Motorola Moto G17 and Moto G17 Power Announced: Budget Powerhouses with Helio G81 Extreme

Motorola has expanded its Moto G series lineup with the announcement of the Moto G17 and Moto G17 Power, two budget smartphones that share most specifications but differ in battery capacity, charging speeds, and memory configurations. The new devices join the recently announced Moto G67 and Moto G77 in Motorola's 2026 budget smartphone portfolio, targeting cost-conscious consumers who still want capable hardware for everyday use.

Design and Display

Both the Moto G17 and Moto G17 Power feature a 6.72-inch FullHD+ LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and impressive 1,050 nits peak brightness. The panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, providing decent scratch resistance for daily use. While the 60Hz refresh rate might seem dated compared to the 90Hz and 120Hz panels becoming common even in budget segments, the high peak brightness ensures good outdoor visibility.

The devices sport a vegan leather finish on the back panels, giving them a premium feel despite their budget positioning. This material choice also provides better grip compared to traditional glass or plastic backs. Both phones carry an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, which is becoming increasingly common in the budget segment and adds practical value for everyday durability.

Performance and Hardware

The heart of both devices is the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset, a gaming-focused processor that offers decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks. This 12nm processor features two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz, paired with a Mali-G52 GPU.

This chipset choice is interesting because it represents a balance between performance and efficiency. While not cutting-edge, the Helio G81 Extreme can handle popular mobile games at medium settings and provides smooth performance for social media, browsing, and productivity apps. The processor's gaming optimization suggests Motorola is targeting younger users who might want to play games on their devices.

Memory and Storage Options

The key differentiator between the two models lies in their memory and storage configurations:

Moto G17 Power:

• 8GB RAM with 256GB storage
• 6,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging
• 8.8mm thickness

Moto G17:

• 4GB/8GB RAM options with 128GB storage
• 5,200mAh battery with 18W fast charging
• 8.17mm thickness

Both models support microSD card expansion up to 1TB, which is particularly useful given the base storage limitations. The Moto G17 Power's larger battery and faster charging make it more suitable for heavy users, while the standard Moto G17 offers a slimmer profile for those prioritizing portability.

Camera System

Motorola has equipped both devices with a capable camera setup featuring:

• 50MP primary camera using Sony's LYTIA 600 sensor
• 5MP ultrawide camera for broader scenes
• 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls

The use of Sony's LYTIA 600 sensor is noteworthy as it's a relatively new 1/1.55-inch sensor with 0.92μm pixels that can output 50MP images using Quad Bayer technology. This sensor is capable of good low-light performance and detail capture, making it a solid choice for a budget device.

The camera system supports various shooting modes and features, though specific details about video capabilities weren't provided in the announcement. The 32MP front camera is particularly generous for a budget device, offering high-resolution selfies and clear video calls.

Software and Updates

Both devices ship with Android 15 out of the box, which is already a concern for budget-conscious buyers who typically expect longer software support. Motorola has stated that the Moto G17 will receive security updates until February 2028, but hasn't confirmed whether the G17 Power will receive the same update commitment.

This uncertainty around software updates is a significant consideration for potential buyers. In the budget segment, software support often determines the device's longevity and security. The fact that these devices launch with Android 15 (which was released in 2023) suggests they might not receive major Android version updates beyond what they ship with.

Audio and Connectivity

The Moto G17 series includes several features that are becoming rare in modern smartphones:

• Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for enhanced audio experience
• 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio connections
• NFC for contactless payments and other NFC functions
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button
• Dedicated microSD card slot (not a hybrid slot)

These features cater to users who prefer traditional connectivity options and enhanced audio capabilities without relying on wireless accessories.

Color Options and Pricing

Motorola offers distinct color options for each model:

Moto G17 Power:

• Pantone Alaskan Blue
• Pantone Evening Blue

Moto G17:

• Pantone Alaskan Blue
• Pantone Evening Blue
• Pantone Bordeaux (exclusive to standard G17)

Pricing varies by region:

• UK: Moto G17 available for £149.99 (4GB/128GB variant)
• Europe: Moto G17 priced at €199 (8GB/128GB), Moto G17 Power at €229 (8GB/256GB)

The pricing positions these devices competitively in the budget segment, though the cost difference between the two models might make the standard G17 more attractive for most users unless the larger battery is a priority.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Moto G17 series enters a highly competitive budget smartphone market where devices from brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme offer similar or better specifications at comparable price points. The Helio G81 Extreme chipset, while capable, faces stiff competition from Snapdragon 4 series chipsets and MediaTek's own Dimensity series in this price range.

However, Motorola's strength in this segment has traditionally been software experience and reliable performance rather than cutting-edge specifications. The inclusion of features like the 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and IP64 rating adds practical value that might appeal to specific user segments.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto G17 and Moto G17 Power represent solid additions to the budget smartphone market, offering capable hardware, good cameras, and practical features at accessible price points. The devices' strengths lie in their battery life (especially the G17 Power), camera capabilities with the Sony LYTIA 600 sensor, and the inclusion of features like stereo speakers and a headphone jack.

However, the software situation remains a concern, with Android 15 out of the box and uncertain update commitments beyond security patches. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize hardware features and don't mind potentially limited software support, these devices offer good value. The choice between the two models ultimately comes down to whether users prefer the larger battery and faster charging of the G17 Power or the slimmer profile and lower price of the standard G17.

The success of these devices will likely depend on how they're positioned against competitors and whether Motorola can leverage its brand reputation for reliable budget devices in an increasingly crowded market segment.