Motorola’s upcoming Moto G56 has long been rumored as a budget-friendly contender in the mid-range smartphone market. But a new leak suggests the device’s software support strategy will divide users—based entirely on how much RAM they purchase.
According to prolific leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks), whose exclusive tweet revealed key details, the Moto G56 will offer two RAM configurations: 6GB and 8GB. While both variants are expected to launch with Android 14 out of the box, Blass claims Motorola plans to provide two major OS updates for the 8GB model, but only one update for the 6GB version. Security patches, meanwhile, could follow a similar tiered structure, leaving budget-conscious buyers with tougher choices.
Why Would RAM Affect Software Support?
Industry analysts speculate that Motorola’s approach reflects a growing trend among OEMs to tie long-term software viability to hardware capabilities. Higher RAM configurations are often seen as more “future-proof,” better equipped to handle evolving OS demands. However, critics argue this creates an artificial divide, penalizing users who opt for affordable configurations.
“This isn’t just about specs—it’s about setting expectations,” says Aisha Patel, a tech analyst at GSMGoTech. “If a phone launches in 2024, even a budget model should guarantee baseline support regardless of RAM.” Patel’s team recently uncovered similar strategies in Motorola’s Edge 60 series, suggesting the company is testing tiered software policies across its portfolio.
What This Means for Buyers
The Moto G56 is anticipated to retail at under $250, positioning it as a value champion. But the software disparity complicates its appeal:
- 6GB RAM buyers might save upfront but lose access to Android 16, limiting their device’s lifespan.
8GB RAM buyers gain an extra year of updates but could pay a 50 premium.
Motorola hasn’t officially commented, but insiders hint the policy aims to “align resources with device longevity.” Historically, the brand has struggled with inconsistent update schedules, even for its premium devices.
The Bigger Picture: A New Normal?
If Motorola moves forward with this strategy, it could embolden other manufacturers to adopt similar tiered support models. Samsung and Google currently promise uniform update timelines across variants of the same device, but budget brands like Xiaomi and Realme have experimented with RAM-based differentiation.
For now, the Moto G56 leak serves as a cautionary tale for buyers: specs aren’t just about performance anymore—they might dictate how long your phone stays relevant.
