Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): A Big Screen Experience with a Built-in Pen – But Does it Deliver?

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) through its paces, and it’s certainly a phone that makes a statement, both in its size and its feature set. Coming in at around the mid-range price point, it's clearly aimed at those who value screen real estate and the added functionality of a stylus. After a thorough period of daily use, I’ve got a pretty clear picture of where this phone shines and where it falls a little short.

Carving its Niche: Where Does the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Fit?

In a market saturated with mid-range contenders, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) stands out with its integrated stylus – a feature typically reserved for more premium devices. Motorola seems to be doubling down on catering to a user base that wants more than just a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The price feels reasonable for what you're getting, but the competition is fierce, with brands like Samsung and Google offering compelling alternatives in this price bracket. My sense is that Motorola is hoping the stylus and the expansive display will be enough to sway those looking for productivity and media consumption power on a budget.

Design & Hardware: Big and Bold

My first impression upon unboxing the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) was its sheer size. The 6.8-inch display dominates the front, and with a weight of 215 grams, you definitely feel it in your hand. The "Steel Blue" colorway of my review unit is understated yet attractive, and the build quality feels reassuringly solid. However, I echo the sentiment of others who've noted its heft; this isn't a phone for those who prefer pocket-friendly devices. One-handed use is a challenge, and I often found myself needing a second hand for even simple tasks like reaching the back button. While the materials don't scream premium, they feel durable enough for everyday use, and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is conveniently placed and responsive.

Display: A Canvas for Content

That massive 6.8-inch IPS LCD screen is both a blessing and a slight curse. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating feel incredibly smooth – a noticeable step up from standard 60Hz panels. For media consumption, this display is fantastic. Videos are immersive, and the colors, while not as vibrant as you might find on an OLED panel, are still punchy and enjoyable. Gaming is also a pleasant experience on this large canvas. However, the sheer size can be cumbersome for some tasks. As I mentioned, reaching across the entire display with one hand is a genuine stretch, and I’ve had a few near-drops in my attempts. Brightness is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions, though direct sunlight can still pose a challenge.

Performance: Competent for Most, But Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 695 5G processor handles everyday tasks with reasonable ease. Navigating through menus, browsing the web, and social media scrolling are generally smooth experiences. However, when pushed with more demanding tasks like graphic-intensive games, the limitations of the mid-range chipset become apparent. I experienced occasional frame drops and stuttering during extended gaming sessions. Multitasking is generally fine for typical use cases, but opening too many resource-intensive apps simultaneously can lead to some slowdown. Temperature management seems decent; the phone didn't get excessively hot during my testing, even during prolonged use. It’s not a speed demon, but for the average user, it offers a satisfactory level of performance.

Camera System: Surprising Strengths, Noticeable Weaknesses

The camera system on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a mixed bag. The 50MP main sensor can capture some surprisingly good shots, particularly in good lighting conditions. I was genuinely impressed with the level of detail and color accuracy I achieved in some outdoor shots. Like one evening at the park, I captured a vibrant sunset with surprisingly vivid colors and decent detail for a phone in this class. The wide-angle lens, however, is a step down in quality, producing images that lack the sharpness and detail of the main sensor. The 2MP macro lens feels more like a spec sheet filler than a genuinely useful tool. Low-light performance is acceptable but not exceptional; expect some noise and loss of detail in challenging lighting. Video recording is capped at 1080p, which is a bit disappointing in 2024 when many competitors offer 4K. Video quality is decent for casual use, but stabilization could be better.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

Battery life is a definite strong point of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including social media, email, music streaming, and some light gaming. I rarely felt the need to reach for a charger before the end of the day. Charging speeds, however, are not the fastest. While it gets the job done, it's not going to win any awards for rapid charging. Power management seems effective, as the phone sips battery efficiently when idle.

Software: Clean and Functional

The software experience on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is clean and close to stock Android, which I appreciate. There's minimal bloatware, and the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Motorola's "My UX" adds a few useful customization options and gestures without feeling intrusive. While the phone launched with Android 12, it's important to consider the update policy, which typically isn't the strongest point for mid-range Motorola devices.

Value Analysis: A Solid Choice for Specific Needs

The real question is, who is this phone for? Based on my experience, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a compelling option for users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption and appreciate the functionality of a built-in stylus. If you frequently jot down notes, annotate documents, or simply prefer the precision of a stylus for navigation, this phone delivers. It's also a good choice for those who need excellent battery life. However, if you're a mobile gamer or a photography enthusiast, you might find the performance and camera capabilities a bit lacking compared to other options in this price range. Those who prefer a more compact device should definitely look elsewhere. The price-to-feature ratio is generally favorable, particularly if the stylus is a key selling point for you.

Conclusion: A Qualified Recommendation

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) isn't a flagship killer, but it's a solid and well-rounded mid-range smartphone that caters to a specific niche. If you value a large display, a built-in stylus, and long-lasting battery life, this phone is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for its considerable size and understand that its performance and camera capabilities are adequate but not class-leading. Ultimately, it's a good choice for those who know what they want and appreciate the unique features it offers.