Motorola has announced the moto g87, positioning it as a significant upgrade to its popular mid-range smartphone line. The device centers around a 200MP camera system that Motorola claims is the best ever included in a moto g device, alongside an ultra-bright AMOLED display and enhanced audio capabilities.
The move signals Motorola’s continued push to bring flagship-level features to more affordable price points. As smartphone cameras become increasingly important for content creation and social media, the company is betting that users will value professional-grade photography capabilities even in budget-conscious devices. This strategy has become crucial as competition intensifies in the mid-range market, with manufacturers racing to offer premium features without premium pricing.
The moto g87’s standout feature is its 200MP main camera sensor with optical image stabilization. The camera uses Ultra Pixel technology that combines multiple pixels for better low-light performance, delivering what Motorola describes as 16x greater light sensitivity compared to standard sensors. Users also get 2x lossless zoom capability, allowing for closer shots without quality degradation.
The camera system includes an 8MP ultrawide lens for capturing broader scenes and a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies. AI-powered features like Auto Smile Capture can recognize up to five faces in a single frame, while Portrait Mode offers multiple focal lengths – 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm – giving users flexibility typically found in professional camera systems.
Beyond photography, the device sports a 6.78-inch Extreme AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can reach up to 5000 nits brightness in High Brightness Mode, making it usable even in direct sunlight. This represents a 17% resolution improvement over standard Full HD displays, according to Motorola.
Audio capabilities have received significant attention, with the company claiming 280% more powerful sound output compared to the previous generation moto g86. The device includes:
- Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Hi-Res Audio certification for studio-grade sound quality
- Enhanced vocal clarity across entertainment content
Durability features position the moto g87 as a device built for everyday use. It carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 water resistance ratings, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i provides scratch and drop protection, while MIL-STD-810H certification ensures the device can withstand drops from up to 1.2 meters.
Performance comes from MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 processor, supporting 5G connectivity where available. The device includes up to 12GB of RAM, expandable to 24GB through RAM Boost technology that uses internal storage as virtual memory. A 5200mAh battery powers the device, with TurboPower 30W charging for quick top-ups.
The moto g87 ships with Android 16 and includes Motorola’s custom features like Hello UX for personalization, Moto Secure for device protection, and Smart Connect for multi-device integration. Google features including Circle to Search and Chat with Gemini provide additional functionality.
Motorola plans to release the moto g87 across EMEA and LATAM regions in the coming weeks, though specific pricing hasn’t been disclosed. The device will be available in three Pantone-curated color options, continuing Motorola’s focus on design aesthetics alongside technical specifications.
This launch reflects broader industry trends toward democratizing premium smartphone features. As flagship devices push beyond $1000 price points, manufacturers are under pressure to deliver compelling alternatives that don’t sacrifice key capabilities users have come to expect, particularly in photography and display quality.