budget phone they can buy instead of Motorola’s Moto G offering. The truth is there isn’t a short supply of cheap Android phones, in fact, the options are quite overwhelming!

That’s why we’ve picked out these five best alternatives to the Moto G 2026 version.

1. CMF Phone 2 Pro

Carl Pei’s Nothing brand launched CMF Phone 2 Pro a bit over a year ago and at $279, it’s a no-doubt contender for the best cheap Android phone. It’s a more than decent offering, and a top option to consider if you’re based outside of the US.

At the time it launched, the CMF Phone 2 caught attention for its uniquely modular design, allowing users to unscrew the back and attach an optional accessory (wallet or kickstand). There’s even a little dial at the top of the back panel, enabling the attachment of a lanyard.

Talking about specs that differentiate it from other Android phones under $300, the CMF Phone 2 comes with a 2x 50MP telephoto camera setup. Note that in the US, no mobile phone in this price point comes with a telephoto camera.

Other talking points about this device include a spacious 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen, a par Dimensity 7300 chip, and a standard 5,000mAh battery including 33W charging. Of course, the phone runs on Nothing OS, which includes an okayish 3 year OS update and six years of security updates.

Coming to the not so great parts of the phone, the CMF Phone 2 can only be purchased through a not so accessible Bet Program in the USA. Another worry is that the phone doesn’t support all major network bands, meaning performance won't be uniform among the three leading carriers.

Lastly, all accessories aren't quite available in the US just yet! Although a great competitor to the likes of the Moto G (2026), it's a bit hard to recommend the CMF Phone 2 in North America due to availability issues.

2. Samsung Galaxy A17 5G

Not the best alternative you can get for your money, because it does have it's share of cons. Poor performance, slower charging, and outdated camera hardware, will make you wonder why we're suggesting it.

The pros such as long software support, durability, and top tier screen hardware make the Galaxy A17 5G a device worth considering. The appealing specs include a whopping six years of OS updates, Gorilla Glass Victus, and Samsung's trademark OLED screen tech.

You can pick the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G for less that $200, an appealing number seeing as the Moto G (2026) got a price hike from $200 to $300.

The Galaxy A17 isn't a clear winner, it matches the Moto G in several areas, such as MicroSD slot and 5,000mAh battery. The device is far from perfect as it attempts to pack a host of cheap features into a device with hints of premium design.

We’d agree that it does provide a well-rounded package for those who don’t need anything excessive or premium. Given Samsung’s reach, the device will be available globally, including the USA.

3. Motorola G Power (2026)

In case you are already familiar with the Motorola environment, you could stick to it and get the Motorola G Power (2026) instead. This cheap Motorola phone is actually $400 but comes equipped with appreciated extras over the Moto G (2026).

The extra $100 gives you updated Gorilla Glass protection, IP69 water and dust ratings, a better display resolution, an Ultra-wide camera, and more RAM.

The dual-cameras are adequate for day to day life and the addition of Pantone colours is a plus for people who like colourful devices. There’s also a headphone jack and expandable storage, a great feature for anyone who needs extra space and more.

Of course, the Moto G Power (2026) isn’t without fault either, as the poor software commitments and lacking processor are quite disappointing. Motorola even cut corners by removing the wireless charging support which was present in the previous device.

But, for people who just need a decent cheap Android phone, the Moto G Power (2026) is a prospect.

4. TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G

TCL may not be one of the most popular or accessible mobile brands, but this small smartphone player is offering quite some value for money options. The TCL 60 XE features a NXTPAPER display, which is a TCL-made matte screen aimed at reducing reflections and glare.

A dedicated NXTPAPER button is present to give users that trademark E-ink experience.

Regarding the specs, you get 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB expandable storage, a 5,010mAh battery, and a 50MP + 5MP + 2MP triple camera array.

There are a few shortfalls though! The Dimensity 6100 Plus chip manages to perform worse than the Moto G 2026’s Dimensity 6300 chipset. Another really weak spec is the 18W wired charging that is sloth-paced for this day and age.

Despite the downsides, at a price of $200, the TCL 60 XE does look like a bit of a deal when compared to this year’s Moto G device.

5. Google Pixel 9a

If you’re able to save up and add another $200 to your budget you can pick up the Google Pixel 9a (potentially the Pixel 10a as well).

Google’s phones are feature-packed and the 9a comes with a rich 6.3-inch OLED display, a massive upgrade over most cheap Android phones. This display comes with an embedded in-display fingerprint sensor and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

The design is, well, Google’s familiar design which is still premium-looking with slight element upgrades over the previous model.

Pixel devices have a natural stronghold in the photography department, taking exceptional photos with the 48MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide lens. The same G4 Tensor chip from the Pixel flagships powers the Pixel 9a.

The 5,100mAh battery can offer over 15 hours on a single full charge! Another plus point is you get access to Google’s AI features, security and Android updates, Pixel features until mid 2032.

Seems to us like a bargain deal if you can fork out $500 in one go!

Final Verdict

The Moto G (2026) may be one of the cheapest Android phones at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best! For around the same price, you can find alternatives such as Nothing CMF Phone 2, Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, TCL 60 XE, the Motorola G Power (2026) ($400), and the Google Pixel 9a (or Pixel 10a), if you can increase your budget to $450 or $500.