Motorola is making another attempt at the midrange market with the release of the Moto G Stylus 5G – 2023 edition. Priced at $399 for an unlocked variant with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (carriers will offer a variant with 128GB of storage and either 4 or 6GB of RAM), this new model features a 6.6-inch screen, an upgraded rear camera system, and Qualcomm’s latest midrange Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, offering 20 percent faster performance compared to last year’s model. And, of course, it includes a stylus.
The 2023 G Stylus 5G has a slightly smaller screen compared to the previous edition – 6.6 inches instead of 6.8 inches – but it still maintains a 1080p LCD display with a top refresh rate of 120Hz. The reduction in screen size is actually a positive change, as 1080p resolution is not sufficient for a larger screen, and this year’s model also features smaller bezels. Even if you’re a fan of larger screens, I believe this is an overall improvement.
One notable upgrade is the new 50-megapixel main camera sensor with larger pixels, providing improved image quality. However, the optical image stabilization present in the 2022 version has been removed. On the bright side, Motorola has eliminated the low-resolution macro and depth sensors and combined them into one in the ultrawide camera. The 8-megapixel ultrawide camera now serves as both a macro camera and a depth sensor, enhancing the capabilities of portrait mode shots. This consolidation of features is a commendable move by Motorola.
In addition, the Moto G Stylus 5G still retains the headphone jack, making it one of the few midrange phones to offer this feature. It now comes with stereo speakers for an improved audio experience. Motorola claims that the stylus actions have been made “simpler and more natural,” although the stylus features appear to be similar to last year’s model. Other notable features include a MicroSD slot, a large 5,000mAh battery, 20W fast charging, and NFC support. The G Stylus 5G will receive one OS version upgrade and three years of security support, maintaining the same level of software support as last year’s model but falling short of the five years offered by Samsung’s midrange Galaxy A54 5G.
Overall, the Moto G Stylus 5G – 2023 edition shows promise, and it provides another strong option in the midrange smartphone segment, potentially giving Samsung and Google some competition. The device will be available for purchase starting June 2nd at Cricket Wireless, followed by availability at AT&T and T-Mobile. Unlocked versions will be sold by Motorola, Amazon, and Best Buy starting on June 16th.
