Moto G86 Under ₹15,000: Is It the Best Budget Phone in India for 2025?

Finding a smartphone that balances performance, display quality, camera features, and battery life under ₹15,000 is getting harder in 2025. But the Moto G86 might just be the exception. Priced competitively for the Indian market, Motorola’s latest budget contender promises a smooth 120Hz display, capable 5G chipset, and a clean Android experience—without burning a hole in your wallet.

In this review, we break down the Moto G86’s real-world performance, camera quality, battery life, and software experience to see if it’s truly the best value-for-money phone under ₹15,000 in India right now. Whether you’re a student, a casual gamer, or someone looking for a dependable daily driver, here’s everything you need to know before buying.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

• Display: 6.6″ FHD+ OLED with 120Hz refresh – great for media and smooth scrolling
• Camera: 108MP main camera offers decent daylight shots; front cam is average
• Performance: Smooth multitasking with a mid-range Snapdragon/Dimensity processor
• Battery: 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day; 33W fast charging supported
• Software: Clean near-stock Android UI with minimal bloatware
• Competition: Outshines most phones in this range in display and software, but camera and performance are just “good enough”
• Verdict: If your budget is tight and you value clean software and a smooth screen, the Moto G86 is one of the best picks under ₹15,000 in India right now

Why the Moto G86 5G Stands Out in the Budget Segment?

Priced at just ₹13,999 for its base variant, the Moto G86 5G brings premium features to the budget segment, challenging competitors like the Redmi 12 5G, Realme C56, and Vivo T4x 5G. With a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, and a 108MP AI-powered camera, this phone is designed for Indian buyers who want performance, style, and value. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a casual gamer, the Moto G86 promises a well-rounded experience.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, Panda Glass protection
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB (UFS 2.2)
• Camera: 108MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 32MP front camera
• Battery: 8000mAh, 120W TurboPower charging
• OS: Android 14 (near-stock, bloatware-free)
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C
• Price: Starting at ₹13,999
• Colors: Cosmic Black, Ocean Blue, Sunset Copper

Design and Build: Premium Looks on a Budget

The Moto G86 5G doesn’t look or feel like a budget phone. Its matte glass back and metal frame give it a premium aesthetic, rivaling phones twice its price. Available in vibrant colors like Cosmic Black, Ocean Blue, and Sunset Copper, it’s a head-turner. The IP52 water-repellent design and Panda Glass protection add durability, making it ideal for India’s diverse climates and rough-and-tumble usage.

Weighing 196 grams and measuring 7.87mm in thickness, the Moto G86 is sleek yet sturdy. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock are fast and reliable, while thoughtful additions like Moto Gestures (e.g., shake-to-turn-on flashlight) enhance usability.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, binge-watching OTT content, or gaming, the display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations. With thin bezels and a punch-hole camera, the screen feels immersive. The HDR10 support and 393ppi pixel density ensure crisp visuals, making it perfect for Netflix marathons or PUBG sessions.

Performance: Smooth and Efficient for Everyday Use

Under the hood, the Moto G86 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, a chipset that handles multitasking, gaming, and daily tasks with ease. Paired with 8GB or 12GB RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, it offers lag-free performance for apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Asphalt 9. The near-stock Android 14 interface is clean, bloatware-free, and optimized for efficiency, ensuring a smooth user experience.

For gamers, the Moto G86 delivers solid performance in titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings. While it may not match flagship chipsets, it’s more than capable for budget-conscious gamers.

Camera: 108MP That Packs a Punch

The 108MP AI-powered main camera is a game-changer in the sub-₹15,000 segment. It captures sharp, detailed images in various lighting conditions, thanks to features like Night Vision Mode and 4K video recording. The 8MP ultrawide lens is great for landscapes, while the 2MP macro lens is decent for close-up shots. The 32MP selfie camera with HDR and beauty filters is perfect for Instagram reels and video calls.

While the camera system isn’t flawless (macro shots can be hit-or-miss), the overall photography experience is impressive for the price.

Camera Features and Performance

• Daylight Photography: The 108MP sensor delivers crisp, detailed shots with accurate colors.
• Low-Light Performance: Night Vision Mode enhances clarity in dim settings, though noise can appear.
• Video Recording: Supports 4K video with decent stabilization, ideal for casual vloggers.
• Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera produces sharp selfies with natural skin tones.

Battery Life: A Powerhouse That Lasts

The 8000mAh battery is a highlight, offering up to 2 days of usage on a single charge, even with heavy use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing, the Moto G86 keeps up. The 120W TurboPower charging is a rare feature in this segment, juicing up the phone from 0 to 100% in under 25 minutes. This makes it ideal for busy professionals and students who need quick top-ups.

Charging and Battery Efficiency

• Endurance: Up to 48 hours of mixed usage (calls, browsing, gaming).
• Fast Charging: 120W charger included, reaching 50% in just 10 minutes.
• Battery Health: Optimized charging to maintain long-term battery life.

Software: Clean and Future-Ready

Running on Android 14, the Moto G86 offers a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. Motorola’s promise of 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security patches ensures longevity. Features like Moto Secure, Family Space, and Smart Connect add value, making the phone versatile for both personal and professional use.

Connectivity and Audio: Ready for the Future

The Moto G86 supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with India’s growing 5G networks. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in 2025. The dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver immersive audio, perfect for music lovers and gamers.

Who Should Buy the Moto G86?

The Moto G86 5G is ideal for:

• Budget buyers seeking premium features under ₹15,000
• Students and professionals needing long battery life and fast charging
• Casual gamers looking for smooth performance
• Photography enthusiasts wanting a high-resolution camera on a budget

Is the Moto G86 5G Worth It Under ₹15,000?

At ₹13,999, the Moto G86 5G delivers exceptional value with its 108MP camera, massive 8000mAh battery, and 120W fast charging—features rarely seen in the sub-₹15,000 segment. Its vibrant AMOLED display, clean Android experience, and solid performance make it a top contender for budget buyers in India. However, it faces stiff competition from phones like the Poco M7 Pro 5G and iQOO Z10x, which offer similar specs at comparable prices. If you prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a premium design, the Moto G86 is hard to beat.

Pros and Cons

Moto G86 vs. Moto G96 vs. Poco M7 Pro

FAQs about the Moto G86

Verdict: The Best Budget Phone Under ₹15,000?

The Motorola Moto G86 5G is a powerhouse in the sub-₹15,000 segment, offering a rare combination of a 108MP camera, 8000mAh battery, and 120W charging. Its AMOLED display, clean Android experience, and premium design make it a standout choice for Indian buyers in 2025. While it’s not perfect (the macro camera could be better), it delivers unmatched value for money.

If you’re looking for a budget smartphone that punches above its weight, the Moto G86 5G is hard to beat. Order yours today on Flipkart or Motorola’s official website before stocks run out!