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TechRight's Motorola Moto G Stylus Review

Motorola · Reviewed by TechRight · Published 2026-04-17

Rating 4/5Source quality 100/100Evidence 15Claims 9Q&A 7Pros 11Cons 5

Based on a review by TechRight (accessed 2026-04-17).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Improved and accurate built-in stylus with on-screen cursor and scroll wheel
  • Annoyed by — Plastic chassis instead of metal

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about improved and accurate built-in stylus with on-screen cursor and scroll wheel — just accept plastic chassis instead of metal.

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that the Moto G Stylus 2026 is a "solid option" and a "really good option" for its $499 price, praising the stylus improvements, bright display, and loud speakers. His primary disappointment is the commitment to only two major OS updates.

About this source

This video provides an unboxing and first impressions review of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026. The reviewer covers the device's specifications, design, camera features, stylus functionality, display quality, speaker performance, and overall value, comparing it to previous models and competitors.

Review notes

The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2026) is a compelling mid-range alternative to premium stylus phones, offering a notably improved stylus experience. Its AMOLED display boasts 5,000 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a finely tipped, more accurate stylus that feels like writing on paper. However, the device utilizes a plastic chassis and the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which is a generation behind the reviewer's expectation for a 2026 model. If you need a capable smartphone with an excellent stylus without the flagship price tag, this device is a strong contender. If you prioritize the absolute latest processor technology, you might want to consider other options.

What the reviewer liked

  • Improved and accurate built-in stylus with on-screen cursor and scroll wheel
  • Premium feel and "coal smoke" color with vegan leather back
  • IP68 and IP69 dust-tight and water resistance
  • Bright 5,000 nits peak brightness AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Expandable storage up to 1TB via physical SIM tray
  • 5200 mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Solid UI performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
  • Stereo speakers
  • 32-megapixel front-facing camera capable of 4K at 30fps
  • Circle to Search feature

What the reviewer criticised

  • Plastic chassis instead of metal
  • Uses Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 instead of the expected Gen 4 or 7 series
  • Price is $100 more than previous models
  • Only two major operating system updates and three years of security patches
  • No charger included in the box

Structured claims

At $499, the Moto G Stylus 2026 offers a premium feel and solid specifications, making it a good alternative to more expensive stylus-equipped phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

comparison_claimstrong

The built-in stylus has an on-screen cursor, a convenient scroll wheel toolbar for annotations and notes, and feels significantly more accurate than last year's model, providing a paper-like writing experience.

reviewer_claimstrong

The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, 1B colors, and an impressive 5000 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent clarity and visibility, especially outdoors.

specification_claimstrong

The stereo speakers are very loud with good bass, although they have a "small twinge of tin," making them "perfect for a $500 phone" and louder than comparable mid-range Samsung devices.

comparison_claimmoderate

The dual camera setup (50MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide) and 32MP front camera offer solid shutter speed, decent photo quality, and recording capabilities up to 4K at 30fps, along with various modes and features like Circle to Search.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor is deemed powerful enough to handle UI scrolling and general usage for at least two to three years.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Motorola commits to two major operating system updates and three years of security patches for the Moto G Stylus 2026, which the reviewer wished was more extensive.

specification_claimmoderate

The "coal smoke" color and "vegan leather" back contribute to a "sexy" and "premium" feel, enhancing the overall build quality and design.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Moto G Stylus 2026 includes a physical SIM tray that allows users to expand storage up to 1TB, alleviating concerns about limited internal storage.

specification_claimstrong

Evidence items

Core Specifications and Price

specification_claimneutralt=0:09–0:25

The reviewer states the Moto G Stylus 2026 retails for $499 and features 8GB RAM, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, a 5200mAh battery, 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance.

Price Comparison to Galaxy S26 Ultra

comparisonpositivet=0:25–0:29

The reviewer highlights that the Moto G Stylus is a "fraction of the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra," positioning it as a more affordable, yet premium, alternative.

Unboxing Contents

visual_inspectionneutralt=0:48–1:00

During the unboxing, the reviewer shows that the phone comes with a USB Type-C to Type-C data cable and a SIM ejector tool, but notably, no charger is included in the box.

Design and Build Materials

visual_inspectionpositivet=1:05–1:20

The reviewer showcases the phone in "coal smoke" color and describes the back as "vegan leather" or "pleather," noting its "sexy" and "masculine" aesthetic. He also observes the plastic chassis around the device.

Rear Camera Specifications

specification_claimneutralt=1:20–1:30

The phone features a dual-camera setup on the back, comprising a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, capable of recording video at 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at up to 120 frames per second.

Expandable Storage Capability

specification_claimpositivet=1:40–1:45

The device features a physical SIM tray that allows users to expand the storage up to 1TB, alleviating concerns about the internal 128GB limit.

Stylus Physical Feel and Build

hands_on_demopositivet=1:55–2:00

The reviewer observes that the stylus feels "a little bit heftier than last year's," suggesting an improvement in its physical build and premium feel.

Front-Facing Camera Specifications

specification_claimneutralt=2:30–2:35

The phone is equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera that is capable of recording at 4K at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS.

Display Specifications and Peak Brightness

specification_claimpositivet=3:00–3:25

The phone features an AMOLED display with 1B colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and an "extremely extremely bright" 5000 nits peak brightness.

Stylus On-Screen Cursor and Toolbar Demo

hands_on_demopositivet=3:50–4:40

The reviewer demonstrates the stylus's on-screen cursor and a scroll wheel that appears when the stylus button is pressed, offering functions like annotating, creating notes, adding content to notes, and hover to magnify.

Stylus Writing Experience and Accuracy

hands_on_demopositivet=4:55–5:20

The reviewer tests the stylus, stating it "feels really good" and "feels like you are actually writing on a piece of paper," adding that it is "much more accurate than last year's device."

UI Performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

reviewer_claimpositivet=6:00–6:10

The reviewer asserts that the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor provides "enough power" for smooth UI scrolling and should sufficiently power the device for two to three years.

Camera Shutter Speed and Photo Quality

hands_on_demopositivet=6:20–6:30

The reviewer quickly tests the camera's shutter speed, finding it "solid," and describes the resulting photo as "solid looking."

Speaker Loudness and Audio Quality Test

measurement_testpositivet=7:35–8:05

After playing a 4K video, the reviewer describes the stereo speakers as "very, very loud" with "very good bass," noting a "small twinge of tin." He concludes they are "perfect for a $500 phone" and louder than the Galaxy A57 and A37.

Display Clarity and Outdoor Visibility for Video

visual_inspectionpositivet=8:05–8:45

The reviewer watches a 4K video, stating the display looks "great" with "very, very good colors" and "excellent clarity." He emphasizes the 5,000 nit peak brightness as excellent for use in direct sunlight.

Quick answers

  • How much does the Moto G Stylus 2026 cost? The reviewer states that the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026 Edition is priced at approximately $499, making it a more affordable alternative compared to high-end stylus phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
  • Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 2026 improved? The reviewer highlights significant improvements, noting the stylus feels heftier than last year's model, is much more accurate, and provides a "paper-like" writing experience.
  • How is the display quality of the Moto G Stylus 2026? The Moto G Stylus 2026 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, 1B colors, and an impressive 5000 nits peak brightness.
  • Are the speakers on the Moto G Stylus 2026 any good? The stereo speakers are described as "very, very loud" and delivering "very good bass," although with a "small twinge of tin." The reviewer concludes they are "perfect for a $500 phone" and superior to some other mid-range devices like the…

Buyer questions answered

How much does the Moto G Stylus 2026 cost?

The reviewer states that the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026 Edition is priced at approximately $499, making it a more affordable alternative compared to high-end stylus phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 2026 improved?

The reviewer highlights significant improvements, noting the stylus feels heftier than last year's model, is much more accurate, and provides a "paper-like" writing experience. It also features an on-screen cursor and a scroll wheel toolbar for functions like annotating and note-taking.

How is the display quality of the Moto G Stylus 2026?

The Moto G Stylus 2026 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, 1B colors, and an impressive 5000 nits peak brightness. The reviewer notes it looks "great" with "very, very good colors" and "excellent clarity," performing well even in direct sunlight.

Are the speakers on the Moto G Stylus 2026 any good?

The stereo speakers are described as "very, very loud" and delivering "very good bass," although with a "small twinge of tin." The reviewer concludes they are "perfect for a $500 phone" and superior to some other mid-range devices like the Galaxy A57 and A37.

What are the camera specifications and performance like?

The phone features a 50-megapixel wide-angle and 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, along with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. It supports 4K at 30fps video recording. The reviewer found the shutter speed "solid" and the initial photo quality "solid looking."

Can the Moto G Stylus 2026 storage be expanded?

The device includes a physical SIM tray that allows users to expand its storage capacity significantly, up to 1TB, beyond the internal 128GB, which is a positive feature highlighted by the reviewer.

How many software updates will the Moto G Stylus 2026 receive?

Motorola has committed to providing two major operating system updates and three years of security patches for the Moto G Stylus 2026. The reviewer expressed a desire for more extensive OS update support, noting this as a minor drawback.

Specs mentioned in this review

Core Specifications and Price
The reviewer states the Moto G Stylus 2026 retails for $499 and features 8GB RAM, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, a 5200mAh battery, 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance
Rear Camera Specifications
The phone features a dual-camera setup on the back, comprising a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, capable of recording video at 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at up to 120 frames per second
Expandable Storage Capability
The device features a physical SIM tray that allows users to expand the storage up to 1TB, alleviating concerns about the internal 128GB limit
Front-Facing Camera Specifications
The phone is equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera that is capable of recording at 4K at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS
Display Specifications and Peak Brightness
The phone features an AMOLED display with 1B colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and an "extremely extremely bright" 5000 nits peak brightness
Speaker Loudness and Audio Quality Test
After playing a 4K video, the reviewer describes the stereo speakers as "very, very loud" with "very good bass," noting a "small twinge of tin

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

100/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

The TechRight channel presents an unboxing and initial review of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026, highlighting its $499 price point and key specifications including a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 5200mAh battery, and IP68/IP69 rating. The video demonstrates the phone's design, including its vegan leather back and plastic chassis, and details the dual-camera setup and expandable storage. A significant portion focuses on the improved stylus, showcasing its new on-screen cursor, toolbar, and enhanced accuracy for a paper-like writing experience. The reviewer also evaluates the 5000-nit AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and discusses the software experience and update policy.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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About this page

This page converts TechRight's review of the Motorola Motorola Moto G Stylus into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate

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