The Moto G17, which recently launched in parts of Europe, is already drawing criticism, and not because of its hardware. The issue is software support, or more specifically, how little of it Motorola is expected to offer.

The Moto G17 was announced last week as a refresh to the Moto G15. Changes are limited. The most noticeable upgrade is a 32MP front-facing camera, while most other specs remain familiar. The phone runs on the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme and ships with Android 15, an OS version that first rolled out in mid-2024 and now feels a generation behind in early 2026.

On the UK product page, the company explicitly promises two years of security updates, taking coverage to around early 2028. There is no mention of any Android version upgrades.

The company points to EU Ecodesign regulations, which require manufacturers to provide security, corrective, and functionality updates for several years after a product stops being sold. Crucially, the rules only apply to major Android upgrades if a manufacturer chooses to offer them. That wording allows companies to meet legal requirements while skipping OS version updates entirely.

While this approach appears to comply with the letter of the law, it has not gone over well with critics. Budget rivals are doing far more. The Samsung Galaxy A17, for example, is promised up to six Android version updates, and Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 15 line offers four years of OS upgrades.

At roughly £150, the Moto G17 still offers decent basics—a large display, IP64 protection, and a 50MP main camera. But buyers are being asked to accept limited long-term support in return.

As the phone rolls out across EMEA markets, it highlights a growing split in the budget segment: some brands now treat long software support as standard, while others continue to treat it as optional.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Motorola has announced the Moto G17 Power and Moto G17, two new mid-range smartphones focused on long battery life, capable cameras, and a practical feature set for everyday use. The devices are aimed at users who want reliable performance, solid imaging, and modern software without moving into higher price segments. These devices have debuted alongside the Moto G77 and G67, which we have covered separately.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme processor. The chipset uses an octa-core CPU setup with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at up to 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 1.7GHz. Graphics are handled by an Arm Mali-G52 MC2 GPU clocked at 820MHz. It is worth noting that the software side is based on Android 15, rather than the latest Android 16.

Memory options include 4GB or 8GB of physical RAM. Motorola’s RAM Boost feature allows users to extend memory using internal storage, offering up to 8GB or 16GB of additional virtual RAM, depending on the variant. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, with support for microSD cards up to 1TB. This makes the Moto G17 suitable for users who store large photo libraries, videos, or offline content.

Display & Design

The display is a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD panel with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 60Hz refresh rate. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The large screen size is designed for video streaming, reading, and casual gaming, while maintaining durability for everyday use.

In terms of design, the Moto G17 measures 165.67 x 75.98 x 8.17mm and weighs 189.9g. It carries an IP64 rating for dust resistance and protection against water splashes. Color options include Pantone Bordeaux, Pantone Alaskan Blue, and Pantone Evening Blue.

Cameras

Camera hardware is a major highlight. On the rear, the Moto G17 features a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, 0.8µm pixel size, and 1.6µm effective pixels after pixel binning. This is paired with a 5MP ultra-wide camera with an f/1.88 aperture and 0.8µm pixels. A third rear sensor handles ambient light detection and flicker reduction. Camera software includes HDR, Night Vision, Pro Mode, Panorama, Portrait, Live Filter, Watermark, Timer, and Google Lens integration. Video features include standard video recording, time-lapse, and slow motion.

On the front, the phone uses a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture and 0.7µm pixel size. The front camera supports HDR, full HD video recording at 30fps, face retouching, leveling tools, and assistive grid options.

Battery, Connectivity & Security

Battery capacity differs between the two models. The Moto G17 includes a 5200mAh battery, while the Moto G17 Power uses a larger battery. Both support 18W TurboPower charging through a USB Type-C port. The G17 Power, on the other hand, has a larger 6,000mAh battery, paired with 30W TurboPower charging.

Audio features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support and a built-in microphone. The phone also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, and ac with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, NFC, FM radio, and USB Type-C.

Security features include a fingerprint reader, face unlock, Moto Secure, and ThinkShield protection. Software extras include Hello UX, Moto gestures, and Google Gemini voice control. Location services support GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS. SIM options include dual nano SIM or single SIM with microSD.

Availability

The Moto G17 Power and Moto G17 are launching in select EMEA markets. The Moto G17 is priced starting at £149.99 in the UK for the 4GB/128GB variant, while the 8GB/128GB model costs €199.99 in Germany. Motorola has yet to reveal the pricing for the Moto G17 Power.

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The post Moto G17 & G17 power arrive with MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme, 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 Camera & Improved Battery appeared first on Gizmochina.