I’ve reviewed fairly a number of Motorola telephones over time—largely funds and midrange fashions—and annually, they create increasingly more worth at reasonably priced costs. At the highest of Motorola’s midrange Moto G household in North America is the Moto G Stylus 5G, which frequently will get a few of the higher specs of the lineup with out moving into flagship territory. This 12 months, nonetheless, Motorola stepped issues up fairly a bit with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024.While nonetheless very a lot a midrange cellphone, priced reasonably at simply $399, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 feels prefer it’s attempting to be a flagship. When it involves design, efficiency, and even some specs, this cellphone does its finest to emulate the flagship expertise whereas retaining its low price ticket, and it is stunning simply how effectively it pulls it off. Heck, a few of the specs match or rival these from Samsung’s base Galaxy S24, however at simply half the worth.Of course, a number of sacrifices should be made, however they’re hardly price complaining about. Sadly, the marquee function of this cellphone continues to be in all probability the least attention-grabbing factor about it, and there are some software program misses regardless of the adjustments to Motorola’s UI with Android 14, however these should not deter you from an in any other case nice cellphone.Today’s finest Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 offersMoto G Stylus 5G 2024: Price & availability(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 was introduced on May 9, 2024, and goes on sale on May 30 within the United States. You should purchase the cellphone unlocked from Amazon, Best Buy, and Motorola. In the approaching weeks, the cellphone can be out there by varied carriers, similar to T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket, Boost Infinite, Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, U.S. Cellular, Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi Wireless, Optimum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, and Visible.The cellphone is obtainable in two colours, Caramel Latte or Scarlet Wave, and retails for $399 earlier than any offers or promotions, though pricing (and sure specs) could differ by provider.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Design & show(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Each 12 months, Motorola’s smartphones tackle utterly new seems to be, with a design that often spans the corporate’s whole portfolio, from funds to flagship. This creates a degree of uniformity, even when it will probably make it onerous to inform the telephones aside simply by taking a look at them from behind. This 12 months’s aesthetic focuses on different supplies, with a again panel fabricated from vegan leather-based (a flowery title for plastic) that seamlessly envelops the complete rear of the cellphone, protruding barely just for the twin digicam system within the high nook.As far as hand style goes, the cellphone feels extremely tender and, dare I say, premium. The brushed body could also be plastic (you would not even comprehend it), but it surely in some way provides to the premium feel and look of the cellphone, with a slight shiny end on each ends towards the rear panel and the show. In common use, the vegan leather-based retains the cellphone from getting too sizzling when pushing the processor whereas additionally holding the cellphone from getting too cool and slippery like a typical glass cellphone. (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)On the entrance is a big 6.7-inch OLED show, which is kind of a step up from the LCD panels discovered on nearly each different Moto G cellphone. The colours on the show are extremely vibrant, even after I switched the cellphone to Natural colour mode. You may also select Radiant and Vivid colour modes for the show, however I discover the Natural mode is loads. The 120Hz refresh fee additionally brings house simply how good this show is for a $400 cellphone. My solely grievance is that I really feel that the panel could also be too contrasty and that darker components of pictures and video seem a smidge darker than they need to.If you undergo from PWM sensitivity, you may be joyful to know that regardless of this being an OLED panel, Motorola has included a flicker-prevention setting, which ought to assist make it simpler to make use of the cellphone.Motorola labored some magic across the show to considerably scale back the bezels to flagship ranges. I can not say for certain, however simply by trying, I really feel as if the bezels on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 are smaller than these of the $699 Google Pixel 8. Frankly, you could possibly simply mistake this cellphone for a flagship, irrespective of which approach you have a look at it.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)At 190g, the cellphone feels lighter than you may count on, and it’d throw you off, however I do not thoughts it. For comparability, the a lot smaller Pixel 8 measures 187g, whereas the Galaxy S24 Plus weighs a bit extra at 197g regardless of being shorter and thinner. That mentioned, this is a reasonably large cellphone, so for those who’re not used to that, the scale might also take some getting used to.For safety, the show is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and the cellphone options an IP52 ranking for water and mud resistance, so attempt to keep away from dunking it. One advantage of the vegan leather-based again is that there is one much less factor to fret about when dropping it, however you may positively need to seize a display protector.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Specs & efficiency(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)As famous earlier than, Motorola actually went all out with this cellphone in terms of specs. Of course, for a $399 cellphone, there’s solely a lot you are able to do, however Motorola appeared to push the specs as a lot because it might. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, which is a curious determination because it’s the identical chip powering the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023.That mentioned, I do not hate that Motorola is reusing the chip from final 12 months’s mannequin as a result of it carried out surprisingly effectively then, and it performs even higher now. I think about that is doubtless as a result of additional RAM (8GB now as an alternative of 6GB) serving to maintain apps in examine. RAM Boost is on by default, however I at all times flip that off and suggest you do, too. You do not want it.In my expertise, the cellphone has no bother opening and juggling apps, whereas taking part in video games like Honkai Star: Rail looks as if a cakewalk for the chip, even on the very best high quality settings. Honestly, I’ve been totally happy with how effectively the Moto G Stylug 5G 2024 performs, to the purpose that I didn’t actually miss utilizing an precise flagship cellphone. That’s saying so much for a $400 cellphone.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryMoto G Stylus 5G 2024OSAndroid 14Display6.7” FHD+ (2400 x 1080), OLED, 120Hz refresh rateChipsetSnapdragon 6 Gen 1Storage128GB/256GB, expandableMemory8GB LPDDR4XRear Camera 150MP broad, f/1.8, OIS, 1μm (2μm with pixel binning)Rear Camera 213MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 120° FOV, 1.12μmFront-facing Camera32MP broad, f/2.4, 0.7μm (1.4μm with pixel binning)AudioDual stereo audio system, Dolby Atmos, 2 mics, FM radioProtectionGorilla Glass 3, IP52Battery & Charging5,000mAh, 30W wired charging, 15W wi-fi chargingConnectivity5G (sub-6), Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz), NFCSecurityFingerprint sensor, face unlockDimensions162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3mmWeight190gColorsCaramel Latte, Scarlet WaveAnd simply once you assume I used to be executed with the show, Motorola surprises but once more by including one other flagship function into the combo: an in-display fingerprint sensor. Moto G telephones often go for side-mounted sensors, so that is fairly a shift. The sensor works fairly effectively and unlocks the cellphone fairly rapidly, even when waking up the show. It’s not as quick as some higher-end telephones I’ve used, but it surely’s about as quick because the Google Pixel 8 Pro in my use. My solely drawback with the sensor is that it is extremely low on the show, and I want it have been a bit increased for extra comfy use.Face Unlock additionally works about as effectively, though I think about Google’s implementation on the Pixel is a little more safe.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)As for battery life, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is not as long-lasting as another Moto G gadgets that provide as much as two days per cost. That mentioned, the 5,000mAh battery can get you thru the day simply, relying in your use, which is nice sufficient for me. There are additionally some battery settings that may assist delay battery life, which you may need to activate.Charging can be fairly improved, with Motorola doubling the velocity from final 12 months’s Stylus mannequin. At 30W wired, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 expenses a bit sooner than Samsung’s smallest flagship Galaxy S24, with 15W wi-fi charging to match even Samsung’s premium flagship telephones.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Software(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 runs Android 14 out of the field, and with it come a number of aesthetic adjustments that make the software program really feel a bit lighter and fewer like a Pixel. That consists of the Quick Settings panel, which now has a pleasant clear background à la One UI, a redesigned settings menu, an expanded sidebar that allows you to add much more apps for fast entry, fingerprint sensor animations, and extra. It ought to all nonetheless appear fairly acquainted, simply with a brand new coat of paint in some areas to offer Motorola’s software program a bit extra individuality.Unfortunately, you will not discover a lot in the way in which of AI right here, regardless of that being the new new factor. That could also be as a result of restricted functionality of the chipset, however you do have entry to the brand new Gemini app (regardless of its absence on the Motorola Razr Plus), and Motorola has a brand new AI wallpaper function that creates a wallpaper from a photograph in your gallery. Aside from that, you get all the identical Motorola thrives it is best to count on, similar to the favored gestures to open the digicam or activate the flashlight.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The cellphone additionally helps Ready For, which is being up to date to Smart Connect. This permits the cellphone to connect with a PC or exterior show to do some fairly attention-grabbing tips like mirroring the cellphone show, creating a brand new occasion of your cellphone on a second show, shifting recordsdata between gadgets, and even sharing peripherals like a mouse and keyboard between your PC, pill, and cellphone. It’s a reasonably useful function for energy customers who’re at all times on the go and wish a straightforward strategy to transfer issues from the cellphone to the pc and vice versa.Fortunately, you will not discover a lot in the way in which of bloatware, however the dreaded Glance lock display makes its presence recognized on this cellphone. You can choose out of it when establishing the cellphone, however it can pop up each from time to time with a notification reminding you that it exists and attempting to persuade you to show it on. Nice strive, Moto.Of course, the draw back of the Moto G moniker is that, as soon as once more, Motorola is not going out of its strategy to carry main updates to this cellphone. The firm guarantees one OS improve (to Android 15, little question, which is launching later this 12 months) and three years of safety updates.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 has simply two rear cameras: a 50MP major sensor and a 13MP ultrawide. Motorola is not recognized for its digicam high quality, and also you should not count on a lot from a $400 cellphone, however the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 does a reasonably good job regardless. Images are sharp, detailed, and vibrant, and there is even an honest quantity of dynamic vary. The pictures will not blow you away, however they’re completely useable.The cellphone additionally does effectively in low-light photographs, which I count on could should do with the 2µm pixel dimension because of pixel binning. The cellphone will get loads of mild and is not overwhelmed with noise, which is strictly what I’d count on from a cellphone on this worth vary.Image 1 of 10(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The ultrawide digicam additionally is not too shabby and doubles as a macro digicam, which may turn out to be useful. Motorola provides you the choice to auto-enhance your pictures after they’re taken utilizing Google Photos, however I opted to maintain my images naturally processed, which turned out simply nice.You might also be joyful to know that the cellphone helps 4K video seize, though you are capped at simply 30fps. You can shoot 60fps, however you may should go right down to Full HD decision.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Stylus(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)So, this cellphone has a stylus. Yeah, it is within the title, and Motorola really modified the design to make it thicker, nearly giving it an S Pen-like aesthetic. That mentioned, regardless of the adjustments, just like the bigger contact space and up to date software program to make it extra responsive on the show, the stylus might be the least attention-grabbing facet of this cellphone. It’s good to have the ability to pop the pen out and rapidly take a notice or signal a doc, and the textual content recognition software program could be useful, however these are options I simply do not make sufficient use of to actually care.If the stylus had extra helpful options like Bluetooth assist for distant seize, strain, and angle sensitivity, or different options discovered on the S Pen, then I could be extra inclined to make use of it and really care that it is there.It’s not a nasty factor that there is a built-in stylus pen. But I simply do not discover it to be an enormous promoting level, both.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Competition(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)At this worth vary, there aren’t many telephones that I can confidently suggest. You might go for the Google Pixel 8a for those who’re prepared to spend $100 extra on a cellphone with an awesome digicam and entry to lots of Google’s finest AI options. The cellphone additionally has a flagship-level Tensor chip, so efficiency should not be a lot of an issue. Unfortunately, storage is fastened until you shell out extra money for 256GB, and charging speeds aren’t almost nearly as good because the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024. You’ll additionally should be a bit extra cautious with the glass again.The Nothing Phone 2a is an effective cellphone that incorporates a distinctive design with a light-weight present on the again, nice cameras, and an OLED show. It additionally comes with as much as 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, which is unusual at this worth level. Unfortunately, it is not as straightforward to purchase the Nothing Phone 2a, because the cellphone can solely be bought from Nothing once you join a developer account. Plus, the cellphone would not totally assist U.S. networks, which means you may not get the most effective service.Samsung’s Galaxy A35 is a comparatively new cellphone that may very well be one other good possibility at this worth level. The cellphone has a 6.6-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee, a 50MP digicam system, and higher safety because of the IP67 ranking and Gorilla Glass Victus. The downsides? Starting RAM is simply 6GB, there is no wi-fi charging, and Exynos chips are hit and miss.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)You can buy this if…You desire a cellphone with a built-in stylusYou need nice efficiency with out spending an arm and a legYou care about digicam high qualityYou do not desire a cellphone with a glass againYou should not purchase this cellphone if…You need the most recent AI optionsYou care about software program updates and OS upgradesYou care about sturdiness from drops and waterTo say that my time with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 was stunning is a little bit of an understatement. My every day driver is often a flagship Motorola or Samsung cellphone, however whereas I used the Stylus 5G, I discovered myself forgetting that this is not a flagship cellphone. Performance is excellent, the cameras are significantly better than I anticipated, and the software program is a pleasant step up from earlier variations.Aside from the annoying Glance lock display which you could thankfully flip off, the most important draw back is maybe the software program promise, which nonetheless pales compared to Samsung. I might like to see Motorola change this up and provide even two OS upgrades for its Moto G lineup.It’s additionally a disgrace that the marquee function on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is shedding its attraction. The redesign is sweet, however I do not discover the stylus notably helpful in its present iteration.Still, that is by far the most effective telephones below $400, clearly punching effectively above its weight. I imply, the specs alone are sufficient to offer the Samsung Galaxy S24 a run for its cash… actually. Sure, a flagship chipset and Galaxy AI are good, however for those who’re not attempting to spend $800 on a brand new cellphone, you possibly can simply spend half that and nonetheless get nice efficiency with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024.
The mighty pen
Despite being a midrange cellphone, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 feels something however. The Snapdragon chip gives distinctive efficiency, the cameras take nice images, and the 120Hz OLED show is attractive. Plus, wi-fi charging and a built-in stylus are useful options to have.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: Price Comparison