Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

Alright, let's talk about the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). After spending a good chunk of time with this device, it's clear Motorola is aiming for a specific niche with this phone. At its roughly $400 price point, it’s squarely in the mid-range, but the integrated stylus sets it apart. My testing involved everything from daily tasks and media consumption to some moderate gaming, and I've got a pretty good handle on what this phone does well and where it falls short. My initial impression is that it delivers on its core promise – a functional stylus experience within an affordable 5G package – but there are compromises, as you might expect.

Looking at the market right now, the mid-range segment is fiercely competitive. Motorola's strategy seems to be focusing on offering unique features, like the stylus, to stand out from the crowd. In a market saturated with similar-performing slabs of glass and metal, this is a smart move. The price point feels appropriate for what you're getting, though there are strong contenders from other brands at similar prices offering slightly different feature sets. Personally, I think offering a stylus at this price is a bold and potentially rewarding move for Motorola.

Picking up the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), the first thing you notice is its size. It’s a large phone, no doubt about it. The 6.6-inch display makes it substantial in the hand, and at 202 grams, it has a noticeable heft. While some might find it a bit cumbersome for one-handed use, I appreciate the solid feel. The build quality feels decent for the price; it doesn't scream premium, but it doesn't feel cheap either. Durability-wise, it feels sturdy enough to handle everyday bumps and scrapes, though it's worth noting the water-repellent design isn't a full waterproof certification, so be mindful around water.

The 120Hz IPS LCD display is a definite highlight for this price range. Scrolling is smooth, and watching videos is an enjoyable experience. While the colors aren't as punchy as you'd find on an OLED panel, they are still pleasing to the eye, and the 1080 x 2400 resolution provides good clarity. I found the brightness to be adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions, though under direct, bright sunlight, it can be a little challenging. Gaming on this display also feels fluid thanks to the refresh rate. For daily use, from browsing the web to checking emails, the display performs admirably.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip handles everyday tasks with ease. In my testing, navigating between apps was smooth, and multitasking didn't present any major hiccups. I even put it through its paces with some graphically intensive games, and while it wasn't a flagship-level experience, it handled them surprisingly well. There were a few instances of minor frame drops in the most demanding titles, but overall, performance is solid for a mid-range device. Temperature management seems good too; the phone didn't get excessively hot even during prolonged gaming sessions. One thing I noticed is that while the chip is capable, pushing it to its absolute limits will reveal its mid-range nature – something to keep in mind if you're a heavy mobile gamer.

The camera system is where expectations need to be managed. The 50MP main sensor takes decent photos in good lighting conditions. I took some shots outdoors on a sunny day, and the results were sharp with good detail. However, as the light diminishes, the image quality does take a noticeable hit, which is typical for phones in this category. The 8MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition for capturing broader scenes, but its image quality is noticeably inferior to the main sensor. Video recording is acceptable, with the optical image stabilization (OIS) helping to keep things relatively steady. Compared to other phones in this price bracket, the camera is competitive but not class-leading. For casual photography and social media sharing, it gets the job done.

Battery life on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is commendable. The 5000mAh battery easily got me through a full day of moderate usage, including browsing, social media, and some video streaming. Even on heavier usage days, I wasn't scrambling for a charger by early evening. The inclusion of 20W fast charging is appreciated, although it's not the fastest in the market. It will get you topped up reasonably quickly, but it's not going to drastically reduce your charging time compared to slower chargers. I found the power management to be effective, with the phone sipping power when idle.

The software experience is one of the strong suits of Motorola phones. Running on Android 13 with minimal bloatware is a breath of fresh air. Motorola's My UX enhancements are subtle and useful without feeling intrusive. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate. However, it’s worth noting the update policy: Motorola typically offers one major OS update and three years of security patches for its G series phones. While this is standard for the price range, it's something to consider if long-term software support is a priority.

Analyzing the value proposition, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers a unique feature – the integrated stylus – at a competitive price. If you value having a stylus for note-taking, sketching, or general navigation, this phone is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for students, professionals who need to jot down quick notes, or anyone who appreciates the added precision the stylus offers. However, if the stylus isn't a key selling point for you, there are other phones in this price range that might offer better performance or camera capabilities. Those prioritizing top-tier gaming or photography might want to look elsewhere.

In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a solid mid-range smartphone with a clear focus on providing a stylus experience without breaking the bank. It’s not the fastest phone, and the camera isn't the best in its class, but it offers a smooth display, good battery life, and a clean software experience. Ultimately, if you’re someone who appreciates the convenience of a built-in stylus and needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a compelling option. It delivers good value for its price and stands out in a crowded market thanks to its unique feature.