Motorola Moto G86 Power Review: Built for Battery Life Above All Else
In an era where smartphone brands are racing to deliver sharper displays, AI-driven cameras, console-grade gaming performance, and increasingly complex software features, it is easy to forget that a large section of buyers still wants something far more basic. In price-conscious markets like India, many users continue to value reliability and endurance over cutting-edge innovation. For them, a phone that can comfortably last a full day—or more—on a single charge is far more important than synthetic benchmark scores or camera tricks they may never use.
This is the mindset Motorola appears to be targeting with the Moto G86 Power. Rather than trying to compete head-on with feature-packed rivals in the crowded ₹15,000–₹20,000 segment, Motorola has taken a more focused approach. The Moto G86 Power is designed around one central promise: exceptional battery life. Everything else, from performance to camera capabilities, is built around that core objective.
Priced at ₹17,999, the Moto G86 Power is positioned as a practical, no-nonsense smartphone aimed at commuters, working professionals, elderly users, and anyone tired of carrying a charger or power bank everywhere they go. After spending time with the device, it becomes clear that this is not a phone meant to impress on paper—but it may still be one of the most sensible options in its category.
Design and Build: Durable, Distinct, and Functional
Motorola’s partnership with Pantone continues to be one of the brand’s quiet differentiators, even in the budget segment. The Moto G86 Power is available in several Pantone-certified colours, including Golden Cypress, Spellbound, Cosmic Sky, and Chrysanthemum. The review unit in Pantone Golden Cypress stands out immediately, offering a bold green shade that is hard to miss.
Adding to the visual appeal is the vegan leather finish on the back. While this may not be universally loved, it does give the phone a distinctive texture and improves grip. Over time, Motorola’s textured finishes have proven to be more practical than glossy glass backs that attract fingerprints and feel slippery. For users who prefer a more traditional feel, Motorola includes a simple plastic case in the box.
Despite packing a massive 6720mAh battery, the Moto G86 Power does not feel excessively bulky. It is certainly not lightweight, but the curved edges and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. This matters more than aesthetics for the phone’s target audience, especially elderly users or daily commuters who rely heavily on one-handed use.
Durability is another strong point. The Moto G86 Power carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H certification. This level of protection is rare in this price range and makes the phone suitable for rough usage, accidental drops, and exposure to harsh environments. While it does not look premium, it is clearly built to last.
Display: One of the Better Panels in the Segment
Motorola has built a reputation for offering solid displays in its budget and mid-range phones, and the Moto G86 Power lives up to that expectation. The phone features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ pOLED panel with support for 1 billion colours, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ certification.
In everyday use, the display performs reliably well. Colours appear vibrant without being overly saturated, and contrast levels are strong thanks to the OLED technology. Scrolling through social media, reading articles, and watching videos feels smooth, aided by the high refresh rate.
Motorola claims a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits, and while such numbers are often theoretical, real-world outdoor visibility is genuinely good. Under bright sunlight, the screen remains legible without constant manual adjustments. For users who spend a lot of time outdoors or commute during the day, this is a meaningful advantage.
The display may not rival flagship panels, but within the sub-₹20,000 category, it stands out as one of the better offerings.
Performance: Sufficient for Daily Use, Not for Power Users
Performance is where the Moto G86 Power makes its most obvious compromise. Motorola has opted for a processor that prioritises efficiency and battery longevity over raw performance. In daily use, tasks such as calling, messaging, browsing, video streaming, and social media run smoothly without major hiccups.
The clean Android experience helps mask the limitations of the hardware. App launches are reasonably quick, and casual multitasking feels fine. However, the phone is not designed for demanding gaming or heavy productivity workloads. Graphically intensive games and extended multitasking sessions will reveal occasional slowdowns.
This is not necessarily a weakness—it is a trade-off. Motorola has clearly chosen to sacrifice peak performance in favour of better endurance. For the phone’s intended audience, this decision makes sense. Performance enthusiasts and mobile gamers, however, will likely find better options elsewhere.
Software Experience: Clean, Familiar, and Easy to Use
The Moto G86 Power runs a near-stock version of Android, which remains one of Motorola’s biggest strengths. The interface is clean, intuitive, and free from unnecessary clutter. There is minimal bloatware, and system animations are consistent and smooth.
Motorola’s signature features, such as gesture-based controls and subtle system enhancements, add convenience without overwhelming the user. This approach makes the phone particularly suitable for elderly users or those who prefer a straightforward smartphone experience.
The clean software also contributes positively to performance and battery life, ensuring that system resources are not wasted on background processes.
Battery Life: The Phone’s Defining Feature
The 6720mAh battery is undoubtedly the star of the Moto G86 Power. In real-world usage, the phone comfortably lasts more than a full day even with heavy use. Moderate users can easily push battery life into the second day without needing to recharge.
For commuters who rely on navigation, music streaming, and messaging throughout the day, this level of endurance is extremely reassuring. Elderly users, who may forget to charge their phone regularly, will also benefit from the extended battery life.
Charging speeds are reasonable, though not particularly fast by modern standards. However, given how rarely the phone needs to be charged, this is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most users.
Camera: Functional but Unremarkable
Camera performance is where the Moto G86 Power makes its biggest compromise. Daylight photos are serviceable, offering acceptable detail and natural colours. For casual photography and document scanning, the camera does its job.
Low-light performance, however, is average at best. Images tend to lose detail and struggle with noise, and this is an area where competitors often do better. Video recording is similarly adequate but not impressive.
This is clearly not a camera-focused smartphone. Users who prioritise photography will find better alternatives in the same price range.
Verdict: A Purpose-Built Smartphone That Knows Its Limits
The Motorola Moto G86 Power is not a traditional all-rounder. Instead, it is a focused, purpose-built device aimed at users who value battery life, durability, and simplicity above everything else. At ₹17,999, it delivers exceptional endurance, a bright and smooth display, a clean software experience, and a rugged build that inspires confidence.
However, these strengths come at the cost of camera quality and high-end performance. This phone will not appeal to everyone, and it is not trying to. For buyers who are tired of charging their phone every night and want a reliable companion that simply works, the Moto G86 Power makes a strong and sensible case.
Click Here to subscribe to our newsletters and get the latest updates directly to your inbox