For years, Motorola’s G series has been celebrated for balancing price, features, and reliability, effectively pushing the boundaries of what mid range smartphones can offer. The Moto G Stylus 5G continues that tradition but with an extra twist a built in stylus that expands the phone’s utility, transforming it into a note taking and sketching device on the go. Combined with 5G connectivity, ample battery life, and Motorola’s streamlined software experience, it’s a device that appears to punch well above its weight class. But how does it truly stack up against a sea of similar-priced competitors? Let’s explore why the Moto G Stylus 5G stands out among mid-range phones by delving into its design, display, performance, camera system, software, battery, and more.
The smartphone landscape has evolved so rapidly that calling a device “mid range” no longer implies severe compromises. Processor efficiency, improved cameras, and nearly universal 5G support mean you can now find very capable phones without venturing into flagship territory. The Moto G Stylus 5G is Motorola’s bold attempt to merge:
And, importantly, to do it at a price point that won’t break the bank. Not many mid-range phones offer a stylus out-of-the-box particularly ones with straightforward software that integrates the stylus well. This unique feature is one of the key reasons the Moto G Stylus 5G stands out in a crowded market. But it’s hardly the only reason. Let’s begin by examining the phone’s overall design and build quality to see if Motorola struck the right balance between cost and premium feel.
How the Moto G Stylus 5G Balances Style and Durability
A Subtly Premium Look
The Moto G Stylus 5G often comes in sleek, reflective finishes like Cosmic Emerald or a subdued Metallic Gray offering a glossier, more modern look than the matte bodies common in budget phones. While the device uses a mix of plastic and glass (or occasionally a polycarbonate shell), it’s carefully constructed to appear more refined than the typical budget fare. The camera module, placed on the top-left corner at the back, houses multiple lenses in a clean rectangular layout.
Interestingly, Motorola’s iconic “M” logo is typically integrated into the rear fingerprint scanner for some models, while others might incorporate a side mounted sensor. Either way, scanning is quick and reliable, making security less of a hassle. The phone’s edges are curved, and the corners are gently rounded, ensuring a comfortable grip. That’s valuable when you consider how large and slightly heavier it might be compared to smaller handsets.
The Importance of Ergonomics
The biggest design consideration for a phone with a stylus is where to store that stylus. On the Moto G Stylus 5G, you’ll find a convenient slot at the lower right edge, when looking at the phone’s screen. This insertion point is flush with the chassis, ensuring the stylus doesn’t protrude awkwardly or risk accidental removal. The stylus itself is easy to pop out using a fingernail or slight pressure. Many users appreciate having a secure spot to keep the pen at all times, avoiding the lost-pen syndrome faced by those with third-party stylus solutions.
Weighing around 200 grams (exact weight varies by model year and region), the phone can feel substantial in the hand. It’s not so heavy as to be cumbersome, but you’ll definitely notice the heft if you’re coming from a lighter budget phone. The upside is that the device feels stable, and combined with a slightly thicker profile (to house the stylus and large battery), it exudes a certain solidity suggesting it can handle the rigors of daily life with minimal fuss.
Moto G Stylus 5G display experience
A Large Canvas
A smartphone with a stylus inherently invites note-taking, sketching, and editing tasks that benefit from more screen real estate. For this reason, Motorola outfits the Moto G Stylus 5G with a 6.8-inch (approx.) display a size that straddles the line between phone and mini tablet. This expansive canvas is perfect for consuming media, reading documents, or scribbling short notes when the mood strikes.
The panel type varies between IPS LCD and possibly an LTPS iteration, depending on the model year or variant. While it doesn’t match the color vibrancy or deep blacks of an OLED, the phone’s color calibration is usually well-tuned. As a result, you get bright, punchy visuals for streaming Netflix, YouTube, or casually browsing social media.
Resolution and Brightness
Most Moto G Stylus 5G models sport a Full HD+ (1080×2400) resolution, delivering a respectable pixel density in the 380-400 ppi range. Text remains crisp, and images look detailed. Outdoor visibility might be decent but not extraordinary, with typical brightness hovering around 450-500 nits under direct sunlight. It’s enough for day-to-day tasks, though you might need to shield the screen on particularly bright days.
For many users, a 1080p display is a sweet spot sharp enough to avoid graininess, yet less demanding on the processor and battery than higher resolutions. Media junkies or gamers who want ultra high resolution might be disappointed, but in the mid-range realm, Full HD+ is practically standard.
Performance and hardware Moto G Stylus 5G
Processor Under the Hood
The “5G” in Moto G Stylus 5G indicates the phone packs a chipset that supports next-gen connectivity, commonly from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400, 600, or 700 series. The exact model can range from a Snapdragon 480 or 695 in earlier versions to possibly more advanced variants in updated editions. While these aren’t flagship SoCs, they provide plenty of power for standard tasks like browsing, social media, or streaming and can handle moderate gaming (e.g., Asphalt, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact at lower settings) with relative ease.
Chrome-based tasks, multiple open apps, and quick file transfers all feel fluid. Don’t expect lightning fast app launches akin to a flagship phone, but for a mid-range device, the performance is quite competitive. Some older Moto G phones might have struggled with mild stutters, but improvements in both chipset efficiency and Motorola’s lightweight software layer lead to a smoother experience overall.
RAM and Storage Options
Depending on the region, you might find configurations like 4GB or 6GB of RAM paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Motorola often includes a microSD card slot, letting you expand storage if you’re a heavy local media user. The phone’s random-access memory is generally enough to keep multiple apps in the background without severe slowdowns.
However, if you’re a power user or prone to heavy multitasking, the 6GB variant might be preferable for future proofing. With more mid-range phones adopting UFS storage, app loading times feel reasonably snappy, though not as blazing as flagship-level UFS 3.1 or 4.0. Still, copying files, installing apps, and launching large games won’t leave you drumming your fingers impatiently.
5G Connectivity and Real World Speeds
As the name implies, 5G is a headline feature particularly sub-6 GHz 5G, which is more widespread than mmWave in many regions. Realistically, your exact data speeds depend on your carrier’s network. But 5G ensures that as coverage expands, you’ll be able to tap into faster download and upload rates, as well as low latency connections. For day-to-day use (like streaming music, video calls, or quick app downloads), this is a meaningful upgrade over 4G LTE, especially if you live in an area with solid 5G infrastructure.
While 5G can take a toll on battery life in some phones, the large battery capacity (often 4,000 mAh or 5,000 mAh) helps mitigate that, ensuring you don’t see a massive dip in daily endurance just because you’re on a 5G network.
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Camera System
Rear Camera Array
Motorola typically equips the Moto G Stylus 5G with a triple or quad-camera setup. A common configuration might include:
- Main wide lens (48MP or 50MP, f/1.7 or f/1.8) with pixel-binning for improved low-light shots
- Ultra-wide lens (8MP or so, for capturing broad landscapes)
- Macro lens (2MP or 5MP) for close-up shots
- Depth sensor or purely software-based depth mapping for portrait mode
In well-lit conditions, the main camera tends to produce vibrant and detailed images. Colors are typically accurate, leaning slightly toward saturation a style many users find pleasing. Dynamic range is also respectable, ensuring bright skies and darker foregrounds appear balanced.
Front Camera
Selfie enthusiasts can expect a 16MP or 20MP front-facing camera with decent color reproduction and an optional portrait mode. In good lighting, selfies appear sharp enough for social media. However, low-light or indoor selfies might show noise or fuzzy edges. Still, for video calls and casual use, the front camera is adequate.
Battery Life and Charging
Large Battery Capacity
Given the stylus feature, big display, and 5G connectivity, it’s good to see that the Moto G Stylus 5G usually packs at least 4,000mAh (often 5,000mAh) of battery. This capacity translates into a phone that easily sails through a full day with moderate usage—web browsing, social apps, occasional streaming, and a few stylus doodles. More conservative users might stretch it to a second day if they’re mindful of screen time.
Charging Speeds
Motorola typically includes either a 10W or 15W charger in the box, though the phone might support slightly higher wattage (e.g., 20W). It’s not the fastest charge on the market, especially compared to some Chinese-brand phones boasting 30W, 50W, or even 60W in this bracket. A full recharge from near empty might take around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re used to quicker charging solutions, this might feel slow, but overnight or during a lunch break top-up usually suffices for most folks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Integrated Stylus: A unique selling point in the mid-range segment, enabling quick sketches and notes.
- Spacious Display: A 6.8-inch Full HD+ panel is excellent for media, reading, and stylus usage.
- Solid Battery Life: 4,000–5,000mAh capacity provides day-long endurance, even with 5G.
Cons
- Camera Limitations: Despite multi-lens setups, low-light photography and advanced zoom can be underwhelming.
- Slow Charging: In-box charger might only be 10W or 15W, leading to slower top ups.
- Update Policy: Motorola isn’t as generous with long-term OS updates as some rivals.
Comparison with Competitors
Other Stylus Phones
The only significant competitor in the stylus niche is Samsung’s Galaxy Note or S22/S23 Ultra lines, which are significantly pricier. Those devices offer advanced stylus integration, pressure sensitivity, and Bluetooth-based gestures but at double or triple the cost. If you’re on a budget, the Moto G Stylus 5G is practically in a league of its own, overshadowing lesser-known stylus options from niche brands.
Mid Range 5G Phones
Competitors like the OnePlus Nord series, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note Pro line, or Samsung’s Galaxy A series match or beat it in certain areas (e.g., faster charging, more robust camera features).
However, none typically include a stylus. The deciding factor often comes down to personal preference: do you value a stylus over faster charging or a slightly better camera? If yes, Motorola’s offering stands apart.
Older Moto G Models
Motorola releases updates to its G series regularly, with each generation refining design, camera, or performance. If you already own an older Moto G Stylus, upgrading to the 5G version yields faster network support, improved chipset performance, and potentially better battery life.
However, if you have last year’s stylus phone and don’t need 5G or an upgraded camera, you might not find the difference compelling enough to justify a brand new purchase.
Conclusion: Why the Moto G Stylus 5G Stands Out
Mid-range phones often live in the shadows of flashy flagships. But the Moto G Stylus 5G breaks from that pattern by blending a near-flagship feature (a built-in stylus) with a consistent level of performance and battery longevity.