Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G: A Long-Term Look at the Budget-Friendly Note-Taker

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks using the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G as my daily driver, and it's been an interesting experience. At a price point that squarely targets the budget-conscious consumer, this phone makes some clear choices, and understanding those choices is key to evaluating its worth. My testing involved everything from typical daily tasks like browsing and social media to more demanding activities like gaming and photography, giving me a solid sense of its strengths and weaknesses. My initial impression is that this is a phone with a clear focus: providing a large screen and stylus functionality without breaking the bank.

Looking at the current smartphone landscape, the Moto G Stylus 5G arrives at a time when value is more important than ever. Motorola has carved out a niche for itself by offering reliable devices at competitive prices, and this phone feels like a continuation of that strategy. The inclusion of 5G at this price point is a notable feature, even if its impact might be limited depending on your network coverage. My take on the price is that it’s reasonable for what you get, especially if the stylus functionality is something you genuinely need. It's not aiming to compete with flagship devices, and that's perfectly alright.

Picking up the Moto G Stylus 5G, the first thing you notice is its size. At 6.8 inches, it's undeniably a large phone. While this is great for media consumption, it definitely requires two hands for comfortable operation, and in my experience, it felt quite substantial in my pocket. The build quality feels solid enough for a phone in this price range. It’s mostly plastic, which is expected, but it doesn't feel overly cheap. I appreciate the attempt at a textured back, which aids in grip. While Motorola mentions a "water-repellent design," it's crucial to remember this isn't a waterproof phone, so caution around water is still necessary. In terms of durability for everyday use, it seems like it can handle the usual bumps and scrapes, but I'd still recommend a case for added protection.

The display, while not the most vibrant on the market, is certainly adequate for everyday use. As an IPS LCD, the colors aren't as punchy as you'd find on an OLED panel, but the 1080 x 2400 resolution provides a sharp image. I found the brightness to be sufficient for indoor use, but it can struggle a bit under direct sunlight. For watching videos and browsing content, the large screen is a real plus. Gaming is also enjoyable on this display, though the refresh rate isn't specified, it felt smooth enough for casual gaming. For daily tasks like reading emails and navigating, the size and clarity of the screen are definite advantages.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset handles the processing. In my real-world testing, this translated to a generally smooth experience for typical tasks. Social media scrolling, web browsing, and even light gaming were handled without significant issues. During more intensive gaming sessions, I did notice occasional frame drops and slightly longer loading times, but nothing that completely hampered the experience. Multitasking, while manageable, isn't its strongest suit. Switching between a large number of open apps could sometimes introduce a bit of lag. Temperature management was generally good; the phone didn't get excessively hot even during prolonged gaming. One quirk I noticed is that app loading times weren't always consistent, occasionally taking a beat longer than expected.

The camera system on the Moto G Stylus 5G is a mixed bag, which is typical for phones in this category. The 48MP main sensor can produce decent shots in good lighting conditions, with acceptable detail and color accuracy. I captured some pleasing outdoor photos during daylight hours. However, in low-light scenarios, the image quality noticeably degrades, with increased noise and a loss of detail. The dedicated night mode does help to brighten things up, but the results are often a bit soft. The 8MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition for capturing broader scenes, but the image quality isn't as sharp as the main sensor. The 2MP macro lens, in my experience, felt somewhat underwhelming and of limited practical use. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30 or 60fps, and the quality is adequate for casual use. Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera performance is competitive but not groundbreaking. For everyday snapshots, it gets the job done, but serious photography enthusiasts will likely want to look elsewhere.

Battery life is where the Moto G Stylus 5G truly shines. The 5000mAh battery is a powerhouse, and in my testing, consistently lasted a full day, even with heavy usage including gaming, video streaming, and social media. On lighter days, I even managed to stretch it into the second day. This excellent battery life is a significant advantage for users who prioritize endurance. However, the included 10W charger is on the slower side. Charging from empty to full takes a considerable amount of time, so overnight charging is pretty much a necessity. While the phone supports 15W charging, you'll need to purchase a faster charger separately to take advantage of it. The power management seems to be well-optimized, contributing to the impressive battery performance.

The software experience on the Moto G Stylus 5G is one of its strong suits. Motorola sticks close to stock Android, providing a clean and uncluttered interface. This means minimal bloatware and a user experience that feels responsive and intuitive. My review unit initially shipped with Android 11 and has since been updated to Android 12. However, Motorola's update policy for budget devices isn't the most generous, and future major Android updates beyond 12 are uncertain. The inclusion of Motorola's "Moto Actions" – gesture-based shortcuts – is a nice touch, adding a layer of convenience to daily use. The stylus integration is well-implemented, allowing for quick note-taking, sketching, and navigating. While I didn't find myself using the stylus constantly, it's a genuinely useful tool for specific tasks and sets this phone apart from many competitors.

Analyzing the value proposition, the Moto G Stylus 5G hits a sweet spot for a specific type of user. If you prioritize a large screen, excellent battery life, and the functionality of a built-in stylus without breaking the bank, this phone is definitely worth considering. It’s ideal for students, note-takers, and anyone who consumes a lot of media on their phone. However, if camera performance or raw processing power are your top priorities, you might find better options elsewhere, perhaps sacrificing the stylus functionality in the process. Competitors like certain Samsung A-series phones or some offerings from Xiaomi might offer slightly better camera systems or performance at a similar price point, but often without the stylus.

In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a well-rounded budget smartphone that delivers on its core promises. It's not a flagship killer, and it has its limitations, particularly in the camera department and charging speed. However, the combination of a large, usable display, exceptional battery life, clean software, and the integrated stylus makes it a compelling option for its target audience. If you're looking for an affordable phone with a unique feature set that enhances productivity and creativity, the Moto G Stylus 5G deserves a serious look. For those seeking top-tier performance or camera capabilities, the compromises made here might be too significant. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your individual needs and priorities, and for a specific set of users, this phone offers a great deal of value.