You are not alone if you are confused by Moto G model names. There are simply too many Moto G models.
Motorola has been introducing more than 10 Moto G phone models every year since 2020. However, the naming convention of these models has become quite confusing for most potential buyers and even the sales staff in Lenovo/Motorola stores. The naming convention is often complex and doesn’t make sense, making it difficult for people to understand which Moto G model they should choose.
This Moto G guide explains the naming convention of Moto G phones in the US and international markets to help you understand the meaning of Moto G model names. It also includes a list of known Moto G models.
Why are there so many Moto G models?
When Google sold Motorola to Lenovo in 2024, Moto G was the most valuable brand in assets. The first generation of Moto G (2013) was a success in the crowded Android smartphone market.
The first generation of Moto G (2013) actually set the standard for a real middle-range smartphone: reasonable price with decent performance. Moto G 2014 (2nd Gen) was also well-received in the market.
Compared to Moto E (which is in the death spiral) and the abandoned Moto X, Moto G has its unique brand value among Android users.
After years of trial, Lenovo/Motorola found Moto G to be the most valuable brand, and therefore, they put the Moto G stick on as many phones as possible. Since 2020, on average, you’d expect one new Moto G model each month.
With Samsung and Apple dominating the high-end smartphone market, Motorola has to seek opportunities in the middle-range market where Moto G targets.
Currently, Motorola has 4 major brands (series) for smartphones:
- Moto E for entry-level Android phones. It is actually in the death spiral. The lower end of Moto G competes against Moto E directly.
- Moto G for middle-range Android phones.
- Motorola Edge (and Edge+) for the high-end Android phones.
- Motorola Razr (and Razr+) for foldable phones.
Motorola Edge never claimed a meaningful market share in the high-end market. Instead, Motorola has to lower the price so that Motorola Edge (and Edge+) can compete in the middle-range segment.
So, in the current situation, Motorola has to put most of its eggs into the Moto G and some into the Motorola Razr.
