The revamped Moto G Stylus 5G launches with a $399 price tag

Camera-wise, the Stylus 5G rocks the same four-lens setup that’s become a staple across Motorola’s lineup, including a 48MP main sensor with pixel binning. Backing it up are a 8MP wide-angle lens, 2MP depth sensor for portrait and AR, and a 8MP macro lens. This represents a small upgrade in the sensors and lenses used, and the setup should yield perfectly good results.

On the software side, the Stylus 5G offers a new Dual Capture for simultaneous recording from both the front and back cameras, along with a new Spot Color Video mode that will allow you to shoot videos with just one hue.

Another major bonus is that 256GB storage comes standard, which should ensure ample space for all your photos, doodles, and apps. There’s also a considerable boost to 6GB of RAM, up from 4GB, to offer enhanced multitasking and overall smoother performance, along with a bigger 5,000mAh battery. Motorola has been something of a dark horse for battery life, and if its reputation is anything to go by, the Stylus 5G should easily last all day, all night, and then some.

… and some noticeable absences, too

That’s not to say the Stylus 5G’s spec list won’t raise any eyebrows. Firstly, Moto’s decided on a Snapdragon 480 SoC, which is technically a downgrade from the SD678 on the last Stylus model. Still, the SD480 is a newer processor with more recent transistor technology (8nm versus 11nm), so the phone should theoretically handle most usage just fine.

 

Less excusable is the lack of NFC, which has grown close to indispensable (even more so in this day and age). Skipping over contactless payments is surprisingly common within Motorola’s roster, and it looks like the unfortunate trend continues here.

Motorola has really been announcing more phones than anybody else, but it’s worth considering that these releases form a cohesive effort across the midrange spectrum, and across localities. This strategy of tailored devices to target region-specific niches has been well received so far, and the new Moto G Stylus 5G is a natural extension of this arc.

The $399 price tag is low, but not super-low

The Stylus 5G faces stiff competition from the likes of the Pixel 4a 5G, or even Motorola’s own One 5G Ace—both capable devices priced in a similar range. The value proposition will largely come down to how much merit you place in having a stylus. Regardless, though, Motorola’s latest effort is in line with its recent releases, offering a solid set of specs and features at an accessible price point.

If Motorola’s new offering seems enticing, you’ll be glad to know that the device will be available unlocked for $399 at a wide range of third-party retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Walmart, in addition to the brand’s own website. As for carrier deals, the phone will also be available for direct purchase from most major carriers, including AT&T and T-Mobile. Select carriers will also have a version with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, though the 256GB/6GB variant is standard.

Verizon is conspicuously missing; the phone is compatible with Verizon’s low- and mid-band 5G network but not the high-band mmWave. The carrier won’t sell the device directly, but you shouldn’t have any compatibility issues should you choose to buy it unlocked.

The Moto G Stylus 5G will be available next week, starting June 14th.