The Moto G86 offers a gorgeous 120Hz OLED display and a stylish design under ₹18,000, but does it fall short on performance? Here’s a full breakdown of its specs, pros, and cons.
Motorola is stepping back into the spotlight with its latest offering, the Moto G86. Priced under ₹18,000, this smartphone is trying to strike a perfect balance between elegance, performance, and affordability. But while it dazzles in some areas, it also leaves room for improvement in others. In this article, we take a closer look at the Moto G86, examining everything from its display to performance, to help you decide whether it truly delivers value or just looks good doing it.
A Display That Seduces the Eyes
One of the most captivating features of the Moto G86 is its 6.5-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a visual treat, producing punchy colors, deep blacks, and ultra-smooth animations. Whether you’re scrolling social media, watching your favorite show, or gaming, the screen experience feels luxurious — a rarity in this price segment. It’s hard not to get drawn in by the rich visuals and vibrant contrast.
Elegant Yet Comfortable Design
The Moto G86 makes an impression with its slim, lightweight frame and satin matte finish. It’s available in soft pastel shades that offer a premium feel without looking flashy. The curved edges and textured back make it easy to grip, even during long usage sessions. It’s not just about style — it’s about how the design feels in your hand. That emotional connection with a device is where the Moto G86 wins.
Processor Performance: The Hidden Flaw
Under the hood, things get a little less exciting. The Moto G86 runs on the Snapdragon 680 chipset, which, while efficient for daily tasks like calling, texting, and light apps, struggles under the pressure of multitasking or heavy gaming. Apps take a second longer to open, and some graphics-intensive games might show stutters. For users looking for serious speed, this could be a deal-breaker. That said, casual users will still find the phone reliable for everyday needs.
A Battery That Outlasts Your Day
If there’s one area where Motorola rarely fails, it’s battery life. The Moto G86 packs a 5000mAh battery that easily lasts more than a day on moderate use. Streaming, browsing, and even GPS navigation won’t drain it too quickly. With 33W fast charging, getting back to full power doesn’t take long either. It’s perfect for people who hate being tethered to a wall charger.
Cameras That Surprise in Good Light
The phone features a 50MP main sensor paired with a 2MP depth sensor. In daylight, the photos are crisp, with good detail and vibrant tones. The camera handles shadows and highlights well, especially in outdoor conditions. However, low-light photography is a weakness. There’s noticeable noise and loss of detail, especially when zooming in. The 16MP front camera, on the other hand, performs surprisingly well for selfies and video calls.
Clean Software That’s a Breath of Fresh Air
Motorola sticks to its almost-stock Android 14 interface, which is free of bloatware and feels intuitive. There are useful Moto gestures like chop for flashlight or twist for camera, making everyday use more enjoyable. It’s refreshing in a world dominated by heavily skinned UIs.
Final Thoughts: Beauty with Some Brains, But Not a Powerhouse
The Moto G86 is an emotional tug — it seduces you with its stunning OLED display, premium design, and battery endurance, but holds back with its processor. It’s the kind of phone that feels luxurious to hold and see, but might not satisfy power users or gamers.
If you’re someone who values screen quality, clean software, and reliable battery life, and you’re not too concerned with top-tier speed, the Moto G86 is worth considering. For under ₹18,000, it’s a solid package that looks far more expensive than it is.