Motorola Moto G (2025): A Budget Phone That Outlasts Flagships

When it comes to smartphones, battery life is often the deciding factor. Regardless of the design, brand, or features, if the battery doesn’t last, the device doesn’t live up to expectations. While flagship phones often lead the charge in battery longevity, it’s even more remarkable when a budget device outperforms its pricier counterparts. Enter the Motorola Moto G (2025), a phone that delivers impressive endurance without breaking the bank. Released earlier this year, this affordable device has received little attention-probably because it doesn’t come with any groundbreaking features.

But one thing it does have is phenomenal battery life, making it a serious contender for those prioritizing power over bells and whistles.

Despite being a budget phone, the Moto G (2025) features a 5,000mAh battery and a Dimensity 6300 chipset, which together manage to outlast some high-end flagship devices. In fact, the Moto G (2025) manages to beat out the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which also has a 5,000mAh battery. In our battery tests, this unassuming device came out with some of the best numbers we’ve seen. In the browsing test, it lasted a staggering 22 hours and 3 minutes, ranking third in our 2025 battery list-only falling behind the Motorola Razr Ultra foldable and the Oppo Find X8 Ultra.

For video playback, the Moto G achieved a respectable 10 hours and 3 minutes, which is competitive within the $200 range, though it didn’t top the leaderboard. In our custom 3D gaming test, it lasted an impressive 11 hours and 42 minutes. This places it in the same ballpark as higher-priced models like the CMF Phone 2 Pro and the Pixel 9a, proving that it punches well above its price. With a total battery estimate of 8 hours and 15 minutes of active usage, it outperforms many other 2025 flagships.

All of this comes at an incredibly affordable price of just $199, making the Moto G (2025) an outstanding option for anyone who values battery life over top-tier specs. However, as expected with a budget device, other aspects of the phone fall short. The screen is subpar, performance is underwhelming, and the camera won’t win any awards. Motorola’s software update policy is also something to be desired, with just two major Android updates promised. But if you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting phone and aren’t bothered by flashy features, the Moto G (2025) is a solid choice for the price.