Latest news with #midrange
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Honor 400 5G Review: Form meets function
The Honor 400 5G is the latest mid-ranger, part of Honor's "number" series. The phone launched on 21 May and comes in two flavors, a "Pro" version and a vanilla 400. Today we're going to focus on the core model. The 256GB version of the Honor 400 5G starts at €499, which puts it in direct contention with the Samsung Galaxy A56, the Pixel 9a, and the iPhone 16e - three midrange phones from the three biggest brands out there. Honor managed to achieve this attractive price tag by cutting some corners in some areas, while in others the phone excels, challenging even flagships. Time to take a deeper look. The Honor 400 5G managed a composite score of 6.4, which is right between its main competitors — the Galaxy A56 (6.1) and the iPhone 16e (6.6). The final score is dragged down by the lack of wireless charging and the somewhat low video score, but the phone does well in the main camera department, wired charging, and also the display part. Let's start with an overview of the Honor 400 5G specs: The design language of the Honor number series has certainly changed. The core model now employs a much more modern flat design, with flat sides, front, and back. Some might argue that this design has become so widespread that most modern phones look the same, and this is true to some extent. The Honor 400 5G, however, has a very distinctive and unique camera housing. This camera bump has the shape of a trapezoid with rounded corners and houses two big vertically positioned circles—for the main and ultrawide cameras. There's an offset smaller circle with an LED flash inside. Overall, the end result is pretty stylish, especially in the Desert Gold color variant. The size and weight of the phone are average—right in the middle with the 6.55-inch screen and the weight of 184 grams. In the hand the phone feels sturdy and substantial, well-made, without any flex or weird sounds when put under load and pressure. All the available colors for the Honor 400 5G | Image by Honor We already mentioned the Desert Gold color option (it's the best in our opinion), but you can get the phone in two other hues—Midnight Black, Meteor Silver. There's a special color called Tidal Blue but at the moment it's not available globally. A modest retail box, just in line with what other brands are doing (bye-bye included chargers and cases) | Image by PhoneArena Sadly, another trend has caught up with the Honor 400 5G, and it's the barebones retail box one. There's no charging brick included, nor any back cover or case. You get only the phone and a USB-C cable. A small bonus is the pre-applied screen protector. These are the times we're living in. A gorgeous AMOLED screen that's plenty bright | Image by PhoneArena Moving to one of the best features of the Honor 400 5G—its display. The 6.55-inch AMOLED panel is great—bright, vibrant, and smooth. Honor claims 5000 nits of peak brightness, which is overkill and probably measured with a very small portion of the display lit, but we have tested these claims in our lab, and the results are below. The Honor 400 5G managed to shine with around 1600 nits both at 20% APL and with the whole display lit, which goes to show that there's a limit set on the brightness. Nevertheless, this result is pretty impressive, and in real life the phone is legible even under very bright sunlight. Other metrics, such as color accuracy, minimum brightness and color temperature, are also up there with much more expensive models. The Honor 400 goes down to just 1.5 nits of minimum brightness, and also sports an average deltaE of 1.22—very good color calibration from the factory. In terms of biometrics, we have an under-screen optical fingerprint scanner, which is the most popular solution nowadays. It's not as fast or as accurate as an ultrasonic one but gets the job done. The classic wide-ultrawide combination on the back of the Honor 400 5G | Image by PhoneArena We do all kind of scientific measurements in our lab in order to produce camera score that is as objective as possible. The Honor 400 5G main camera scores a decent result, and even though the phone doesn't have a dedicated telephoto, the zoom results are also decent (thanks to crops from the huge main sensor). Where the phone lags behind is video, both shot with the main camera and the ultrawide. The selfie result is pretty good, though. Honor went down the well traveled road of dual camera systems, slapping a main and ultrawide cameras on the back of the Honor 400 5G. What grabs attention is the 200MP sensor under the lens of the main camera. The sensor itself is 1/1.4", so decently large, and it sits under lens with f/1.9 aperture. The ultrawide camera is nothing to write home about. There's a 12MP sensor, the aperture is f/2.2 and we've got 112-degree field of view. You can check out some samples below. All in all, just like our lab tests showed, the main camera of the Honor 400 5G is doing the heavy lifting. It produces quite pleasant and detailed photos with wide dynamic range and accurate colors. The ultrawide is just okay, there's some loss of detail due to the small-ish sensor but nothing major. As the phone doesn't have a dedicated telephoto, all zoom shots are either 2x crops from the main sensor (which are quite nice, as there are more than enough pixels at hand), or digital (4x). The selfie shots are also pleasant, thanks to the 50MP selfie camera, one of the largest pixel-count-wise on a phone in this price range. You can check out the quick video sample above. The image stabilization is decent, and the detail is good, but colors seem a bit weird and there are occasional exposure troubles here and there. In our lab, the video quality scored somewhat low, but in real life it's decent and gets the job done. MagicOS 9 powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Image by PhoneArena Unlike the "Pro" model, the vanilla Honor 400 5G comes equipped with a midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. There's 8GB of RAM on all storage variants (256GB and 512GB), and this constitutes the average midranger (forming sort of a tautology). Unsurprisingly, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is not really a powerhouse. The CPU scores put the phone last, compared to the relevant competitors from the three biggest brands. Even the Pixel 9a with its Tensor G4 is faster, and the Samsung A56 (the main rival, as we see it) is also faster in raw synthetic CPU benchmarks. That said, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 gets the everyday job done decently, there aren't any lags or stutters during normal day-to-day tasks, and you can play games if you like, the phone is more than capable of handling most of those as well. GPU Performance Speaking of games, the GPU performance is a bit better on the Honor 400 compared to what the Exynos inside the Galaxy A56 achieved, so it's a consolation of sorts. If you want the most power for the least amount of cash, though, the iPhone 16e is unbeatable in this particular task with its A18 chip inside. Honor 400 5G Software The Honor 400 5G comes running MagicOS 9 out of the box, based on Android 15. There are some clever AI tricks on board, carried over from the flagship Magic series. You can use Magic Portal to quickly select images and text and send them to another app. You can also translate text and audio in real time, get help with your writing, and generate subtitles for songs, movies, etc. There's also a deepfake detection feature that uses AI and can detect spam audio and video calls. But the really cool AI feature comes from Google, and it's called Image to Video. This can be found inside the Gallery app under the tab select a photo to be turned into a video, and after a couple of seconds, you get a pretty amazing result. People start walking, cars start driving, and old oil paintings come to life. It's a neat feature, and you can do a lot of cool stuff with it—for example, take a black and white picture of your great-grandfather and make it move. Finally, Honor stepped up its game with the software updates and now offers up to 6 years of major OS updates for the Honor 400 5G, matching what Samsung is doing with the Galaxy A56 . Honor is now well into the fourth generation of its silicon-carbon batteries, so we expected great things from the 5,300 mAh cell inside the Honor 400 5G. Especially given the midrange chipset. Sadly, the phone performs rather mediocre, getting beaten by competitors with smaller batteries (e.g. the Galaxy A56 ), and the main culprit seems to be browsing score. The phone manages just 13 hours, where competitors are able to go for 17-20 hours in the same test. The Honor 400 5G supports up to 66W of wired charging power, and this juice fills the battery from zero to full in 45 minutes. In this particular area the Honor outperforms its competitors, which all need twice as long (or even longer) to charge to full. Fast wired charging but no wireless - it is what it is | Image by PhoneArena The other area where Honor cut some corners is wireless charging. Or the lack of it. There are no wireless charging coils inside the Honor 400, and there's not much else to be said about it. If you're into using this tech, it will be a drawback for you. When it comes to audio we were pleasantly surprised by the Honor 400 and its stereo system. The loudness is decent and there's almost no harmonic distortion even at max volume. You can spot some in the high frequency, but all in all, the audio quality is quite good. There's no 3.5 mm headphone jack, so you need to rely on Bluetooth headphones or use an adapter. In terms of haptic feedback, the vibration produced by the motor inside the phone is strong and also tight, you won't miss a notification or a call in silent mode. It's a good-looking device, but is it enough for a buying decision? | Image by PhoneArena Time for the million-dollar question! Should you buy the Honor 400 5G? The answer, anticlimactically, is it depends. The phone does some things right and neglects others. For starters, the display is beautiful—thin bezels, bright and colorful, sharp and detailed. The main camera is also pretty decent; not many phones in this price range get the 200MP treatment in this the wired charging is pretty fast, and we can't overlook the design (quite literally). Last but not least, the Honor 400 comes with the promise of 6 years of major OS updates, though we're not sure if the hardware will manage to live up to that promise. Now, not everything is roses, though. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is not the fastest midrange processor, and we doubt it will be able to keep the phone running smoothly for 6 long years. There's no wireless charging, and the video quality is not on par with the competition. But you get what you pay for, in the end. For €499, the Honor 400 5G offers quite a decent package. If you want to go against the grain and not reach out and grab a Galaxy A56 or a Pixel 9a , this phone could be a decent alternative.
![Honor 400 & 400 Pro: Every Feature Revealed]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geeky-gadgets.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2Fhonor-400-pro-mid-range-smartphone_optimized.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![Honor 400 & 400 Pro: Every Feature Revealed]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeeky-gadgets.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Honor 400 & 400 Pro: Every Feature Revealed]
The Honor 400 and 400 Pro have made a notable entry into the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling combination of performance, features, and affordability. These devices are designed for users who seek value without compromising on essential functionality. In a highly competitive segment, the Honor 400 series aims to deliver a balanced experience that appeals to a wide range of consumers. The video below from The Tech chap gives us more details on the two new handsets. Watch this video on YouTube. Performance: Power Meets Efficiency The Honor 400 series is engineered to handle everyday tasks with ease, providing a level of performance that rivals more expensive alternatives. Both models are equipped with efficient processors and optimized software, making sure smooth multitasking and reliable operation. Whether you're streaming videos, browsing the web, or managing multiple apps simultaneously, these devices are built to keep up with your daily demands. For users with more intensive needs, such as gaming or running resource-heavy applications, the Honor 400 Pro offers enhanced processing power. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their smartphones. The Pro model ensures that even demanding tasks are handled seamlessly, delivering a performance edge that sets it apart in the mid-range category. Features That Enhance Everyday Use The Honor 400 and 400 Pro are packed with features designed to cater to diverse user preferences, making sure a well-rounded experience. Key highlights include: High-Resolution Displays : Both models feature vibrant and immersive screens, enhancing your viewing experience whether you're watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through photos. : Both models feature vibrant and immersive screens, enhancing your viewing experience whether you're watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through photos. Advanced Camera Systems : Capture sharp, detailed images with cameras optimized for various lighting conditions, making them suitable for casual photography and social media sharing. : Capture sharp, detailed images with cameras optimized for various lighting conditions, making them suitable for casual photography and social media sharing. Long-Lasting Battery Life : Stay connected throughout the day with batteries designed to minimize the need for frequent recharging, making sure reliability during busy schedules. : Stay connected throughout the day with batteries designed to minimize the need for frequent recharging, making sure reliability during busy schedules. Fast-Charging Technology: Reduce downtime with quick charging capabilities that allow you to regain power swiftly and get back to your activities. The Honor 400 Pro takes these features a step further with premium upgrades, including improved camera sensors for superior image quality and expanded storage options to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos. These enhancements make the Pro model an appealing choice for users who want a more robust and versatile smartphone experience. Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality One of the standout aspects of the Honor 400 series is its affordability. These smartphones are positioned as budget-friendly options that deliver a premium-like experience at a fraction of the cost. By focusing on essential features and avoiding unnecessary extras, Honor has created devices that offer exceptional value for money. This approach makes the Honor 400 and 400 Pro accessible to a broad audience, including students, young professionals, and anyone seeking a reliable smartphone without exceeding their budget. The balance between cost and quality ensures that these devices meet the needs of users who prioritize practicality and performance. Standing Out in a Crowded Market In a competitive mid-range smartphone market, the Honor 400 series distinguishes itself by focusing on core user needs: performance, reliability, and affordability. While some manufacturers emphasize niche features or brand prestige, Honor takes a more practical approach, delivering devices that excel in everyday functionality. The Honor 400 and 400 Pro are designed to meet the demands of modern users, offering a seamless blend of technology and usability. By prioritizing features that matter most, such as display quality, camera performance, and battery life, these smartphones provide a well-rounded experience that resonates with a wide range of consumers. In a market filled with options, the Honor 400 series stands out as a dependable and value-oriented choice. Whether you're upgrading your current phone or purchasing your first smartphone, these devices offer a compelling package that delivers on all fronts. Dive deeper into Honor 400 with other articles and guides we have written below. Huawei Ascend Mate 2 Lands In The U.S. Source & Image Credit: The Tech Chap Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Phone Arena
Fresh leak reveals Motorola Moto G86's entire body (and colors)
Judging by the latest reports, Motorola will have a pretty busy couple of weeks next month. After consistent leaks about the Moto G56, another Motorola mid-range phone had just emerged online before the US-based company even announced it, the Moto G86. Based on the name of the phone, the Moto G86 will be a better mid-range phone compared to the Moto G56, but also more expensive. Unsurprising, the two Moto G series phones look about the same, only their colors and dimensions seem to be different, at least according to the latest high-resolution pictures leaked recently. The Moto G86 will be available in at least four different PANTONE-certified colors: Cosmic Sky, Spellbound, Chrysantemum, and Golden Cypress. These are just marketing names for Blue, Black, Pink, and Green colors. Motorola Moto G86 (PANTONE Golden Cypress) | Images credits: The report also claims the Moto G86 will be available in different storage versions: 128GB, 256GB, and 256GB. Some of these variants will feature 8GB RAM, while others come with 12GB RAM. As far as the specs go, these are just rumors, but it looks like Motorola decided to use MediaTek's chipset for its entire Moto G series. That said, the Moto G86 is said to pack a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, a slightly better chip than Moto G56's Dimensity the camera department, the Moto G86 seems to use the standard dual setup: 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 main sensor and 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle snapper. In the front, the Moto G86 has a large 32-megapixel selfie camera, the same that's rumored to be packed inside the Moto G56. Motorola Moto G86 (PANTONE Cosmic Sky) | Images credits: Moving on to the front part, the Moto G86 is rumored to feature a 6.67-inch pOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. That would make the Moto G86 smaller than that Moto G56, which sports a 6.72-inch panel. However, just like the Moto G56, the Moto G86 packs a decent 5,200 mAh battery with support for 33W wired charging speeds. It will also come with some sort of dust and water protection, possibly IP68 and IP69 rating, but this hasn't been confirmed yet. Other highlights of the phone include dual-stereo speaker setup featuring Dolby Atmos support, USB Type-C, and Android 15. Motorola Moto G86 (PANTONE Spellbound) | Images credits: Strangely enough, the Moto G86 doesn't bring too many upgrades over the Moto G85. It has a slightly better chipset and a bigger battery (not by much), but that's about it. If these leaked specs prove to be accurate, the Moto G86 won't be as appealing as the Moto G56 because the improvements are minimal.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Why The Pixel 10 Will Be Google's Latest Game Changer
Pixel 9 lifestyle image The mid-range smartphone market is one of the most competitive of any year. Samsung, with the Galaxy A56 and Honor, with the titular Honor 400, are working hard to stand out and claim the space as their own. Google will be stepping into that market with the Pixel 10. How does it hope to stand out and shape the space to its benefit? There will be one evident change to the Pixel 10 over last year's equivalent. Where the Pixel 9 came with two lenses on the main camera, the Pixel 10 is expected to introduce a third lens. This will be a telephoto lens, the first in one of the modern vanilla Pixel models. There will be a cost to that. The wide and ultrawide camera lenses will not follow 50 megapixel wide and 48 megapixel ultrawide in the Pixel 9, but instead the Pixel 9a's 48 megapixel wide and 13 megapixel ultrawide. No doubt Google will lean into the advantages that AI will offer when processing the imaging data to make up the shortfall. Meanwhile, consumers will see the telephoto option as something new that exceeds the lens count of some of the competition. For those that match the count, it reduces one more negative point from the sales package. Unlike flagship smartphones, which tend to stick with the latest generation of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Series, the mid-range has a wide range of chipsets to choose from. You have the fallback of the Snapdragon 7 series used by Honor, Samsung's own Exynos chipset in the A56, and Mediatek's Dimensity in Xiaomi's 14T. Since the Pixel 6, Google has shipped Pixels with its own design of chips. The fifth generation Tensor mobile chip will ship with the Pixel 10 family, and it's widely expected that all Pixel 10 models will ship with an identical Tensor G5. The most significant advantage of Tensor is Google developing it alongside Gemini and various AI software. Tensor has many of the subroutines required 'baked in' to the silicon, making for both a faster experience and one where more options can be leveraged. This year the Tensor Mobile will be manufactured by TSMC using its 3nm N3E process. This should offer gains both in battery life and raw performance. Tensor is not designed for ultimate performance. Instead, it is geared towards the best day-to-day experience for consumers. Android 16 is going through the final steps of its public beta test. The gold version will be heading to manufacturers over the summer, ready to be bundled up into the latest smartphones first, before becoming available over the air as a software upgrade. It won't come as a surprise that the Pixel family will be some of the first smartphones to ship with Android 16 out of the box. That will give the Pixel 10 a short-term advantage over the competition. Android 16 will also bundle the latest AI tools showcased at Google's I/O developer conference, which took place this month. Again, that gives the Pixel 10 a few months with the new AI tools until the rest of the mid-range smartphones are offered their own Android upgrades. There's one other advantage Google is handing the Pixel 10... it will offer seven years of software support through new versions of Android, as well as the requisite security fixes. That's one year more than the current leading smartphones at this price point. While the headlines will no doubt focus on the extra features in the Pixel 10 Pro and the larger display of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the Pixel 10 may have the heaviest impact on the market. The camera's hardware and software will be pushed to the limit, the latest version of Android will steer the conversation around mobile AI towards Google's vision, and the issue of the longevity of mid-range handsets will remain a point of discussion. Behind the headlines, the Pixel 10 is ready to deliver. Now read the latest Google Pixel 10, Samsung Galaxy and Qualcomm Snapdragon headlines in Forbes' weekly smartphone news digest...
Digital Trends
23-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Moto G Stylus (2025) review: this phone is a $400 note-taker's dream
Moto G Stylus (2025) MSRP $399.99 Score Details 'There really are no other phones that offer this range of features, plus a built-in stylus, at this price point.' Pros Striking design and color science Bright, vibrant, high-refresh AMOLED display Fantastic battery with wireless charging Durable build with IP68 and MIL-810H ratings Stylus housing is rock solid Excellent value Cons Only 2 years of OS updates Stylus lacks pressure sensitivity and reliable palm rejection Moto AI features feel half baked 'Why you can trust Digital Trends – We have a 20-year history of testing, reviewing, and rating products, services and apps to help you make a sound buying decision. Find out more about how we test and score products.' At $400, the Moto G Stylus isn't pretending to be a flagship. But the signature stylus inserted inside its frame is the kind of trick usually reserved for premium devices like the excellent Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Recommended Videos This makes the Moto G Stylus one of the only phones in its class that caters to note-takers, casual doodlers like myself, and anyone who likes having a little extra control in their hands. I will admit, I'm not a stylus super-fan. I often have to remind myself to use one when a phone supports it. Having said that, the Moto G Stylus is not a one-trick pony, as Motorola has packed a lot of impressive features into an affordable device. I'm pretty impressed by what phones like these mean for the increasingly competitive mid-range category in 2025. Moto G Stylus (2025) specs Moto G Stylus 2025 Size 162.15×74.78×8.29mm (6.38×2.94x.32 inches) Weight 191g (6.73 ounces) Display 6.7″ AMOLED, Super HD (2712 x 1220), 120Hz , 20:9, 446ppi Processor and RAM Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3, 8 GB LPDDR4X Storage 256GB uMCP, 1TB microSD expandable Operating System Android™ 15 Connectivity 5G, Fingerprint reader, NFC, GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Dual SIM (1 Nano SIM + eSIM) Cameras Rear: 50MP (f/1.8, OIS), 13MP Ultrawide (120° FOV) Macro Vision, f/2.2) Front: 32MP (f/2.2) Durability IP68, MIL-STD-810H2 Battery and Charging 5000mAh, 68W TurboPower™5, 15W Wireless Charging Colors PANTONE Gibraltar Sea, PANTONE Surf the Web Price $399.99 Moto G Stylus (2025): Design The first thing I noticed about the Moto G Stylus was the attractive Pantone Surf the Web Blue color, a striking and vibrant colorway that stands out. Having recently reviewed the Moto G 2025, I was already familiar with the faux-leather backing, and I still like it, both visually and to the touch. It does a great job of uniting Motorola's brand signature across its mid-range fleet. I particularly love the two-tone finish on the plastic frame: a frosted band flanked by reflective coating on either side that sells a convincing glass-like look at first glance. The stylus has an embedded housing at the bottom of the device, and it has never popped out while docked inside my pocket. The spring ejection mechanism feels every bit as premium as the Galaxy S25 Ultra's S Pen. Despite its svelte form, the phone carries IP68 dust-and-water resistance, a first for the Stylus family, and military-grade MIL-810H shock and heat tolerance. Honestly, though, I never got 'rugged phone' vibes from the Moto G Stylus 2025. And yes, the wired headphone port is alive and well along the bottom edge for those still clinging on to analog audio, as is a micro-SD card slot for expanded storage. In some ways, that makes this device a bit of a throwback to a bygone era in Android smartphones. Moto G Stylus (2025): Display The 6.7-inch AMOLED Super HD panel refreshes at up to 120 Hz, though out of the box, the phone is set to an Auto refresh setting that adjusts dynamically depending on the content on the screen. Thankfully, I was able to lock it to 120 Hz, and my eyes were happier for it. Bright sunlight isn't much of a problem, thanks to a 3000-nit peak that rocks. Colors are vibrant, if not a bit overly punchy, which can easily be tamed in settings if it bugs you. I'm here for it, though. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and I can confirm that my coddled review unit has a few light scuffs after three weeks that are only noticeable in direct sunlight. Either I took it particularly easy on this review unit or the glass protection did its job respectfully. Moto G Stylus (2025): Performance The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 paired with 8 GB of RAM is fine enough for day-to-day stuff. Swapping between apps or launching the camera can cause a stutter here and there, but I never hit a true deal-breaker unless I tried to do too much too soon after a device restart. The phone seems to require a solid five minutes to work out all the boot-up kinks, which can trip up impatient users like me. Genshin Impact still takes its sweet time to load all of the shaders, but once in, it runs smoothly even when manually set to High graphics mode with only occasional slowdowns during big, bursty battles. Even after long gaming sessions, the back was only moderately warm and not concerning. Performance is certainly not blemish-free, but it's comfortably within my realm of acceptability for a device of this calibur. Geekbench 6 CPU (single) CPU (Multi) GPU Moto G Stylus (2025) 946 2539 2113 Pixel 9a 1746 4320 7662 Nothing Phone 3a 1061 3247 Moto G Stylus (2025): Software Android 15 with Motorola's MyUX tweaks is near-stock, save for Motorola's signature font that I don't love due to its tight kerning. Thankfully, there are several alternative fonts to switch to in customization settings. Motorola's signature gesture shortcuts, like double-twist for the camera and chop-chop for the flashlight, remain some of my favorite secrets hiding in plain sight on Motorola's phones. The Moto app adds deeper customization options than what can be found in a pure stock build. The biggest catch, however, is limited software support covering two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. Even Samsung's A16 offers six-year coverage at half the cost, and Google's Pixel 9a stretches to seven for $100 more. Mid-range is all about trade-offs, but you have to decide whether the stylus is worth sacrificing four more years of updates. Moto G Stylus (2025): Moto AI Motorola wants its mid-ranger to keep pace with the premium AI features found on more expensive devices, and Moto AI offers some of the more table-stakes AI features with mixed results. Magic Eraser can indeed remove objects from photos in the camera roll, but portions of the image can look as though they were bathed in acid. I wanted to enjoy Sketch-to-Image with its promise to turn doodles into fully realized art, but the results rarely match my sketches very closely. Moto AI seems to prefer wholesale re-imaginings in place of true collaboration. Processing happens in the cloud, so turnaround is inconsistent, though within reasonable bounds. Overall, I was less than impressed with Moto AI's output on the Moto G Stylus 2025. Moto G Stylus (2025): Stylus experience As I said earlier, I am not a stylus super-fan. Having cleared the air on that, I can share that I'm pretty impressed by how much the passive stylus here gets right, especially when compared to the three times more expensive Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Latency feels competitive with Samsung's S Pen, and I never felt slowed down while jotting notes freehand. Ejecting the stylus from a locked display launches a blank Moto Note most of the time, though I did encounter instances where I still had to tap the power button to kick things off. Popping the stylus out while the screen is on produces an on-screen shortcut bar similar in function to Samsung's Air Command. The fat nub on the tip of the stylus feels smooth and glassy with almost zero drag. Now, that being said, it's not perfect: there's no pressure sensitivity, making this far from ideal for anything beyond casual art, and palm rejection was often an iffy affair, forcing me to hover my writing hand awkwardly at times. For the basics, like scribbling quick ideas the moment they hit, the stylus definitely comes in handy. Moto G Stylus (2025): Cameras The 50MP main camera is improved over last year's model (one I didn't test), and I'm genuinely satisfied with its output in good light. Colors are pushed a bit further than what I'm used to from my daily driver, the Pixel 9 Pro, but the eye-popping look pairs beautifully with the AMOLED display. Outdoor shots keep cloud detail while preserving the information-dense landscape below. Night shots were always a mixed bag and rarely matched the quality that I'm used to from the Pixel 9a. Macro mode let me creep up on a stupid ant on our countertop, and the wood fibers on our backyard fence are captured with respectable detail intact. The wide-angle lens handled sunset playground shots of my kids with surprising poise. I was concerned that their quick movements in a low-light environment would result in smearing faces, but thankfully wasn't the case at all. The selfie camera is fine in a pinch, though things look crunchy on a larger monitor. Portrait mode did a reasonable job of simulating bokeh while I stood on a bridge in Petaluma, with only minor edge-detection misses. Is this the best mid-range camera? No, the Pixel 9a still takes that cake, but Motorola is closer than ever. Moto G Stylus (2025): Battery life and charging The phone is so slim and narrow that it's hard to believe a 5,000 mAh battery hides inside, yet I'm thrilled it does because the Moto G Stylus 2025 is an excellent battery performer. I looped a 4K YouTube video at max brightness for ten solid hours before it finally ran out of juice and powered itself off. In daily use, the phone routinely crossed a day and a half, sometimes flirting with two full days on a single charge. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 balances performance and power consumption well, and it shows. Though you won't find it in the box, the phone is capable of an impressive 68W of wired charging speed with the Motorola TurboPower 68W Charger. Midrange devices like this often easily sacrifice wireless charging to get the price down, but Motorola has included 15W wireless charging support that came in incredibly handy during my long car rides to my daughter's swim meets. It's not the fastest charge, but it still beats my much more expensive Pixel 9 Pro's 12W wireless charging speed on standard Qi charging pads. Moto G Stylus (2025): Verdict It has never been more exciting for midrange devices. Instead of being a category full of let-downs, companies are finally identifying a few key features that can truly set a handset apart. Motorola continues to deliver on its color science, along with its faux vegan leather that gives the lineup a recognizable signature that doesn't feel cheap or gaudy. Not only that, but Motorola is doubling down on critical pillars like battery life, premium display quality, respectable cameras, and solid performance. The biggest standout is the included stylus that, while not as cutting-edge as Samsung's, is a practical everyday tool for almost every pen fan except maybe hardcore artists. Color me impressed by the Moto G Stylus 2025. There really are no other phones that offer all of this, plus a built-in stylus, at this price point.
