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At the end of 2025, the smartphone market delivered several unusual releases — from the anniversary Sharp AQUOS Sense 10, a compact model in an era of giants, to a pair of budget-friendly Motorola Moto G and G Play devices that are nearly identical in specs. These models highlight a growing trend toward practicality — durability, long battery life, and affordability — as flagships like the iPhone 17 seem increasingly out of reach. Here’s a look at the key models launched recently.
Sharp AQUOS Sense 10: A Compact, Rugged “Survivor”
The Japanese brand Sharp celebrated an anniversary with the AQUOS Sense 10, one of the smallest and most unconventional smartphones of 2025. In an age of 7-inch displays, its 6.1-inch screen feels almost nostalgic — but that’s exactly why it’s winning over users tired of oversized phones.
The phone features a Pro IGZO OLED FHD+ (1080×2400) display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits peak brightness, ensuring clear visibility even in sunlight. It runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, offering a 20% CPU and 40% GPU performance boost over its predecessor — enough for gaming and multitasking. The 5000 mAh battery lasts up to two days, and it ships with Android 16. Cameras include a 50.3 MP main sensor and a 32 MP front camera with AI optimization.
Its standout feature is durability: the device meets IPX5/IPX8/IP6X (water/dust resistance) and MIL-STD-810H (shock, vibration, and temperature resistance) standards. Other features include NFC, stereo speakers, fingerprint and facial recognition, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Available in six colors, the Sense 10 is priced at ¥62,700 (~$420) for the 6/128 GB version and ¥69,300 (~$460) for 8/256 GB. Sales in Japan begin November 13, with a global rollout to follow. It’s ideal for travelers and fans of small, tough devices.
Motorola Moto G67 Power: The Battery Life Champion
Motorola’s new Moto G67 Power targets the mid-range segment, prioritizing battery life above all else. Its 7000 mAh silicon-carbon battery promises up to two full days of use, and 30W charging delivers a full charge in about 90 minutes.
The device has a 6.7-inch FHD+ LCD (2400×1080) display with 120 Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits brightness. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, it comes with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Other features include Android 15, stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 32 MP selfie camera. The eco-leather body meets IP64 and MIL-STD-810H standards. Prices start at $190, with sales beginning November 12 across Europe, Asia, and Latin America — perfect for users who forget to charge their phones regularly.
Moto G (2026) and G Play (2026): Budget Twins
Motorola also launched two budget-friendly twins — the Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) — nearly identical devices with small differences in price and cameras. Both are powered by the Dimensity 6300 chip, with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, and include a 5200 mAh battery good for up to a day and a half. They run Android 15 and feature IP52 protection and Gorilla Glass 3.
Each has a 6.7-inch IPS HD+ (720×1600) display with 120 Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits brightness — basic but bright enough. Rear cameras include 50 + 2 MP sensors. The differences: the Moto G supports 30W charging and has a 32 MP front camera, while the G Play offers 18W charging and an 8 MP selfie camera. The Moto G costs $200, the G Play $170. Both go on sale November 15 in the U.S., Europe, and India — designed for students or as secondary phones.
In Brief…
- Sharp AQUOS Sense 10: Compact (6.1” OLED, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, 5000 mAh, MIL-STD) — $420–460, available from November 13 in Japan.
- Moto G67 Power: Battery-focused mid-ranger (7000 mAh, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, IP64/MIL-STD) — $190, global launch November 12.
- Moto G/Play (2026): Budget twins (Dimensity 6300, 5200 mAh, 6.7” 120 Hz) — $170–200, from November 15.
2025 marks the year of practicality — compact designs, massive batteries, and rugged builds.
