Motorola has gained recognition for its budget-friendly smartphones, with the recent foldable model being a nostalgic hit. However, the company’s most popular phones have been affordable options that surprise users despite their lower price. The Moto G Stylus (2023) continues this trend by offering good specs and a stylus experience that makes you wonder if it’s really only $200.
Of course, budget phones have their downsides, and the Moto G Stylus is no exception. While the 90Hz refresh rate on the LCD screen is a positive, the lack of brightness makes outdoor use during the day challenging, and its overall performance falls behind flagship devices. Still, the Moto G Stylus is worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable stylus-equipped smartphone.
Unlike its 5G counterpart, the Moto G Stylus 4G (2023) doesn’t offer much customization in terms of specs or price. Starting at $200, you get 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, with no options for upgrades. It comes in Midnight Blue or Glam Pink and is available unlocked from Amazon, Best Buy, and Motorola’s website.
Considering its low price, waiting for a sale might not be necessary to make your wallet happy. Motorola phones often receive discounts, like the $30 price drop during Prime Day earlier this year.
The Moto G Stylus doesn’t feel like a $200 phone straight out of the box. Despite the plastic back indicating its budget nature, it feels sleek and comfortable in your hand, surviving minor falls with ease. The device features the standard ports, including USB-C and a headphone jack – a welcome addition in 2023. The single bottom-firing speaker offers decent sound, although it can be muffled depending on how you hold the phone. The metal stylus is conveniently located on the bottom right, providing a satisfying click with each use.
The phone’s design is practical and modest, with ports and speakers neatly placed at the bottom. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, ensuring easy unlocking. The 6.5-inch LCD display offers a smooth experience with its 90Hz refresh rate, though it falls short of the 120Hz screen on the pricier 5G version. The resolution of 1600×720 is lower than the 5G counterpart, but this is expected given the price difference.
While the side bezels are slimmer, the top and bottom bezels are slightly wider, resulting in an 84.5% screen-to-body ratio. A hole-punch selfie camera is placed in the top middle of the display, and the phone runs on Android 13 with some customization options. However, it may receive only one update to Android 14 due to the G Series’ update policy.
Battery life is a highlight, as the Moto G Stylus boasts a sizable 5,000 mAh battery that can last nearly two days with moderate use. Though not groundbreaking, the camera system includes a 50MP main camera that captures decently crisp shots. However, it lacks the software-enhanced vibrancy seen in flagship devices. The night mode performance is also not on par with pricier phones.
The selfie camera is 8MP and adequate for basic needs. The phone features a 2MP macro lens instead of a wide-angle lens, which might disappoint some users. In conclusion, while the Moto G Stylus has limitations, its affordable price, stylus functionality, and overall performance make it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
