Design and Build Quality
Crafted with a matte-textured polycarbonate back, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) balances practicality and style. Its slim 9.1mm profile and 200g weight feel substantial without bulk, featuring a water-repellent design for accidental spills. The rear houses a rectangular camera module with dual lenses, while the side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as a power button. Available in Cosmic Black and Rose Champagne, it offers a premium aesthetic uncommon in budget phones. The 6.6-inch display dominates the front, framed by slim bezels and a centered punch-hole camera. Durability includes Gorilla Glass 3 protection, though a case is recommended for heavy use.
Immersive Display Experience
The 6.6-inch FHD+ IPS LCD screen delivers vibrant visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate—rare at this price point. Scrolling feels fluid, and colors pop at 1080×2400 resolution (399 PPI). An adaptive refresh rate conserves battery by switching between 60Hz and 120Hz based on content. While OLED rivals offer deeper blacks, this panel excels in brightness (500 nits), making it usable outdoors. Widevine L1 certification enables HD streaming on Netflix and Disney+. The 20:9 aspect ratio is ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Performance and 5G Connectivity
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and 6GB RAM, the Moto G Stylus 5G handles daily tasks smoothly. Apps launch swiftly, and light gaming (e.g., Asphalt 9) runs at medium settings without throttling. 5G support future-proofs connectivity, enabling download speeds up to 2.5Gbps in supported areas. Storage starts at 256GB, expandable via microSD (up to 1TB). Thermal management is efficient during prolonged use. Benchmark scores (AnTuTu: ~410,000) surpass rivals like Samsung Galaxy A14 5G.
Camera Capabilities
The dual-camera system features a 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8 aperture) with Quad Pixel technology for brighter 12.5MP shots in low light. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) reduces blur, a rarity in budget phones. An 8MP ultra-wide (118° FoV) captures landscapes but struggles with edge distortion. Night Mode enhances low-light shots by merging frames, though noise creeps in. The 16MP front camera supports 1080p video. Video recording hits 1080p at 30/60fps, with gyro-EIS stabilization. Pro mode allows manual adjustments.
Stylus Functionality
The included capacitive stylus slots into the bottom right corner, offering precision for notes, sketches, and navigation. Latency is minimal for non-professional use. Moto Note app integrates with Google Keep for instant annotations. Features like “Screen Write” capture and mark up screenshots. While not pressure-sensitive like premium pens (e.g., S Pen), it excels for quick edits, lists, and doodling. Palm rejection prevents accidental touches during use.
Battery and Charging
A 5,000mAh battery delivers exceptional endurance—up to 12 hours of screen-on time with mixed use. Streaming video at 50% brightness lasts 14 hours, while 5G browsing consumes ~10% per hour. Moderate users achieve two-day lifespans. The 20W TurboPower charger provides 50% charge in 35 minutes (0-100% in 1h 50m). USB-C supports OTG for reverse charging accessories. Power-saving modes extend runtime during critical lows.
Clean Software Experience
Running near-stock Android 13 (upgradeable to Android 14), Motorola’s software adds useful tweaks without bloat. Moto Gestures enable quick actions (e.g., chop for flashlight, twist for camera). Guaranteed one OS update and three years of security patches lag behind Google’s Pixel A-series but exceed many budget competitors. Pre-installed apps are minimal beyond Google essentials and Moto utilities.
Storage, Audio, and Connectivity
Base storage of 256GB (UFS 2.2) is generous, expandable via a dedicated microSD slot. A 3.5mm headphone jack accommodates wired audio, while the bottom-firing mono speaker delivers clear sound (supported by Dolby Atmos tuning). Dual-SIM (nano + eSIM) flexibility aids travelers. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure modern wireless connectivity. NFC enables contactless payments via Google Wallet.
Value Proposition
Priced at $399 MSRP (often discounted to $300), the Moto G Stylus 5G undercuts rivals like the $499 Samsung Galaxy A54 or $449 Pixel 7a while matching core features. Its stylus, 120Hz display, and OIS camera differentiate it in the sub-$400 segment. Compromises include no IP rating for water resistance and a plastic build, but these are forgivable given the premium inclusions. Ideal for students, artists, and budget-conscious users seeking productivity without flagship costs.
Competition Comparison
Against the Galaxy A54, the Moto G Stylus 5G trades AMOLED for a 120Hz LCD and IP67 for stylus utility. It outperforms the Pixel 7a in battery life and storage but lags in camera processing. The OnePlus Nord N30 5G ($299) offers similar specs but omits the stylus and OIS. For creatives needing pen input or users prioritizing screen smoothness and 5G, Motorola’s package is compelling.
Audio and Call Quality
Voice calls are crisp via the dual-mic noise cancellation, suppressing background wind or traffic. The earpiece delivers clear dialogue, and speakerphone mode is sufficiently loud for small rooms. Bluetooth 5.2 pairs reliably with TWS earbuds, supporting AAC and aptX codecs. Dolby Atmos enhances headphone spatial audio for movies and music.
Ecosystem Integration
Seamless compatibility with Motorola’s ecosystem includes Ready For support—mirroring the phone to TVs/Monitors for desktop-like productivity. Pair with Moto Watches or Buds via Fast Pair. Family Link integration offers parental controls. Google’s suite (Photos, Drive, Assistant) ties into cloud services.