Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Review: Budget-Friendly Stylus Phone Impresses
Motorola's latest iteration of its stylus-equipped budget smartphone, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), brings several notable upgrades while maintaining an affordable $400 price point. With improved design, display, and performance, this device aims to offer a compelling alternative to pricier stylus-enabled phones.
Design and Build
The 2024 model ditches the glossy plastic back of its predecessor in favor of a more premium-feeling faux leather finish. This change not only enhances grip but also helps the phone stand out in the budget segment. The device features a plastic frame that, while not as sturdy as metal, keeps the weight down and costs in check.
Display
One of the most significant upgrades is the 6.7-inch 1080p pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Colors and contrast are excellent, though maximum brightness may struggle in direct sunlight. The nearly symmetrical bezels contribute to a more premium look, although the older Gorilla Glass 3 protection is a bit disappointing.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) handles everyday tasks smoothly. While it may not be suitable for high-end mobile gaming, it performs well for its price range and maintains stable performance under load.
Battery life is a strong point, with the 5,000mAh cell easily lasting two days for most users. The inclusion of 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging at this price point is impressive, outpacing even some more expensive competitors.
Stylus Features
The built-in stylus, while not as advanced as Samsung's S Pen, offers increased precision over finger input. It lacks pressure sensitivity but provides a decent writing and drawing experience through software optimization. For the price, it's a valuable addition for note-taking and general input.
Camera Performance
The dual-camera system, consisting of a 50MP primary and 13MP ultrawide sensor, delivers acceptable results for a budget device. Photos in good lighting conditions are solid, but low-light performance and motion capture can be challenging. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 60fps.
Software and Updates
The device runs Android 14 out of the box with Motorola's light customizations. While the clean interface and useful gestures are appreciated, the update policy is disappointing, promising only one major OS update and three years of security patches.
Conclusion
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers significant improvements over its predecessor and provides good value at $400. Its stylus functionality, solid performance, and impressive battery life make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who want a versatile device. However, the limited software support and average camera performance are factors to consider.
For those who don't need the stylus, alternatives like the Google Pixel 8a offer better cameras and longer software support for $100 more. Nonetheless, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) carves out a unique niche in the budget smartphone market for stylus enthusiasts.