You might not have to spend Galaxy Note money if you’re looking for a pen-toting phone with 5G. Motorola has unveiled the Moto G Stylus 5G, a budget Android phone that offers both perks — with a few caveats.
The highlight, as you might guess, is a pen-capable 6.8-inch “FHD+” (that is, 1080p) display combined with next-gen wireless. You could sketch a scene on your Moto G Stylus 5G and quickly share it across social networks. You’ll also find a large 5,000mAh battery, up to 256GB of expandable storage, and a quad rear camera array that includes a 48MP Quad Pixel main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. A 16MP front camera handles selfies.
Related: Why is there no real competition to Samsung’s S Pen?
This isn’t a powerhouse, though. The new Moto G Stylus sticks with a modest Snapdragon 480 chip, and you’ll get either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. There’s also no IP rating for water resistance (it’s merely “water repellent”) or NFC, and you’ll have to be content with a 10W charger. You’re buying this for the 5G and stylus, and not much else.
An unlocked version of the Moto G Stylus 5G will be available through Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, Motorola, and Walmart on the June 14 release date at a price of $399.99. Pre-orders start today. It will come to AT&T, Cricket, T-Mobile, Metro, Boost Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile sometime later.
That price makes the Moto G Stylus 5G more of a specialist device than a strong all-rounder. Pay $50 less and can get you a Google Pixel 4a that should have a faster chip and take better photos, albeit without the pen or faster cell data. And if you’re open to other platforms, Apple’s iPhone SE will boast a much faster processor for the same outlay. If a stylus is a must-have, though, you probably won’t find many affordable alternatives.
