The Motorola Moto G86 5G has officially landed in the news this Republic Day weekend, sparking huge interest among budget smartphone buyers. Following the massive success of the Moto G85, Motorola has refreshed its mid-range lineup with a device that promises “flagship features” at an affordable price.
With a confirmed launch buzz in late January 2026, the phone is trending for its premium design, robust durability, and a clean software experience. Is this the best phone under ₹20,000 right now?
Here is a complete breakdown of the Moto G86 5G—its price in India, full specifications, and how it compares to the competition.
Why Is the Moto G86 5G Trending?
The Moto G-series has always been about value, but the G86 takes it a step further. It is trending for three key reasons:
- Premium Display: It brings a curved pOLED display to a budget price point.
- Durability: It boasts an IP69 rating, making it one of the few phones in this segment that can withstand high-pressure water and dust.
- Clean Software: It launches with Android 15 out of the box, offering a bloatware-free experience unlike its Chinese competitors.
Key Specifications: What Do You Get?
1. Display & Design
The phone features a stunning 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Brightness: It supports peak brightness up to 2,000 nits, ensuring great visibility even under direct sunlight.
- Build: The back panel comes in a premium Vegan Leather finish, available in Pantone-curated colors like Cosmic Sky and Olive Green. It feels light (approx 174g) and comfortable to hold.
2. Performance & Software
Under the hood, the Moto G86 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset (an upgrade from the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 in the G85).
- Gaming: It handles games like BGMI and COD Mobile on “Smooth + Extreme” settings decently but is primarily designed for multitasking and daily use.
- OS: It runs on the latest Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI. You get assured 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.
3. Camera System
- Main Camera: A 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This is a big deal for low-light photography, reducing blur in night shots.
- Ultra-Wide: An 8MP Ultra-wide lens that also doubles as a Macro camera.
- Selfie: A 32MP front camera capable of recording 4K videos, making it excellent for vloggers and social media creators.
4. Battery & Charging
It packs a standard 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day. The charging speed remains at 33W TurboPower, which is decent but slower than the 67W or 100W charging offered by competitors like Realme and Xiaomi.
Read more: OnePlus Ultra-Slim 5G
Price in India & Availability
As of January 2026, the expected pricing structure is aggressive:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Approx ₹16,999
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Approx ₹18,999
Sale Offer: Early buyers can expect bank offers giving an instant discount of ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 on Flipkart.
Verdict: Should You Upgrade from Moto G85?
- Upgrade IF: You need better water resistance (IP69), the latest Android 15 software, and a slightly faster MediaTek processor.
- Skip IF: You already own a Moto G85 or G84. The differences are incremental, and you won’t notice a massive jump in daily performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the price of Moto G86 5G in India?
The Moto G86 5G is expected to start at ₹16,999 for the base variant. With bank offers, the effective price could drop to around ₹15,499 during the launch sale.
Q2: Does Moto G86 5G have a curved display?
Yes, it features a 3D Curved pOLED display, giving it a premium bezel-less look similar to the Motorola Edge series.
Q3: Is the Moto G86 5G waterproof?
Yes, it comes with an IP68/IP69 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and can survive submersion in water. This is a rare feature in the under-₹20k segment.
Q4: Which processor does the Moto G86 5G use?
It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) processor, which offers a good balance of battery efficiency and performance.
Q5: Does it come with a charger in the box?
Yes, Motorola continues to include the 33W TurboPower charger and a USB-C cable inside the box.
