If you haven’t noticed, Motorola is back, and in a big way! After years of toiling to deliver low-end and midrange phones, the brand made a triumphant return to the flagship space in 2023 with some truly compelling offers that rank among the best Android phones out there at any price.

Whether you’re after a more affordable alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S23+, a budget device that feels more premium than its price tag insinuates, or a clamshell phone that brings an element of nostalgic fun back to the world of mobile devices, Motorola has something here for you.

Moto Edge+ (2023)

Best overall

The premier flagship

$700 $800 Save
$100

The Moto Edge+ is Motorola’s (non-folding) 2023 flagship model, and it absolutely crushes it. Combining high-end specs like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a bright, sharp display in a thin-and-light chassis is a real winner, and even the cameras are up to par with some of Moto’s various Android rivals. Just make sure to buy a case, as the sleek build can be a little slippery.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• High-end specs at an affordable price
• Fast-charging with included 68W brick

Cons

• Curved screens feel a little dated
• Cameras are capable, but fall short compared to rivals

The latest Moto Edge+ is a great selection if you’re looking for a highly capable phone that’s reliable, regardless of what you might throw at it. This year’s model fixes nearly every weak point seen in previous generations, and it all starts with the price tag. At $800, it’s an expensive phone, but it manages to match — and even outperform, in some categories — similar devices from Samsung and Google. It’s important to note as well that this is before taking into consideration any sale offerings that may be available.

The spec sheet is almost peerless at this price point. At the heart of the Moto Edge+ is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, one of the best SoCs you’ll find in a phone today. Paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of ultra-fast UFS 4.0 storage, and a massive 5,100mAh battery, this is a hugely capable device underpinned by plenty of power across the board. With that said, it’s not a perfect smartphone. While some might take umbrage with the 1080p 6.7″ display, we think it looks pretty good in action — especially since most modern Android flagships arrive running in FHD mode anyway.

Even the camera is a step above what you’re likely to expect in a Motorola device. Even so, it doesn’t compete against similar model builds from Samsung or Google. Still, if you’re looking for a competent alternative to the big names in the Android game, the Edge+ is certainly the phone to consider.

Source: Motorola

Moto Razr+ (2023)

Premium pick

A pristine flip phone for the future

$900 $1000 Save
$100

Move over, Samsung — Motorola is coming for the throne. The newest Motorola Razr+ brings a massive 3.6″ outer panel to bear. It allows you to manage tasks and apps directly from the front face without even opening the full 6.9″ interior screen. When you do, you’re met with a familiar Android experience, complete with a speedy processor and solid battery life.

Pros

• The 3.6″ outer screen is a game changer
• Decent battery life for a clamshell phone
• It’s just so dang fun

Cons

• Camera quality isn’t anything special
• Not everything works great on the outer screen
• Some software limitations with the exterior panel

A new leader sits atop the pack when it comes to clamshell smartphone design. The newest foldable from Motorola is the first to launch in North America in nearly three years and represents a complete reinvention of the style. The Motorola Razr+ sheds the old-school appearance of its predecessors, instead bringing something that feels in line with the ever-popular Galaxy Z Flip 4. Thanks to an inventive front display, it’s the best use case for a clamshell we’ve seen yet.

The 3.6″ 1:1 screen that graces the front of the phone feels like a definite return to the truly portable devices of the past. The front screen allows you to accomplish nearly any task imaginable without flipping it open. Once you reveal the ultra-tall 6.9″ panel inside, you’re left holding something that feels very similar to the exciting and potent Moto Edge+. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is only a small step behind its successor in terms of performance, and thanks to the small display, achieving a legitimate all-day battery life is certainly on the table, even as it hasn’t always been a guarantee with this style of phone.

Unsurprisingly, the camera is where the wholly impressive Razr+ falls short. While Motorola’s processing power has never stood up to the output of the market’s best builders, this phone also suffers from the same spatial constraints that plague all foldables. You can only squeeze so much equipment under the hood with a chassis this small, and the result is a sensor array that’s somewhat lacking and showcases the hard truth that hardware matters as much as post-processing. Camera aside, this is an excellent smartphone — and my favorite foldable to date.

Source: Motorola

Motorola ThinkPhone

Best for business

A crossover device for productivity

In a crossover for the ages, the ThinkPhone is the brainchild of a collaboration between Motorola and its parent company, Lenovo. The ThinkPhone was designed to pair seamlessly with the ThinkPad platform, but even if you aren’t a dedicated fan of Lenovo’s business notebooks, the $700 price point could win you over.

Pros

• Solid design and great display with flat edges
• Shortcut key adds customization options
• Excellent battery life and fast charging speeds

Cons

• Carbon fiber finish isn’t for everyone
• Mediocre camera quality
• Motorola store exclusive means you’re less likely to see discounts

If the Moto Edge+ isn’t for you, or perhaps you’re just on the hunt for something a little more affordable, you might want to consider checking out the Motorola ThinkPhone. For this business-focused smartphone, Motorola took inspiration from the beloved Think brand that’s been a staple of its parent company, Lenovo, for many years. From here, the smartphone maker built something that feels right at home alongside a Lenovo laptop. Moreover, it’s a high-quality smartphone in its own right. The result of this marriage of ideas is a surprisingly solid yet budget-friendly flagship device. It sports similar specs as the Razr+ but rings up at checkout for several hundred dollars less.

The carbon fiber build is sure to be divisive among users of all backgrounds. But if you’re someone who misses the days of early 2010s smartphone aesthetics, you’ll find something to love here. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains an excellent SoC, even a year later, providing an excellent mix of performance and battery life. In all honesty, this thing is a true warrior when it comes to reliability. The ThinkPhone is capable of marching on for hours and hours before finally requiring a charge. The bundled 68W power adapter brings the phone back to life faster than anything you’ll find from either Samsung or Google.

Motorola’s cameras are a recurring problem area throughout the entire lineup of its smartphones, and the ThinkPhone is no exception in this regard. Even when compared to the underwhelming experience provided by the Razr+, this business-first smartphone just can’t keep up. Still, the rest of the package is so impressive that it’s tough to argue with, especially if you’re a ThinkPad fan.

Motorola Moto Edge (2022)

Best value

Look for it on sale

$250 $550 Save
$300

The Moto Edge (2022) isn’t nearly as impressive as 2023’s Moto Edge+, but if you can find it on sale, it’s a solid option for all types of users. It’s one of the lightest phones we’ve handled in years, and the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 packs respectable power while offering an efficient experience in hand. The camera quality could be better, but for as low as $250 on sale, it’s hard to complain too much!

Pros

• Ultra-light design makes it easy to ignore in your pocket
• Big, fast display
• Constantly on sale for hundreds off MSRP

Cons

• No real IP-rating for water resistance
• Poor software support
• Say it with me… mediocre cameras

Motorola has been turning heads with its massively impressive 2023 lineup, but the company’s devices from last year might be worth a look as well. The 2022 edition of the Moto Edge — no “Plus” designation to be found — sports upper mid-range specs with a matching price. The end result is a solid (if somewhat boring) device that can be found for hundreds of dollars less than its MSRP if you’re able to capitalize on a sale.

One of the best things about this phone is its diminutive weight. While it’s certainly as large (dimensionally) as most phones you’ll find on the market today, it weighs in at a fraction of what you’ll see from Samsung or Apple flagships. That lightness makes a real difference while sitting in your pocket throughout the day. The 6.6″ FHD OLED display is good enough, and the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 is capable of powering the vast majority of modern experiences.

But really, with Motorola’s 2023 lineup shining so much brighter, you should only aim to buy this phone if you find it on sale. The $600 MSRP is pretty expensive, but if you keep a watchful eye out, you can spot this phone for as cheap as $250. That’s a pretty incredible deal for a great smartphone that still performs incredibly well. So long as you don’t need a killer camera, it could even make it a better buy than the Google Pixel 6a.

Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

Best with a stylus

A versatile Motorola

$270 $400 Save
$130

The Moto G Stylus 5G is Motorola’s powerful stylus-equipped smartphone for 2023, and it’s well worth your attention if the S23 Ultra is out of your budget. At $400, performance is just good enough for us to recommend the phone as a truly solid alternative. And with sales already rolling out post-launch for as much as $100 off, waiting for a deal could make this the G-series entry to beat in 2023.

Pros

• A cheap 5G entry with a stylus
• Big 120Hz display
• Long-lasting battery life

Cons

• Don’t expect 120Hz while gaming
• MSRP is a little expensive compared to the competition
• Camera can’t compete with Google or Samsung’s budget devices

Motorola has released two Moto G Stylus devices in 2023, but only one can tout itself as 5G-ready. That’s the Moto G Stylus 5G, a competent, mid-range smartphone that gets all the basics right. It’s a solid performer all around while delivering a workable stylus accessory for $800 less than Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra. And while the 6.6″ FHD+ screen here might not measure up to the beastly panel on Samsung’s largest screens, it’s more than large enough for jotting down notes.

Comparing the two phones might seem ridiculous, but if you care about a stylus with your phone and you’re looking to save a solid sum of cash with your newest addition, it’s tough to compete with the Moto G Stylus 5G. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC powering it is just powerful enough to handle everyday tasks along with some light gaming, though you’ll be unlikely to make the most of the 120Hz display that ships with the device (talk about overkill).

Unsurprisingly, the cameras here remain pretty lackluster. As well, the $400 MSRP feels a little steep when considering the overall package strictly on its own merits. But this is a budget Motorola phone, which means you’ll frequently find it discounted, even just a couple of months after launch. We’ve already seen the device drop to $300, a much easier price to justify if you’re looking for a quality smartphone without the biting price tag.

Moto G Power (2023)

Cheapest pick

Quality tool for a great price

$250 $300 Save
$50

The Moto G Power won’t compare to the best of Motorola’s flagship smartphones, but if you’re seeking a low-cost tool as a top priority, this one’s a great option. With a massive battery and a power-sipping SoC, this phone can last days at a time on a single charge. Just keep your expectations realistic on the included 120Hz display.

Pros

• Best cheap Motorola phone
• Big battery
• Adequate performance

Cons

• Slow charging speeds for such a large battery
• Camera is as disappointing as you’d expect
• Few software upgrades

The Moto G Power 5G is one of Motorola’s cheapest 5G smartphones on offer. This certainly helps justify its place on this list. While some of Motorola’s smartphones — including the 2022 Moto Edge and the Moto G Stylus 5G — have fallen down to price points similar to the G Power 5G (roughly the $300 mark), it helps to see a phone that’s a constant in the affordability category included here. The Moto G Power is also a great option for anyone looking for a device with long-lasting battery life, though the slow charging speeds may turn off some buyers.

As with most of Motorola’s budget phones, you’ll find many of the same shortcomings here. Upgrades remain a big problem for the company’s G-series devices, missing the newly improved policies implemented on those 2023 flagships. And, of course, the camera here is functional at best; don’t expect much out of these sensors once the sun sets. The G Power is a solid option for $300, only diminished by devices like the Pixel 6a. If you’re looking for a cheap Android phone, you could do a lot worse.

A Motorola phone for every budget

One of the best things about the Motorola brand is the flexibility of its lineup. There truly is a device for every price point and individual buyer’s needs found within the company’s catalog. However, you’ll want to ensure you understand the shortcomings if you’re considering its cheaper options. The world of budget Motorola phones is vast, with new models often hitting the market every couple of months. The company isn’t always great about supporting these devices, which makes its flagship phones a little more appealing.

The ThinkPhone, Moto Edge+, and Razr+ all fall under its latest upgrade policy and offer surprisingly excellent value compared to the competition. Whether you’re after a standard slab, a compact foldable, or a business-focused handset, there’s something for everyone in Moto’s 2023 lineup.