Moto G Stylus (2024) Review: A Unique Mid-Range Option with Stylus Support
The Moto G Stylus (2024) is making waves as a standout choice in the mid-range smartphone category, particularly for users in North America. Offering a combination of solid performance and exclusive features, this device integrates a stylus in a way that sets it apart from its competitors. In this review, we dive into the details of the Moto G Stylus (2024), exploring its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and more.
Design and Build
The Moto G Stylus (2024) adopts a sleek design reminiscent of Motorola's Edge series. The back of the phone is covered in Eco leather, providing a refined touch while avoiding the bulkier camera bumps seen in other models. Unlike the curved design of the Edge 50 Fusion, the Moto G Stylus features a flat back and plastic frame. Although it lacks an official IP rating, it includes a basic water-repellent design, offering minimal protection against splashes and dust.
Display and Performance
The Moto G Stylus (2024) boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This setup ensures smooth visuals and vibrant color reproduction. The display supports 10-bit color depth, but it does not support HDR video playback. With a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits, the screen remains legible even in bright conditions. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the Moto G Stylus delivers competent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, with minimal thermal throttling during extended use.
Stylus Features
One of the key highlights of the Moto G Stylus (2024) is its integrated stylus, which neatly tucks into the phone. This passive stylus does not feature Bluetooth connectivity or functional buttons but offers a responsive experience for note-taking and creative tasks. Users can jot down notes even when the screen is off and access a customizable floating menu when the stylus is removed. Additional features include a handwriting calculator and the ability to draw directly on the screen, enhancing the phone's versatility.
Camera Capabilities
The Moto G Stylus (2024) is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. Daylight photos from the main camera are vibrant and detailed, though night shots can be slightly over-processed. The ultra-wide camera performs well, offering accurate colors and a solid dynamic range. Video recording is average, with 4K footage showing decent contrast but mediocre detail. The 32MP front-facing camera, which is effectively 8MP due to pixel binning, captures detailed selfies with natural skin tones and excellent dynamic range.
Battery and Charging
The Moto G Stylus (2024) packs a substantial 5,000mAh battery, providing impressive longevity with nearly 13 hours of active use. It supports 30W charging but does not include a charger in the box, requiring users to use their own compatible charger. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes, and the device also supports wireless charging.
Software and Updates
Running Moto's new Hello UI interface on top of Android 14, the Moto G Stylus (2024) offers a near-stock Android experience with additional Moto-specific features. The updated Moto app hub includes a Smart Connect Hub for PC and tablet connectivity. Motorola promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the phone remains up-to-date over time.
Conclusion
Priced around $400, the Moto G Stylus (2024) stands out in the mid-range segment with its unique stylus feature. While it may not offer some of the advanced features found in competitors, such as IP rating or HDR video support, its combination of stylus functionality, solid performance, and value for money make it an attractive choice for North American users. For those considering alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra provides a more premium stylus experience, while the Moto Edge 50 Fusion offers a similar feature set without the stylus.
Q&A
Q: What are the key features of the Moto G Stylus (2024)?
A: The Moto G Stylus (2024) features a 6.7-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and an integrated passive stylus. It also includes a 5,000mAh battery with 30W charging support and wireless charging.
Q: How does the stylus function on the Moto G Stylus (2024)?
A: The stylus is a passive accessory that tucks into the phone. It does not have Bluetooth or functional buttons but allows for note-taking and creative tasks. It supports features like taking notes while the screen is off and provides a customizable floating menu with various tools.
Q: What is the display quality of the Moto G Stylus (2024)?
A: The Moto G Stylus (2024) has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and smooth visuals but does not support HDR video playback.
Q: How does the camera performance of the Moto G Stylus (2024) compare to its competitors?
A: The Moto G Stylus (2024) offers solid daylight photography with a 50MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. However, its low-light performance and video recording quality are average compared to some competitors. The 32MP front camera performs well for selfies.
Q: What kind of battery life can users expect from the Moto G Stylus (2024)?
A: The Moto G Stylus (2024) has a 5,000mAh battery that provides around 13 hours of active use. It supports 30W fast charging and wireless charging, though it does not come with a charger in the box.
