Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Review: A Solid All-Rounder with a Touch of Uniqueness

I've spent the last few weeks putting the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) through its paces, and it's proven to be a compelling contender in the increasingly competitive mid-range market. At a price point hovering around $400, it's squarely aimed at users who want a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank. My testing involved using it as my daily driver, from handling everyday tasks to capturing photos and enjoying multimedia content. My initial impression is that Motorola has struck a good balance here, offering a device that feels more premium than its price tag might suggest.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The mid-range smartphone arena is a battlefield, and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) enters it at an interesting time. Motorola has carved out a niche for itself by consistently delivering reliable devices with practical features, and this phone feels like a continuation of that strategy. In my opinion, their focus on providing tangible value rather than chasing bleeding-edge specs is a smart move. The price point feels appropriate for what's on offer, positioning it against rivals like certain Samsung A-series models and the Google Pixel a-series. While it might not have the brand cachet of those competitors, it brings a unique selling point to the table: the integrated stylus.

Design and Hardware: Comfortable and Functional

My first impression upon unboxing was the phone's size. The 6.7-inch display certainly makes its presence known, but the device doesn't feel unwieldy in hand. The plastic build, while not offering the same luxurious feel as glass or metal, feels robust and well-constructed. I appreciate that it doesn't feel cheap, and in my daily use, the grip has been secure. Durability-wise, while I haven't intentionally put it through any drop tests, the build seems like it can handle the usual bumps and scrapes of daily life.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.7-inch P-OLED display is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this phone. From my experience, the colors are vibrant, and the contrast is excellent, making everything from scrolling through social media feeds to watching videos a genuinely enjoyable experience. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a smooth and fluid feel, which is particularly noticeable when navigating the interface and playing games. What impressed me most was the peak brightness of 1200 nits. Even under direct sunlight, visibility has been excellent, a crucial factor for anyone who spends time outdoors. Gaming on this display is also a pleasant experience, with the smooth refresh rate enhancing the visual fidelity of the games I tested.

Performance: Smooth Sailing for Everyday Use

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor handles daily tasks with ease. In my testing, browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps were all seamless experiences. Even when multitasking between several apps, the phone didn't show any noticeable lag. When it comes to gaming, while it's not a dedicated gaming phone, it handled casual and moderately demanding games without significant issues. My experience with games like puzzle titles and strategy games was smooth, though pushing it with high-end graphics-intensive games might reveal its limitations. I also kept an eye on temperature management, and the phone remained reasonably cool even during extended use. There were no major quirks or performance hiccups that I encountered during my time with it.

Camera System: Capturing Everyday Moments with Confidence

The camera system on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has been a pleasant surprise. My experience taking photos in various scenarios has been generally positive. The 50MP main lens, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), consistently produces sharp and detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. I found the OIS particularly helpful in capturing clear shots in slightly lower light. The ultrawide lens is a welcome addition for capturing broader scenes, though the image quality isn't quite on par with the main sensor, which is typical for this price range. Video recording capabilities are solid, offering up to 4K resolution at 30fps. While it won't compete with flagship camera systems, for everyday video capture and sharing, it performs admirably. The 32MP front-facing camera is more than adequate for selfies and video calls, delivering clear and well-exposed images. Compared to other phones in this segment, the main camera stands out for its image quality in daylight.

Battery and Charging: Powering Through the Day

Battery life is an area where this phone truly shines. The 5000mAh battery consistently provided me with all-day battery life, even with fairly heavy usage involving social media, streaming, and some gaming. In my testing, I often ended the day with a comfortable amount of charge remaining. The 30W fast charging is a welcome addition, although it's not the absolute fastest on the market, it significantly reduces downtime. I was able to get a substantial charge in a reasonable amount of time, which is a boon for those moments when you need a quick top-up. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a nice bonus, adding to the convenience factor. I even experimented with the reverse charging feature to top up my wireless earbuds, which worked without any issues.

Software: Clean and Functional Android Experience

The software experience on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is refreshingly clean. Running on Android 14 with Motorola's My UX, it avoids unnecessary bloatware, providing a user-friendly and intuitive interface. In my daily usage, the software felt responsive and stable. The promise of an update to Android 15 is also a positive sign, indicating continued support for the device. The stylus integration is well-executed, offering quick access to note-taking and drawing features. While I'm not a frequent stylus user, I can see the appeal for those who like to jot down quick notes or prefer handwriting over typing.

Value Analysis: Where Does It Stand?

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) presents a compelling value proposition. For the asking price, you get a large, vibrant display, solid performance for everyday tasks, a capable camera system, excellent battery life, and the added functionality of a built-in stylus. In my opinion, this phone is ideal for users who prioritize practicality, battery life, and a good multimedia experience. It's a great option for students, professionals, or anyone who wants a reliable phone that can handle a variety of tasks without breaking the bank. However, if your priorities are cutting-edge gaming performance or the absolute best camera quality, you might want to consider options in a higher price bracket. Compared to competitors, the stylus definitely gives it a unique edge, appealing to a specific niche of users.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice with a Unique Selling Point

Overall, my experience with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has been positive. It's a well-rounded smartphone that delivers on its promises. The combination of a vibrant display, reliable performance, long-lasting battery, and the integrated stylus makes it a compelling option in the mid-range segment. I can confidently recommend this phone to anyone looking for a versatile and dependable device that offers excellent value for money. If you value practicality and find the idea of a built-in stylus appealing, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is definitely worth considering.