Signs of Motorola’s next budget contender are here. The Moto G56 has leaked, and is a follow-up to last year’s G55. A single photo on X with the codename “Bogota” tells us everything we need to know. It’s a label Motorola followers are familiar with, and a common practice for the company to name its phones prior to their release.
The first generation Moto G was codenamed “falcon” and “peregrine”. More recent examples include the Moto G82 5G, which has the codename “rhodep” and the Moto G72 was codenamed “Vicky”. Let’s see what the new Bogota has in store for its future users.
Motorola’s OS support strategy this year is weird
Specs sheet for the Moto G56 5G has just leaked, thanks to renowned tipster Evan Blass. From all indications, the upcoming phone is going to be a larger device compared to the G55. It’s about 4.15 mm taller and around 2.46 mm wider. The difference in thickness is merely 0.25 mm.
Internally, the phone will use the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 chipset and run Android 15. What’s really interesting is how Motorola has separated update support between both devices. The brand has committed to only one year of OS updates and three years of bi-monthly security updates on the 4GB model with 128GB storage. The 8GB variant with 256GB will get two years of OS support with four years of bi-monthly security updates.
It’s odd and honestly unfair that they’re basing OS updates on the RAM variant. You’re literally buying the exact same phone with the only difference being that you went for a downsized memory. Most companies treat all variants the same when it comes to updates, and Motorola’s bound to frustrate users. But then again, it’s the Motorola, so it’s not exactly surprising. They’ve never been the best at consistent software updates.
That aside, both phone models support MicroSD expansion and will carry a 5200mAh battery with 33W TurboPower charging, as well as IP68/IP69 rating. The 6.72-inch Full HD+ display has a 120Hz refresh rate and reaches 1000 nits of brightness. On the back is 50MP Sony sensor with quad pixel tech, joined by an 8MP ultrawide, and the flash, on the front is an upgraded 32MP front camera from the predecessor’s 12MP lens.
5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and more on the G56
The upcoming Motorola G56 supports 5G, covering a wide range of global bands, and Wi-Fi 6 for a more stable wireless internet. Added to that is Bluetooth 5.3 support and Near-Field Communication for contactless payments and quick pairing.
The phone may not be up to par with others showing off Circle to Search and other advanced artificial intelligence features. But it’s not without smart capabilities as we’ll be seeing Smart Connect with many desktop-level features as it was before on the G55.
Mobile desktop mode is another feature that turns your phone into a mini PC when connected to a monitor. Cross-control allows cursor and keyboard sharing between your phone and a Windows PC, with other features including Notification and clipboard sync, remote phone access, and file/app sharing.
The G56 will make appearances in four Pantone-certified colors of Black Oyster, Gray Mist, Dazzling Blue, and Dill. There’s no word on the price for now as it hasn’t been officially listed. But it’s likely to fall in the $200–$300 range globally. The G55 cost £144 (≈ $163) when it was first released.
