Motorola's upcoming mid-range smartphone lineup is expanding with new devices on the horizon. While the company recently announced its first-ever laptop, the Moto Book 60, and is preparing to launch the Razr 60 series, another interesting device has just been revealed through leaked renders. The Motorola Moto G86, successor to last year's G85, appears to be bringing some unique design elements to the mid-range segment.
Distinctive Back Panel Materials
The most eye-catching feature of the leaked Moto G86 is its unusual back panel design, particularly on the purple variant. According to the leaked images, this model sports what sources describe as a mix of felt and textile material on its rear panel. This represents a departure from the typical glass or plastic backs found on most mid-range smartphones. Meanwhile, the dark blue variant appears to feature a more conventional vegan leather finish, giving consumers different tactile options depending on their preference.
Expected Moto G86 Details:
- Colors: Purple (textile/felt back), Dark Blue (vegan leather back)
- Main camera: 50MP Sony LYTIA sensor with OIS
- Audio: Dolby Atmos support
- Expected price: €330 in Europe
- Storage/RAM: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Expected release: Mid-2024
Edge-Inspired Design Language
The leaked renders reveal that Motorola is unifying its design language across different product lines. The Moto G86 borrows heavily from the aesthetic of the company's Edge series, particularly in the camera island design which closely resembles that of the Edge 60 Fusion. This suggests Motorola is working to create a more cohesive brand identity across both its mid-range G series and the upper-midrange Edge lineup.
Camera Configuration
The Moto G86 will feature a triple camera system housed in a module positioned in the top-left corner of the device. While the complete camera specifications haven't been revealed, sources indicate the main shooter will be a 50-megapixel sensor utilizing Sony's LYTIA technology with optical image stabilization (OIS). This suggests Motorola is putting emphasis on camera quality for this mid-range offering.
Design Elements
From the front, the G86 appears to feature a flat display with relatively thin bezels, though they aren't perfectly uniform around the screen. The selfie camera is positioned in a center-aligned punch-hole cutout. All physical buttons are located on the right side of the device, and the frame appears to be flat all around, contributing to a modern, angular aesthetic.
Expected Specifications and Pricing
While detailed specifications remain limited, rumors suggest the Moto G86 will come equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The device will also support Dolby Atmos audio technology, enhancing the multimedia experience. Based on leaked pricing information, the G86 is expected to retail for around €330 in European markets.
Release Timeline
Given that the Motorola Moto G85 was released in June 2023, it's reasonable to expect the G86 to follow a similar timeline with a potential launch in mid-2024. As the release date approaches, more comprehensive specification details will likely emerge.
The Moto G86 appears to be Motorola's attempt to differentiate its mid-range offerings through distinctive design choices while maintaining competitive specifications. The unique textile back panel option particularly stands out in a market where most devices in this price range tend to look increasingly similar.