Best Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Review: of Design, Features, and Performance

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Review

Motorola’s latest Moto G Stylus 5G is carving out a niche in the crowded midrange smartphone market with its unique built-in stylus feature. Priced at $499.99, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, appealing particularly to users who find stylus input essential but don’t want to splurge on higher-end models like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which can cost upwards of $1,199.

One of the standout features of the Moto G Stylus 5G is its expansive, high-speed screen, which enhances the user experience whether you’re sketching notes or watching videos. The device also boasts commendable battery life and competitive internal hardware, making it a solid choice for everyday use and multitasking.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Camera performance falls short compared to some of its peers in the midrange segment, which might disappoint users who prioritize photography. Another potential downside is Motorola’s limited commitment to software updates, which could affect the longevity of the device in terms of receiving the latest Android features and security patches.

In comparison, the Google Pixel 5a, priced slightly lower at $449, stands out as a compelling alternative. Despite lacking a stylus, it offers superior camera capabilities and a more robust commitment to software updates, making it a more future-proof choice for many users.

Ultimately, the decision between the Moto G Stylus 5G and competitors like the Google Pixel 5a boils down to your priorities. If you value stylus functionality and are looking for a midrange device with a decent feature set, the Moto G Stylus 5G is worth considering. However, if camera quality and long-term software support are crucial factors for you, the Pixel 5a may be the better investment despite its lack of stylus.

It’s All About the Screen

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G presents itself as a solid, if somewhat understated, option in the midrange smartphone market. Available in two color variants—Seafoam Green and Steel Blue—the device reviewed here showcases the latter, emphasizing its sleek yet straightforward design.

In terms of dimensions, the Moto G Stylus 5G measures 6.6 by 3.0 by 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 7.6 ounces. These specs position it as a relatively large handset, which becomes apparent especially when compared to the $449 Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which is slimmer and lighter at 6.3 by 2.9 by 0.3 inches and 6.7 ounces respectively. It’s important to note, however, that the Moto G Stylus accommodates a built-in stylus, contributing to its slightly larger footprint.

The phone’s design philosophy seems to prioritize functionality over flashiness, aiming to provide a comfortable grip and practical usage experience. While it may lack the ultra-sleek profile of some flagship models, its inclusion of a stylus within its frame adds a unique touch that sets it apart in its price range.

For users seeking a capable midrange device with a stylus for note-taking and creative tasks, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a compelling option. Its size and weight considerations are balanced by its practical features, making it a worthy contender in the competitive mid-tier smartphone market.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G boasts a 6.8-inch FHD+ LCD display, offering a crisp resolution of 2,460 by 1,080 pixels. What sets this screen apart is its impressive 120Hz refresh rate, a feature rarely found in its price category. While many phones in this segment typically opt for 60Hz or occasionally 90Hz panels, the Moto G Stylus 5G’s higher refresh rate translates to noticeably smoother interactions across various tasks.

From navigating through apps on the home screen to browsing the web and indulging in gaming sessions, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid and responsive user experience. This advantage becomes especially apparent when compared directly with devices like the Moto G 5G, which, despite its commendable 90Hz display, doesn’t quite match the level of smoothness provided by the Moto G Stylus 5G’s higher refresh rate.

For users who value a seamless and snappy interface without breaking the bank, the Moto G Stylus 5G’s 120Hz display represents a significant upgrade in usability and enjoyment. Whether you’re scrolling through social media feeds or engaging in multimedia activities, this screen enhancement enhances overall usability and satisfaction, making it a standout feature in its class.

“The screen’s 20.5:9 aspect ratio and resolution make daily tasks a breeze, though in bright sunlight, glare is minimal with slight image degradation. Extreme viewing angles aren’t an issue either. While not the brightest or sharpest, the display performs adequately for its price point.”

“At the bottom edge, you’ll find a solitary downward-firing speaker, alongside a USB-C port, headphone jack, and stylus slot. As expected from a single speaker setup, bass response is modest. Testing it with The Knife’s ‘Silent Shout’ showed minimal distortion even at maximum volume.”

The handset may not boast the highest water resistance with its IP52 rating, but it’s no slouch either. Designed to withstand sweat and light splashes, it ensures peace of mind in everyday situations. For those needing more robust protection, options like the Google Pixel 5a and Samsung Galaxy A53 offer superior IP67 ratings, perfect for full water submersion scenarios.

As someone who typically overlooks stylus functionality on smartphones, I was pleasantly surprised by the one included here. Unlike its counterparts, this stylus feels substantial, akin to those found in higher-end models. While lacking in fancy motion sensors or secondary buttons, it excels in tasks requiring precision, whether it’s sketching or jotting down notes. Upon removal from its slot, a user-friendly software menu appears, offering quick access to stylus-optimized apps for everything from note-taking to creative endeavors like drawing and GIF creation. While these tools shine, they do feel more tailored for a tablet’s larger canvas than a smartphone’s compact screen.

Moreover, the inclusion of microSD card support up to a whopping 1TB—complete with a generous 256GB card out of the box—ensures ample space for your digital life. Whether it’s your extensive music library or a multitude of photos and videos, storage concerns are a thing of the past.

Lastly, the side-mounted fingerprint reader embedded within the power button proved not only convenient but impressively accurate during my testing. It’s a subtle yet effective security feature that blends seamlessly into the handset’s sleek design.

In conclusion, while the IP52 rating may not be the highest on the market, the handset compensates with a robust stylus experience, expansive storage options, and reliable biometric security. It’s a versatile choice for users seeking functionality beyond the typical smartphone offering.

Price to Performance Ratio on Par

The Moto G Stylus 5G sets itself apart with its Snapdragon 695 5G platform, outpacing its predecessor, the Moto G 5G, which relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip. This upgrade is particularly evident in the model we tested, equipped with 8GB of RAM and a spacious 256GB of storage, doubling the regular Moto G’s 6GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration.

This boost in specs translates directly to performance gains, as highlighted by benchmark results. In the PCMark Work 3.0 test, the Moto G Stylus 5G achieved a commendable score of 10,025, surpassing the Moto G’s 7,880. For perspective, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G managed an impressive 11,675 on the same benchmark. Transitioning to Geekbench, the Moto G Stylus 5G maintained competitive scores of 669 and 1,913 for single- and multi-core tests, aligning closely with the Galaxy A53’s 728 and 1,826 scores.

Beyond raw performance metrics, the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, whether you’re navigating intensive apps or enjoying media-rich content. Combined with ample storage, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a robust platform for users who demand both efficiency and versatility from their smartphone.

In conclusion, with its upgraded processor, enhanced RAM and storage capacities, and solid benchmark performance, the Moto G Stylus 5G emerges as a compelling choice in the mid-range segment, catering to users seeking reliable performance and the added utility of a built-in stylus.

While benchmarks provide a snapshot, our real-world experience with the phone’s performance left a lasting impression. Handling everyday apps with ease, it only showed signs of strain during intensive, graphics-heavy games. This nuanced performance balance underscores its versatility for daily use.

Notably, the phone includes a practical gaming overlay feature. This toolset enhances the gaming experience by enabling Twitch streaming, frame rate customization, and notification management. These thoughtful additions contribute significantly to smoother gameplay sessions, making gaming more immersive and distraction-free.

In essence, while benchmarks offer a glimpse into technical capabilities, the phone’s practical performance and gaming enhancements deliver a compelling user experience beyond mere numbers. It’s a testament to its ability to cater to both productivity and entertainment needs seamlessly.

The Moto G Stylus 5G comes equipped with support for Quick Charge 3.0, although the included charger in the box is a modest 10W unit. During our testing, we observed predictable charging speeds: the phone reached 11% in just 15 minutes, while a full charge took approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. These times are standard for a 10W charger and suffice for regular daily use.

For those seeking faster charging times, investing in a separate Quick Charge 3.0 adapter is advisable. This upgrade can significantly reduce charging durations, offering more convenience, especially during hectic schedules.

It’s worth noting that the Moto G Stylus 5G does not support wireless charging—a feature typically reserved for higher-priced models. Considering its competitive pricing, the omission of wireless charging is understandable and does not detract from its overall value and functionality.

In conclusion, while the phone’s included 10W charger provides adequate charging speeds, users looking for quicker replenishment will need to procure a Quick Charge 3.0 adapter separately. The absence of wireless charging at this price point is expected and does not compromise the Moto G Stylus 5G’s appeal as a robust mid-range smartphone option.

Making the Connection

The Moto G Stylus 5G offers two distinct configurations: a Verizon-locked version supporting both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G, and an unlocked variant limited to sub-6GHz 5G. Notably, mmWave 5G is a standout feature typically rare in this price range, providing unparalleled data speeds where coverage allows. While our review centered on the unlocked model, lacking mmWave support, it’s clear that Verizon users benefit from the highest potential speeds, enhancing competitiveness against rivals.

In our comparisons with the Pixel 5a on Verizon, network performance and call quality were indistinguishable, highlighting the Moto G Stylus 5G’s reliability across different configurations.

For connectivity, NFC support ensures seamless contactless payments, distinguishing it from the non-stylus Moto G 5G. Bluetooth 5.1 provides robust wireless audio connectivity, complemented by the inclusion of a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack for those preferring wired options.

In conclusion, while the Verizon-locked Moto G Stylus 5G excels with mmWave 5G support, delivering top-tier data speeds, the unlocked variant remains a solid choice with reliable sub-6GHz 5G capabilities. Enhanced by NFC for payments and versatile audio connectivity options, it caters well to both modern and traditional user preferences in the mid-range smartphone market.

Phone calls on the device are a standout feature, offering excellent clarity even in bustling environments with the volume set to maximum. We had no difficulty hearing callers in noisy surroundings, and feedback from the other party confirmed they could hear us distinctly as well. While the microphone did pick up some background noise, it was minimal and did not overshadow our conversations.

In terms of audio output, both the headset and speakerphone volumes are comparable to other devices in its class. Our sound measurements revealed a peak output of 93.6dB from the earpiece and 99.9dB from the speakerphone when placed about 6 inches away. In contrast, the Moto G 5G registers slightly lower volumes with readings of 90.3dB and 86.3dB for the earpiece and speaker, respectively.

Overall, the Moto G Stylus 5G excels in delivering clear and audible phone calls, supported by robust audio performance across its headset and speaker systems. These qualities make it a reliable choice for users prioritizing communication clarity and sound quality in their smartphone experience.

Decent Daytime Snapshots Only

“The Moto G Stylus 5G’s camera setup reflects its mid-range pricing, delivering solid rather than spectacular performance. Its primary 50MP sensor at f/1.9 impresses with image binning to enhance low-light shots, resulting in 12.5MP photos. Complementing this is an 8MP ultra-wide lens offering a broad 118-degree view and macro shooting capabilities. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor at f/2.4 ensures good portrait rendering, rounding out a capable, if not groundbreaking, camera array for its price point.”

“In our comparison testing, the Moto G Stylus 5G faced off against the midrange Pixel 5a and the flagship iPhone 12 Pro Max. During daytime shooting, photos from the Moto G Stylus 5G appeared clean and sharp, yet our preference leaned toward the Pixel 5a for its slightly sharper details and more true-to-life colors. As expected, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivered the most aesthetically pleasing daytime photos overall, though the differences compared to the less expensive phones weren’t dramatic.”

When put to the test in low-light conditions and for close-up photography, the Moto G Stylus 5G’s camera exhibits noticeable weaknesses. Low-light shots suffer from washed-out colors and increased noise, highlighting its limitations in challenging lighting. Moreover, its close-up capabilities fall short compared to the Pixel 5a and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which excel in these scenarios with superior clarity and detail retention.”

“The Moto G Stylus 5G sports a 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, delivering reliable selfies especially in portrait mode. However, its default beautification setting tends to overdo enhancements, resulting in unnatural-looking results. Fortunately, users have the option to disable this feature for more authentic selfies.

When it comes to video recording capabilities, the device supports 1080p resolution at up to 60fps. While it lacks the 4K recording prowess of flagship models, the recorded videos we tested displayed good quality and solidity, suitable for everyday use.”

Limited Software Upgrades

“Motorola’s approach to device upgrade policies places it behind industry leaders, which is a significant drawback for the Moto G Stylus 5G. While the phone comes pre-loaded with Android 12 and promises an update to Android 13 in the future, that’s where the software journey ends. It will receive three years of security updates for protection against current threats, which is adequate but falls short compared to competitors.

For users who prioritize ongoing software support (as they should), alternatives like the Galaxy A53 and Pixel 5a offer more compelling choices. The Galaxy A53 guarantees two major Android upgrades, while the Pixel 5a goes further with a commitment to three major updates, providing a longer lifespan and more up-to-date features.”

An Affordable Galaxy S22 Ultra Alternative

“The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, priced at $499, delivers on most fronts expected from a midrange device. It boasts reliable internal hardware, a robust battery life, speedy 5G connectivity, and the added convenience of a built-in stylus. However, potential buyers should bear in mind its middling software upgrade policy and average camera performance. Despite these drawbacks, the Moto G Stylus 5G presents a compelling option, especially for those seeking an affordable alternative to higher-end models like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which includes an S Pen.

If the stylus isn’t a dealbreaker, consider alternatives such as the Google Pixel 5a or the upcoming Pixel 6a, both known for their strong camera performance and software support. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G also stands out with its balanced features. For those open to iOS, the iPhone SE at $429 remains a competitive choice in terms of overall value.”