In a sea of high-end flagships with seven-figure price tags, the Moto G Stylus 5G stands out by combining fast 5G connectivity, a responsive stylus, and a multi-day battery—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sketching ideas, jotting quick notes, snapping night-time photos, or streaming your favorite shows on the go, this device proves that productivity and entertainment don’t require a premium budget. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its design, display, performance, camera array, battery life, software enhancements, and real-world use cases—so you can decide if the Moto G Stylus 5G belongs in your pocket.
Sleek Design with Built-In Stylus
The Moto G Stylus 5G features a refined polycarbonate frame and textured back that provide both style and grip. At 6.6 inches tall and weighing just 200 grams, it feels balanced whether you’re navigating menus one-handed or sketching with the precision stylus. The stylus slides into a dedicated slot at the bottom, snapping securely with a satisfying click. It offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a comfortable tip for writing, drawing, or annotating documents directly on the screen—no Bluetooth pairing required.
Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power key, unlocking the phone in under 0.2 seconds, while the IP52 water-repellent coating wards off splashes and light rain. With color options like Glacier Blue and Misty Silver, the Moto G Stylus 5G looks as contemporary as it feels.
Vibrant 6.8″ FHD+ Display with 120 Hz Refresh Rate
At the heart of the Moto G Stylus 5G lies a 6.8-inch FHD+ (2400×1080) IPS LCD panel. Colors pop with accurate sRGB coverage, and text remains razor-sharp for reading or note-taking. Motorola’s adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and more responsive stylus input, while dynamically dropping to 60 Hz to conserve battery during static content.
Peak brightness reaches around 500 nits, making outdoor use perfectly serviceable under sunlight. Minimal bezels and a centered punch-hole front camera maximize screen real estate, delivering a true “canvas” feel when sketching or drawing. Whether you’re streaming video, editing photos, or brainstorming on the fly, this display adapts to your pace.
5G and Snapdragon Power for Day-to-Day Performance
Under the hood, the Moto G Stylus 5G runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 chipset, an octa-core SoC with two performance cores at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz, paired with Adreno 619 GPU. In everyday use—social media, web browsing, light gaming, and stylus interactions—the phone remains fluid. 5G connectivity leverages sub-6 GHz bands, achieving 200–400 Mbps download speeds on mid-range networks, perfect for HD streaming or cloud-based stylus apps. The 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of onboard storage (expandable via microSD up to 1 TB) ensure apps load quickly and files stay organized.
Versatile Quad-Camera System
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Moto G Stylus 5G’s four rear cameras:
- 50 MP main sensor (f/1.8): Enables 4-in-1 pixel binning for bright, detailed images in daylight and low light.
- 8 MP ultrawide (f/2.2): Captures 118° scenes—ideal for landscapes, architecture, or group photos.
- 2 MP macro (f/2.4): Focuses as close as 2 cm for detailed shots of flowers, textures, or small objects.
- 2 MP depth sensor (f/2.4): Enhances portrait shots with adjustable bokeh.
The 16 MP front camera resides in the punch-hole cutout, delivering clear selfies and reliable face unlock. Motorola’s camera app offers Pro mode (full manual controls), Night Vision (up to 4 seconds exposure), and stylus-driven annotations directly onto photos. Overall, image quality punches above its class, with accurate colors, good dynamic range, and minimal noise up to ISO 800.
Marathon-Class 5,000 mAh Battery
A standout feature of the Moto G Stylus 5G is its 5,000 mAh battery—enough to last two full days under moderate use. In our real-world testing (screen on time including video playback, web browsing over 5G, camera use, and stylus notes), the phone achieved 12 hours SOT before dipping below 20%. 10 W wired charging isn’t the fastest, but the phone’s endurance means most users charge only every other night. Power users can enable Motorola’s Adaptive Battery mode to limit background services and extend runtime further.
Motorola’s Software Enhancements and Stylus Features
Running close to stock Android 13 with minimal bloat, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a clean interface complemented by Motorola’s unique enhancements:
- Moto Note: Access a blank stylus canvas or PDF annotation anytime with the stylus button—no app launch required.
- Ready For (via USB-C): Connect to an external display to transform into a desktop-style workspace with windowed apps.
- Moto Actions: Chop to enable flashlight, twist for camera, and three-finger screenshot.
- Customizable Gestures: Launch apps or toggle settings with stylus double-tap or side-button shortcuts.
Security updates are delivered monthly for at least two years, ensuring both OS stability and malware protection.
Who Should Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G?
The Moto G Stylus 5G excels for:
- Students and Creatives: Digital note-taking, sketching diagrams, and marking up lecture slides.
- Travelers and Commuters: 5G streaming, offline map annotations, and multi-day battery life.
- Casual Photographers: Versatile camera array for social-media content without carrying extra gear.
- Budget-Minded Professionals: Productivity features like Ready For and stylus note capture at a mid-range price.
If you value the flexibility of a built-in stylus plus the future-proofing of 5G, all wrapped in a long-lasting package, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a compelling choice.
Final Thoughts: Stylus-Wielding 5G Value
The Moto G Stylus 5G dares to blend creativity tools with everyday performance without a flagship price. Its refined design, lush 120 Hz display, speedy Snapdragon 695, and 5,000 mAh battery deliver a well-rounded experience. The stylus integration remains the star, empowering on-the-fly idea capture, precise photo edits, and handwritten reminders. Motorola’s near-stock Android ensures longevity without unnecessary clutter, and its quad-camera setup covers most shooting scenarios admirably.
For those ready to embrace 5G connectivity and stylus-driven productivity on a budget, the Moto G Stylus 5G is not just another mid-ranger—it’s a creative companion that keeps pace with your imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the stylus require charging?
No— the Moto G Stylus 5G’s stylus is passive and requires no battery, always ready when you pull it from its slot. - Can I record 4K video with the rear cameras?
Yes—the main 50 MP sensor supports 4K/30 fps recording, with electronic stabilization for smoother footage. - How long does the fingerprint sensor take to unlock?
Under 0.2 seconds—fast enough to unlock and launch the home screen before you finish pressing your thumb. - Is wireless charging supported?
No—the phone charges via the USB-C port at up to 10 W wired speeds. - How often does Motorola provide software updates?
Android and security patches arrive monthly for the first two years, with quarterly updates thereafter. - Can I expand storage?
Yes—there’s a microSD slot supporting cards up to 1 TB without sacrificing dual-SIM capability. - Does the phone support NFC payments?
Yes—the Moto G Stylus 5G includes NFC for Google Pay and other contactless payment apps. - How does the display handle direct sunlight?
At around 500 nits peak brightness, outdoor visibility is good, though reflections may appear on very bright days. - Is the phone water-resistant?
It carries an IP52 rating, protecting against light splashes and dust but not full submersion. - What warranty does it come with?
Motorola includes a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
