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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
...


6.9/10
Informr score
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

The stylus is functional, and the screen is beautiful, but otherwise, it doesn’t exactly sail above similarly priced competitors.

What's good

  • Incredible battery life
  • Accurate, responsive stylus
  • Nice screen

What's bad

  • So-so performance
  • Disappointing cameras
  • Not many updates promised

In a world now filled with 5G phones, Motorola is updating its popular Moto G Stylus to use these newer, faster networks as well. Is the phone worth using? Let’s see what reviewers think!

Design

You could almost mistake the new 5G version with its predecessor. It seems like Motorola’s only real change was to move the fingerprint sensor back to the middle of the phone’s back.

Unfortunately, many reviewers weren’t too happy with this decision. They felt it was hard to find the sensor blindly.

Otherwise, the phone received decent marks for its solid design, comfortable grip, and decent appearance. It won’t stand out, but it’s not bad either.

Display

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G has a 6.8-inch LCD panel. Despite not being an OLED, reviewers found it plenty sharp. They didn’t notice any softening or muddiness coming through while watching media and found text easy to read. Blacks aren’t exactly black, but that’s a limitation of LCD technology more than a mark against the phone.

Performance

There is some give and take when it comes to the performance on this phone. Reviewers stated that it was faster than its predecessor and performed better.

However, you can find better performance for the same amount of money--even within Motorola’s own lineup. Part of what you’re paying for here isn’t just performance but the stylus as well.

Software & Storage

Reviewers were disappointed to see that this phone would only be guaranteed Android 12 when it releases but no other updates. The phone ships with Android 11 while Android 12 releases later this year, meaning you’ll see less than a year of updates.

Storage is generous, however, with 128GB out of the box and a MicroSD card slot.

Cameras

The cameras on the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G fall flat for most reviewers. However, they are an improvement over the previous Moto G Stylus. Other phones in this price range have far better cameras, though.

They’ve also chosen to make the camera bump into a square-ish four-lens cluster up in one corner versus having a line down the side. Reviewers liked the look, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of picture quality or performance.

Battery Life

The battery on the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is truly massive. The 5,000mAh battery saw many reviewers nearly reaching two days on one charge with moderate use. With heavy usage, the phone still hit an entire day with power to spare.

Audio

The mono speaker at the bottom of the phone is lacking at best. Reviewers stated that it had disappointing sound projection, especially when holding the phone. However, they also admitted that most users would have headphones or Bluetooth headsets to combat that. It’s also one of the few phones that still has a headphone jack.

Specs at a Glance

  • Plastic chassis
  • 6.8-inch LCD panel
  • Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G processor
  • 6GB of RAM
  • Android 11
  • 128GB of storage with MicroSD slot
  • 48+MP camera
  • 5,000mAh battery
  • Stylus

Bottom Line

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G fixes a lot about its predecessor that was less than stellar. Unfortunately, the phone’s price leaves it open for a lot of criticism because of what it is missing. The phone’s real value will depend on how much you want a stylus that comes with your phone. If a stylus isn’t essential, plenty of similarly priced options compete with (or beat) the Moto G Stylus 5G.

Tom’s Guide says, “You can get 5G and a stylus for $399 with the Moto G Stylus 5G. However, its camera fails to impress, especially when compared to some of its competitors.”

The Verge states, “On the other hand, if you can afford to spend a little more and you do want to get more than a few years out of your phone, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a great pick. It has a big, lovely screen, 5G, and comes with a generous support policy. Stylus enthusiasts on a budget have a good option in the Moto G Stylus 5G, but most others could do better elsewhere.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2 GHz
6.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.8"
48+ MP, f/1.7
Camera
Camera
48+ MP, f/1.7
5000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Android Guys
Android Guys

I really like the Moto G Stylus 5G. It’s got great battery life and a unique interaction with the pen, but it’s hard to recommend those dreadful software updates. Moto still lags way too behind other competitors in this regard to the point that it’s now just embarrassing for the brand. Despite the s...

- Andrew Allen, Android Guys
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Moto G Stylus 5G is a competent mid-range smartphone with decent internals behind a solid display. But, the price puts it in front of a ton of hardened competition, and its stylus gimmicks don’t set it far enough apart to stay afloat.

- Mark Knapp, TechRadar
Talk Android
Talk Android

Everything else about the Moto G Stylus 5G is pretty solid. You’ve got a massive 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging that should juice it up in no time at all, and that headphone jack deserves an honorable mention. It also supports 5G connectivity in supported markets, but this is unfortunately...

- Jared Peters, Talk Android
The Verge
The Verge

The 4G-only G Stylus is a good deal for $279, and there’s nothing really wrong with the $399 G Stylus 5G, but it’s harder to justify its higher cost. With only a couple of years of security updates guaranteed, this phone will only see the beginning of truly good 5G in the US. It’s a nice step-up opt...

- Allison Johnson, The Verge
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The Moto G Stylus 5G is everything the Moto G Stylus should have been. With snappy performance, 5G connectivity, and a top-notch stylus, it’s the standout in Motorola’s otherwise mediocre 2021 G-series lineup.

- Steven Winkelman, PC Magazine


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


The Moto G Stylus 5G price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G prices from around the web here on The Informr.


Motorola backs up the Moto G Stylus 5G with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Moto G Stylus 5G has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6.8"

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G's screen size is 6.8 inches with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution.

Processor
2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) Octa-core 2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 11 operating system (OS).

Camera
48+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 48+ MP, f/1.7 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 16+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
128 GB

Internal memory is 128 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 1000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
5000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 5000 mAh battery.

Moto G Stylus 5G Specs

Overview
Release Date June 14, 2021
Regions Available USA
Operating System Android 11

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) Octa-core 2 GHz
Internal Storage 128 GB
RAM 6 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.09 W/kg
Body: 1.44 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 1000 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
48+ Megapixels, f/1.7
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, 2nd camera feature (8 MP, F2.2, Ultrawide), 3rd camera feature (5 MP, F2.2, Macro), 4th camera feature (2 MP, F2.2, Depth)
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
16+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.0
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Pixel Density 387 pixels
Size 6.8 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Cosmic Emerald
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.954 x 7.748 x 0.935 cm (6.7 x 3.1 x 0.4 in)
Weight 217.5 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating Unknown
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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