Motorola’s budget phones are now up to 50% more expensive as memory shortage drags on

Motorola has unveiled the 2026 Moto G Stylus, a mid-range smartphone that, while not revolutionary, caters to users who appreciate having a stylus at hand. This new release comes with a notable price tag of $500—an increase of $100 compared to last year's model, indicating a shift in pricing strategy across Motorola's offerings. In a surprising move, Motorola has implemented price hikes of up to 50% across its 2026 Moto G series without prior announcement. Before the G Stylus launch, the lineup included three models: the Moto G Play, Moto G, and Moto G Power, which were originally priced at $180, $200, and $300, respectively. The Moto G Play has now surged to $250, marking a 38% increase, while the Moto G has seen a significant 50% jump to $300. Additionally, the Moto G Power's new price stands at $400, a 33% rise that positions it closer to Samsung's latest mid-range devices and just $100 less than the new G Stylus. The price increase for the G Stylus was anticipated given the current state of hardware supply, and the phone does offer some minor enhancements, such as a slightly larger battery and basic pressure sensitivity for the stylus. However, these upgrades hardly justify the $100 increase when compared to last year's model, which retained the same display and memory specifications. This trend points to a broader strategy of raising prices across Motorola's budget offerings, reflecting the challenges faced in the tech industry today.