Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) reviews

Display(s)

The 6.7-inch OLED display stands out with vibrant colors and sharp contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making daily use enjoyable.

While the screen performs well indoors, brightness in direct sunlight might be lacking. One reviewer noted, 'the brightness is just okay in my experience.' This could make viewing texts and images under bright conditions slightly challenging.

Despite this, the display's near-symmetrical bezel design helps the phone appear more premium, offering a sophisticated look at an accessible price point.

Performance

With an older Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, the Moto G Stylus 5G handles daily tasks smoothly while occasional frame drops might happen. Reviewers from PCMag noted that even though the phone struggles with high-end gaming, simpler games perform well enough.

While the performance of day-to-day apps is reasonably smooth, there is noticeable heat generation during more demanding tasks. Such stability ensures regular operations are functional but limits the phone's broader performance appeal.

Add to this the poor commitment to software updates—only one OS upgrade and three years of security patches—and it's clear that future-proofing is not its strong suit. The Lenovo-owned company still has a long way to go in this regard.

Software & Storage

This device runs Android 14 with a clean interface and useful extras like gesture control and a secure folder. One standout feature is the 'chop-chop' flashlight toggle, which many users find practical.

Despite these positives, the software includes pre-loaded apps that might not appeal to everyone, and it misses more comprehensive AI features found in other brands.

A major downside is the poor update policy, with only one upgrade to Android 15 and three years of security patches, as noted by reviewers at Android Central.

Cameras

The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary and a 13MP ultrawide lens, providing fair image quality in well-lit conditions. Photos taken with the main sensor in bright light can look vibrant, though details may appear a bit oversharpened.

However, low-light and motion shots are a challenge, often ending up with noticeable blurring. The ultrawide lens doubles as a macro lens, capturing decent close-up shots with better results than typical budget macro cameras.

Despite these positives, the phone's camera lags behind pricier alternatives like the Pixel 8a, which delivers superior detail and color accuracy. Overall, the Moto G Stylus 5G's cameras are suitable for basic photography but fall short in more demanding situations.

Battery

The phone hosts a 5,000mAh battery, promising you can get two days of use without stress. Reviewers often found that even with heavy use, the battery comfortably lasted a full day and more, making it perfect for those who hate frequent charging.

Charging options are also impressive at this price point. It supports 30W wired charging, which is quicker than many competitors. If you prefer wireless charging, the phone also offers 15W capabilities, allowing for flexible and convenient charging without the mess of cables.

PCMag highlighted the phone's ability to reach 'around 50% in just 30 minutes,' making it a reliable companion for busy schedules. These charging speeds mean that even if the phone does run low, you can quickly boost the battery to last through the rest of your day.

Audio

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers satisfying call audio quality, ensuring clear and crisp conversations. This is crucial for those who often need to communicate in various environments.

For entertainment, the phone's stereo speakers shine. They provide loud and immersive sound, making it ideal for watching movies or playing games without needing additional audio devices.

However, it's important to note that pushing the volume beyond 50% can introduce some distortion, as noted by reviewers at Android Authority. So, keeping audio levels moderate can enhance the overall listening experience.

The Bottom Line

This phone offers a large OLED screen with a high refresh rate, making it enjoyable for browsing and media. The built-in stylus is handy for quick notes but lacks advanced features. Performance is decent for everyday tasks, but don't expect top-tier gaming experiences. Battery life is excellent, often lasting more than a day on a single charge. Despite its appeal, limited software support and mediocre camera performance might be a deal-breaker for some.

It’s an affordable option for those who want the convenience of a stylus without breaking the bank.