The premium mid-range champion from Motorola sees a massive price correction, making it a killer deal for Indian buyers in February 2026.
The Indian smartphone market is buzzing this week, not just because of new launches, but because of a massive value shift in the mid-range segment. The Moto G96 5G, which made headlines upon its launch in mid-2025, has now dropped to its lowest effective price on Flipkart.
With a current price tag hovering around ₹17,999, this phone is arguably offering better features than many fresh 2026 entrants. For buyers looking for a premium display and waterproof build without spending flagship money, this might be the perfect time to buy.
What is the News?
Originally launched at a higher price point, the Moto G96 5G has seen a significant price stabilization in February 2026. While newer models like the Realme P4 and Redmi Note 15 series are hitting the market, the Moto G96 5G stands out because it brings “Flagship Killers” features—specifically its 144Hz Curved pOLED display and IP68 dust and water resistance—to the sub-₹20,000 category.
Market analysts suggest this aggressive pricing is Motorola’s strategy to clear stock before the next G-series refresh (expected later this year) and to compete with the Valentine’s Day sale offers from rivals.
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Key Features & Specifications Recap
If you missed the initial hype, here is why the Moto G96 5G is still a powerhouse in 2026:
- Display: 6.67-inch 3D Curved pOLED screen with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. It supports 10-bit color and has a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, making it excellent for outdoor use.
- Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. While not the newest chip in 2026, it is still more than capable of handling heavy multitasking and casual gaming (BGMI/CODM) with ease.
- Design & Build: It features a premium Vegan Leather finish back and, crucially, an IP68 rating. This means the phone can withstand being submerged in water—a rare feature in this price range.
- Cameras: A 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures blur-free low-light photos. It also has an 8MP ultrawide/macro lens and a high-res 32MP selfie camera.
- Battery & Charging: A 5,500mAh battery ensures over a day of use, supported by 33W TurboPower fast charging.
Why It Matters for Indian Users
In early 2026, the sub-₹20,000 segment is crowded with phones that often compromise on build quality (using plastic backs or dropping IP ratings) to offer slightly faster processors.
The Moto G96 5G reverses this trend. It offers a “look and feel” that matches phones costing ₹30,000. For Indian users who want a phone that looks stylish (thanks to Pantone Curated Colors like Ashleigh Blue and Cattleya Orchid) and survives Indian monsoons (IP68), this price drop makes it a superior choice over newer, plasticky budget phones.
Moto G96 5G vs. 2026 Rivals
| Feature | Moto G96 5G | Typical 2026 Budget Phone (₹18k range) |
| Display | 144Hz Curved pOLED | 120Hz Flat AMOLED |
| Water Proofing | IP68 (Submersible) | IP54 (Splash Proof only) |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony LYTIA + OIS | 50MP Standard AI Cam |
| UI/Software | Clean Hello UX (Android 15) | Bloatware-heavy custom skins |
What Happens Next?
With this price adjustment, stock on platforms like Flipkart and Motorola.in is expected to move fast, especially with the ongoing February sales. Rumors also suggest that Motorola is preparing the groundwork for the Moto G97 or G100 series later in 2026, which explains the push to sell the G96.
If you are planning to buy, check for additional bank offers (often ₹1,000–₹1,500 off with SBI or ICICI cards), which could bring the effective price down to ₹16,500, making it an absolute steal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Moto G96 5G worth buying in 2026?
Yes. Even in 2026, its 144Hz curved display and IP68 water resistance are features usually found in much more expensive phones. It offers great value for under ₹18,000.
2. Does the Moto G96 5G have a good camera?
Yes, it uses a Sony LYTIA 700C sensor with OIS. This allows it to take sharp, bright photos even in low light, which is better than many competitors in this price range.
3. Is the Moto G96 5G waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can handle being submerged in fresh water (up to 1.5 meters) for up to 30 minutes.
4. Does it support fast charging?
It comes with a 33W TurboPower charger in the box. While not the fastest in the market (some rivals offer 67W), the massive 5,500mAh battery ensures you don’t need to charge often.
5. What colors is the Moto G96 5G available in?
It is available in Pantone-curated colors: Ashleigh Blue, Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, and Dresden Blue, mostly with a vegan leather finish.
