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Android Authority
26-07-2025
- Android Authority
Google makes great apps, but these aren't it if you ask me
Andy Walker / Android Authority Google is a software company and knows how to make great apps. I mean, I use apps like Gmail, Maps, YouTube, and Drive on a regular basis. Then there are its AI-focused apps like NotebookLM, which is by far the most underrated app in Google's arsenal. However, there are a few apps I think are way underdeveloped and need some serious work. They're simply too basic for me, or lack many of the features you get with the competition. I know Google is all about simplicity at times, but it's taking things too far with some of its apps. I want to discuss four of them and explain why I think they desperately need an upgrade. Let's dive in. Which of these apps is your least favorite? 0 votes Keep NaN % Tasks NaN % YouTube Music NaN % Wallpapers NaN % Google Keep Joe Maring / Android Authority As far as note-taking apps go, Google Keep is as basic as they get. Even fundamental things like text formatting are very basic, with Keep only offering a few options. While the app itself launched over a decade ago, these basic formatting features were only widely rolled out to the Android app in 2023, with the desktop version catching up two months ago. You have two heading options on offer, as well as the ability to bold, italicize, and underline text. That's it. You can't change colors, adjust the font size outside of the available headings, or create a bulleted list. While you can upload images to a note, you can't place them in a specific area, as they automatically show up on top. You can create labels to try and organize your notes, but you can't create notebooks like with most of Google Keep's competitors. I get that Google is trying to keep this as a simple note-taking app, since a lot of people are into that. Not everyone wants an app that's as feature-packed as Evernote or Notion. However, there's a limit, and I think adding things like improved formatting options and a better system for organizing notes would still retain that simple nature Google is going for and significantly improve the app's overall usability. I was a Keep user for years but ultimately decided to move to a rival app for these very reasons. Google Tasks Andy Walker / Android Authority I tried this for a while and really wanted to love it, especially since it's well-integrated with Gemini, but I just can't stand it. If you think Keep is basic, take a look at Tasks. It's as barebones as it gets. I've been using Todoist for years, and it still feels like a very simple app to use. However, it's packed with features that improve the overall experience and don't get in my way if I don't want to use them. I love that I can write out 'Do laundry every Wednesday at 6 PM' and the app will create a recurring task right away. Since it supports natural language input, I don't have to manually select a date or time; I just type it out. That's simple and efficient. With Google Tasks, you get none of that. I also love that I can give a priority level to each task, use filters and labels for improved organization, create sub-projects, and see what's on my to-do list just today for improved focus, among many other features. With Google Tasks, you get none of that. The only features I can highlight are the ability to create lists and add a star to a task so you can find it faster. All very basic stuff, really. With the amount of money, knowledge, and manpower Google has, it should be able to make a proper to-do list app instead of giving us this barebones offering, which I don't think many people use. YouTube Music Nathan Drescher / Android Authority This is by far the most developed app on this list. It's a good one overall, I'll give it that, but it still needs work since it's facing tough competition from Spotify and the likes. I want to minimize the number of apps I use, so I'd ideally like YouTube Music to be my main app for podcasts, but that's not going to happen anytime soon. The podcast feature on YouTube Music feels like an afterthought instead of being well-integrated into the overall experience. It's very hard to find podcasts to listen to, as its discovery feature is not great compared to rival apps. If you know what you want to listen to, you can search for it, and that's that. But if you want to explore new podcasts in specific genres or see what other people are into, then YouTube Music is not that great. Then there are the limitations of the free plan. The music stops playing as soon as I turn off the screen, which isn't a big deal when I'm at home, as I tend to watch videos and check out lyrics while listening to my favorite jams. But when I'm in my car, turning off the display is a must as I want to preserve battery life. I can't do that with YouTube Music, but I think I should be able to, especially since Google gets plenty of cash from the two ads I have to listen to every fourth or fifth song. Spotify's free plan, for instance, allows for background playback when the screen is off, and what's even more interesting is that the number of ads I have to listen to is significantly lower compared to YouTube Music. Sure, Spotify has other limitations YouTube Music doesn't, but I can live with those while listening to music in my car. Google Wallpapers Robert Triggs / Android Authority Pixel 8 Pro I recently broke my phone and had to switch to an old OnePlus for the time being. I turned it on and found a Google Wallpaper app installed that I forgot existed. A wallpaper app from the maker of the Pixel and all those fancy apps I use at all times sounds exciting, but that excitement went away a few minutes after opening it. The app is super basic and has a very small selection of wallpapers, especially compared to a rival app like Zedge. The wallpapers are separated into only ten categories, which seems incredibly low considering how many categories similar apps offer. The selection of wallpapers is limited. Not only is the selection limited, the wallpapers themselves aren't really that good. Most are very generic in my opinion, although I did manage to find a few good ones. What I find interesting is that Google hasn't even bothered connecting the app with Gemini, which would allow users to create custom wallpapers based on prompts. Google has a competitive advantage here that it's simply not utilizing. The app itself is just so basic that I don't know why Google made it in the first place. These are the four apps Google needs to work on, but let me know in the comments if there are any others you think are sub-par. Some of these bring back memories of apps like Google Podcasts, which were so basic for reasons unknown to me that Google decided to kill them Which of these apps is your least favorite? 0 votes Keep NaN % Tasks NaN % YouTube Music NaN % Wallpapers NaN % . I don't think that's going to happen with apps like Keep and YouTube Music, but I don't think a lot of people would miss an app like Wallpapers. At least, I wouldn't.
Geeky Gadgets
23-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Stop Paying for Note-Taking Apps : Apple Notes Does It All for Free
Have you ever wondered if the perfect note-taking app has been sitting on your device all along? In a world flooded with productivity tools and subscription-based apps, it's easy to overlook the humble Apple Notes. But here's the truth: this unassuming app has quietly evolved into a powerhouse, offering a blend of simplicity and sophistication that rivals even the most popular paid alternatives. Whether you're sketching ideas with an Apple Pencil, organizing a complex project with smart folders, or locking sensitive information behind Face ID, Apple Notes delivers a seamless experience that's hard to beat—all without costing you a dime. Why pay for more when everything you need is already at your fingertips? Jason Barmer explores how Apple Notes has transformed from a basic utility into a versatile, feature-rich tool that can handle everything from fleeting thoughts to intricate workflows. You'll discover how its intuitive design, robust organization options, and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem make it an indispensable companion for both personal and professional use. Whether you're a student, a creative professional, or just someone who loves staying organized, this app has something to offer. By the end, you might just find yourself wondering why you ever considered anything else. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones you already have. Apple Notes Overview Effortless Note Creation and Accessibility Apple Notes is built for speed and convenience, allowing you to create notes in just seconds. With features like shortcuts, widgets, and intuitive gestures, starting a new note is seamless. For users with an Apple Pencil or compatible stylus, the app supports handwriting, allowing you to sketch, annotate, or write naturally. The handwriting recognition feature ensures that even handwritten notes are searchable, making it easier to retrieve information later. Additionally, the app includes audio recording with real-time transcription, which is particularly useful for capturing ideas during meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions. These tools make Apple Notes a versatile solution for both quick memos and detailed documentation. Streamlined Organization for Enhanced Productivity Keeping your notes organized is simple and efficient with Notes. You can manually sort notes into folders or take advantage of smart folders, which automatically categorize notes based on tags or specific criteria. This dynamic organization system ensures that important information is always easy to locate. With iCloud syncing, your notes are instantly accessible across all your Apple devices, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This synchronization not only enhances productivity but also ensures that your notes are always up to date, no matter where you are. Apple Notes is All You Need Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in Apple Notes by checking out these recommendations. Rich Formatting and Customization Options Notes offers a wide range of formatting tools to cater to diverse needs. You can structure your notes with titles, headings, bold text, italics, tables, and checklists. For users who prefer handwritten notes, the app includes features like auto-shape snapping and customizable page backgrounds, such as grids or lines, to create polished and functional notes. Additionally, Apple Notes supports basic calculations, allowing you to solve equations directly within your notes. These formatting and customization options make the app suitable for everything from casual note-taking to professional documentation. Integration and Interactivity Across the Apple Ecosystem One of the standout features of Notes is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The app supports note linking, allowing you to connect related notes for better organization and research. This feature is particularly valuable for managing complex projects or compiling information from multiple sources. The live text detection capability identifies phone numbers, addresses, and links within your notes, allowing direct interaction with this data. For example, you can call a number, open a website, or navigate to an address directly from your notes. These interactive features streamline workflows and enhance productivity, making Apple Notes a powerful tool for both personal and professional use. Versatile Importing and Exporting Features The iOS Notes app simplifies the process of importing and exporting content, making it a versatile option for managing files. You can scan documents or annotate PDFs directly within the app, eliminating the need for additional software. For users familiar with Markdown, Apple Notes supports importing and exporting notes while preserving formatting, catering to a wide range of preferences. These capabilities ensure that your notes remain accessible and adaptable, regardless of the format or platform you use. Prioritizing Privacy and Security Apple Notes places a strong emphasis on the security of your information. You can lock individual notes using a password, Touch ID, or Face ID, making sure that sensitive data remains protected. This feature makes the app suitable for storing confidential information, such as personal records, financial details, or work-related documents. With Apple's commitment to user privacy, you can trust that your data is safeguarded against unauthorized access. A Cost-Free, Accessible Solution One of the most appealing aspects of Apple Notes is its cost—it's completely free and comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. With iCloud syncing included, you can access your notes anytime, anywhere, without incurring additional expenses. This accessibility, combined with its robust feature set, makes Apple Notes an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and cost-effective note-taking solution. A Balanced Tool for Diverse Needs Apple Notes strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and advanced functionality, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of users. Its seamless integration with Apple devices, dynamic organizational features, and strong security measures make it a practical choice for both personal and professional use. Whether you need a quick way to jot down ideas, a tool to manage complex projects, or a secure space to store sensitive information, Apple Notes delivers a comprehensive solution—all without a price tag. Media Credit: Jason Barmer Filed Under: Apple, Guides 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.
Geeky Gadgets
07-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
12 Essential Apple Notes Features, Tips & Tricks for Smarter Note-Taking
Have you ever underestimated the humble note-taking app on your device? If so, you're not alone. Many people see Apple Notes as just a basic tool for jotting down quick thoughts or grocery lists, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, Apple Notes has quietly transformed into a powerhouse of productivity and creativity, packed with features that rival even dedicated productivity apps. From AI-powered tools that refine your writing to seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem, Apple Notes is designed to not only keep up with your life but to elevate it. If you're still treating it as a digital notepad, you're missing out on a world of possibilities. In this breakdown, Tech Girl takes you through 12 standout features that make Apple Notes so much more than a simple app. Whether you're looking to organize your tasks with smart folders, digitize physical documents with advanced scanning, or collaborate in real time with your team, there's something here for everyone. You'll also discover how Apple Notes uses multimedia support, robust security options, and even audio transcription to streamline your workflow and spark creativity. By the end, you might just find yourself rethinking how you approach note-taking altogether. After all, the right tools don't just help you work—they help you work smarter. Apple Notes Key Features AI-Powered Features and Audio Transcription Apple Notes integrates innovative AI-powered tools that enhance your writing and organizational capabilities. These tools assist in refining your content, generating ideas, and even rewriting text for a polished result. Additionally, the app includes a powerful audio transcription feature, allowing you to record meetings, lectures, or interviews and convert them into searchable text. This functionality is particularly valuable for professionals and students who require accurate and efficient documentation. By using these features, you can save time and ensure your notes are both comprehensive and accessible. Seamless Integration Across the Apple Ecosystem One of the standout advantages of Apple Notes is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The app allows you to drag and drop notes into applications like Reminders or Calendar, allowing you to create linked tasks and events effortlessly. This interconnected functionality ensures that your notes are not isolated but instead become part of a unified workflow across all your Apple devices. Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your notes remain synchronized and accessible, enhancing your productivity and organization. 12 Essential Apple Notes Features Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in Apple Notes by checking out these recommendations. Advanced Document Scanning and Text Recognition Apple Notes includes advanced document scanning and text recognition capabilities that simplify the process of digitizing physical documents. Using the app, you can scan printed materials, edit them, and even add signatures directly within the interface. The text scanning feature captures content from books, signs, or papers and converts it into editable notes, reducing paper clutter and making your information more accessible. These tools are particularly useful for professionals who need to manage contracts, receipts, or other important documents efficiently. Smart Organization and Note Linking Keeping your notes organized is effortless with Apple Notes' advanced organizational tools. The app offers several features designed to structure your content and make navigation intuitive: Tags: Assign custom labels to categorize notes by topic, priority, or other criteria. Assign custom labels to categorize notes by topic, priority, or other criteria. Smart Folders: Automatically group notes based on specific tags or keywords for streamlined access. Automatically group notes based on specific tags or keywords for streamlined access. Note Linking: Create clickable links between related notes, allowing seamless navigation and context building. These tools are particularly beneficial for users managing large collections of notes, making sure that important information is always easy to locate. Multimedia Support and Real-Time Collaboration Apple Notes supports a wide variety of multimedia formats, including photos, videos, PDFs, and audio recordings. You can also enrich your notes with handwritten annotations or sketches, making the app suitable for creative projects. Collaboration is another key feature, allowing you to share notes with others and work together in real time. Tools like mentions and color-coded edits enhance teamwork by making sure clarity and organization during collaborative efforts. These features make Apple Notes a versatile tool for both individual and group projects. Enhanced Security and Advanced Search Capabilities For users handling sensitive information, Apple Notes offers robust security options. You can lock individual notes using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcodes, making sure that your private data remains protected. The app also includes advanced search functionality, allowing you to locate notes quickly using keywords, tags, or even scanned text. These features not only save time but also provide peace of mind, making Apple Notes a reliable choice for storing confidential information. Built-in Tools and Customizable Tables Apple Notes includes several built-in tools that enhance its versatility and practicality. For example: Calculator and Unit Conversion: Perform quick calculations or unit conversions directly within the app, eliminating the need for external tools. Perform quick calculations or unit conversions directly within the app, eliminating the need for external tools. Customizable Tables: Create and edit tables to organize data, track progress, or plan projects effectively. These features make the app suitable for a wide range of tasks, from managing budgets to planning events, further solidifying its role as a comprehensive productivity tool. Folder Management and Subfolder Organization Apple Notes provides robust folder and subfolder management options to help you keep your notes neatly categorized. Key functionalities include: Pinning Notes: Highlight important notes for quick and easy access. Highlight important notes for quick and easy access. Sorting Options: Organize notes by date, title, or custom criteria to suit your preferences. Organize notes by date, title, or custom criteria to suit your preferences. Nested Folders: Create hierarchical structures for a more detailed organization of your content. These features are particularly useful for users managing extensive collections of notes, making sure that everything remains organized and easy to navigate. Unlocking the Full Potential of Apple Notes Apple Notes is far more than a simple note-taking app; it is a versatile and comprehensive tool designed to meet a wide array of personal and professional needs. From AI-powered writing assistance and multimedia integration to advanced organizational features and robust security options, the app offers a rich set of functionalities that cater to diverse use cases. By using these tools, you can enhance your productivity, streamline your workflow, and unlock new opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Media Credit: The Tech Girl Filed Under: Apple, Guides 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.
Android Authority
05-07-2025
- Android Authority
As a Wear OS fan, I'm embarrassed to admit how excited I am for this watchOS 26 feature
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I rely on lists to keep my life running: grocery lists, packing lists, home improvement checklists, birthday gift ideas for my 19 nieces and nephews, and ongoing logs of thank-you notes for gifts for my own kid. My note-keeping apps aren't just productivity tools; they're the backbone of my sanity. So, when Apple announced that the Notes app is coming to Apple smartwatches via watchOS 26, my ears perked up. Do you use note-taking apps on your smartwatch? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % I don't wear a smartwatch. NaN % Apple Part of this job means bouncing between ecosystems to test devices and their competitors. When I'm using Apple's platform, I stockpile thoughts in the Notes app. It lets me access and update information from my iPad, MacBook, and iPhone interchangeably, and passively-aggressively share chore lists with my partner so he can see everything I've crossed off. The idea of extending that convenience to my Apple Watch is genuinely appealing and, honestly, overdue. When I read that the watchOS version would support checklists, plus Siri voice commands, I was even more intrigued. I am especially excited for the ability to create and mark off checklists using Siri. The ability to add a note or update a list by speaking, without reaching for a phone or fumbling with a touchscreen, is the kind of thoughtful feature that makes wearable tech feel meaningfully useful. The next time I'm juggling a grocery basket in one hand and a gallon of milk in the other (because I'll never learn to just grab a cart), being able to check off 'chili powder' via Siri might save me from dropping both. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority What's surprising is that this functionality isn't already available elsewhere. Google Keep has long supported checklists and remains a staple on my Wear OS smartwatches. Like Notes, I use it to maintain some semblance of organization. But voice interaction is still limited, which is a puzzling omission, especially considering Keep and Assistant are both core Google services. At this point, that integration should be seamless. Wear OS has come a long way in recent years and now offers a genuinely strong experience. But this is a reminder that polish often shows up in the smallest features. Apple's incoming update may seem minor, but for list-driven users, it's a meaningful one. This isn't about platform loyalty. It's about smart features that make a smartwatch feel smarter. And in this case, Apple got it right. Here's hoping Google is paying attention.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) Review: A Top-Performing Budget Phone
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) packs a lot into its low price, with an integrated stylus for note-taking, a brilliant 6.7-inch AMOLED display, loud stereo speakers, and a stylish design. Its primary 50MP camera performs well for most shots, but struggles with zoom due to the lack of a telephoto lens. The stylus offers a smooth note-taking experience but lacks advanced features such as palm rejection or smart gestures. For note-taking enthusiasts, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) is one of the cheapest stylus phones you can buy. Beyond its note-taking capabilities, though, it is a solid smartphone that, frankly, steals the show in the under $500 category. The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) is available now at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Motorola, and some major U.S. carriers. (As of publication, the smartphone was available on AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity.) The phone costs $399.99 and comes in two colors: PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (dark blue) and PANTONE Surf the Web (lighter blue). The design of the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) may not be for everyone. I say that because it has a very specific look and feel, and I've seen some complaints about its faux leather body collecting unwanted dirt. I, however, used the Moto G Stylus for over a month, and encountered no issues with dirt and grime. If I saw a minor crumb or mark, I easily remedied it with a phone-safe wipe. My model was the Gibraltar Sea color, which was a nice navy blue. Faux leather, you say? Why, yes. The striking thing about the Moto G Stylus is that faux leather feel, which is an interesting choice for a phone and one I expected to hate—but I didn't! It looked quite sleek. It was also a surprisingly durable material, so I don't believe it would discolor or degrade with a couple of years of use. The faux leather doesn't extend past the back body of the phone—the sides are a pleasing, matte metallic that matches nicely. The phone also has an IP68 rating (great news for anyone who has experienced dropping past cell phones in bathtubs, toilets, or pools). Aside from material choices, the Moto G Stylus (2025) looks much the same as other smartphones. The back houses the camera lenses and flash/flashlight, and these are somewhat protruding, so I'd recommend sticking some lens protectors on there and/or investing in a protective case. The middle of the back has a pearlescent Motorola logo. Starting on the left side, you'll find the SIM card holder. The bottom edge features all the goodies you'll need, from a hard-to-find 3.5mm audio jack (this is elusive on phones these days, and I appreciate the inclusion) to a USB-C port, as well as the stylus and its housing. Also on the bottom is the speaker grill and the primary microphone. The right side is where you'll find the volume and power buttons. Finally, the top edge houses the secondary microphone. The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) features a 6.7-inch Super HD (2,712 x 1,220p) display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. This AMOLED display offers refresh rates up to 120Hz, an HDR peak brightness of 3,000nits, and a nearly 94% screen-to-body ratio. And nicely nestled in the usual spot in the top-middle of the display is the selfie camera. At first, I thought that the Moto G Stylus was relatively lightweight (and worried about its durability). However, it weighs 6.73 ounces, which is only slightly less than a comparably sized 6.7-inch phone, such as the 6.90-ounce Samsung S24+. A couple of butter-finger moments later, I can attest that the Moto G Stylus (2025) scores high on durability in my book, but you should, as always, protect it with a case. And I wouldn't recommend placing any sharp objects next to that vegan leather, because then you might have a problem. The Moto G Stylus (2025) had a stand-out 6.7-inch AMOLED display. As previously mentioned, it has a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000nits. Whether I was streaming videos on YouTube, scrolling through my photos, or playing games, I was pleased with the screen's clarity, vivid color gamut, and lightning-fast frame rates. It also handled blacks and grays quite well, even capturing the blue hue from the sun on a cat's black fur. These frame rates also stood out while gaming, as I regularly played games like Blue Prince and other casual romps. The phone's display kept up beautifully, with only the occasional stutter. One thing of note is that the Moto G Stylus's display supports the DCI-P3 color gamut, but Motorola didn't disclose the full percentages. I quite enjoyed the color contrast and saturation, but when comparing the display to my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I noticed that the saturation was much higher on the Moto G Stylus. The Galaxy S24 Ultra provided a more accurate, true-to-life color and contrast in my photos, while the Moto G Stylus (2025) bumped the saturation levels up a notch or three. If high-level saturation doesn't bother you, it isn't a big deal. I wouldn't have noticed had I not started comparing photos side by side on the display. At a price below $500, you shouldn't expect perfection. The Moto G Stylus (2025) comes loaded with Android 15 and a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (which Snapdragon released back in August 2024). Out of the box, it felt familiar, clean, and user-friendly. It shouldn't feel like anything new if you've used an Android phone within the last few months. I found little issue with the OS or the processor, as the phone only froze once in over a month of heavy, everyday use, and in most cases felt really snappy. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and 8GB of RAM were more than sufficient for me to go about my day, doing whatever I pleased on the phone. I never experienced a frame rate stutter or issue in apps, word processing tasks, or note-taking. While you might want a phone with a higher amount of RAM for heavier AI tasks, I found 8GB more than enough for what I usually do on my smartphone (and most people would likely agree). My one complaint concerning software was the number of AI features crammed into the phone (Moto AI, Gemini, and Copilot). Some of it felt helpful, and some of it felt underdeveloped and forced. Notably, Moto AI could use some more work. Its only function, to my knowledge, was to only slightly enhance the user experience with the stylus via the handwriting calculator (which almost always converted my numbers and symbols incorrectly), write to text (again, often typo-ridden), and sketch-to-image (which was an entertaining diversion). It also includes Live Message (for drawing or sharing animated illustrations via messaging apps), a Lasso tool for photo editing, and Google's Circle to Search (which was probably the most handy). If I missed much of anything else packed into Moto AI, it eluded me. I should also note that, unfortunately, the Moto G Stylus (2025) only comes with two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, this might be a reason to skip this and consider a comparable option, such as the Google Pixel 9a (which, by the way, comes with seven years of OS updates). Frankly, I don't understand why Motorola doesn't at least raise this to five years. I quite enjoyed the overall performance of the Moto G Stylus (2025), particularly the note-taking capabilities. The note-taking feature was excellent, and it felt lightning quick, despite the lower price point. The stylus was smooth and responsive, effortlessly gliding across the display for a fluid writing experience. I used the note-taking feature to jot down to-do lists, ideas, receipts, doodles, and keep track of bill payments. I even enjoyed the Moto Note app (compatible with Motorola stylus phones), despite my comments about the AI handwriting calculator and write-to-text being relatively unusable for my sloppier handwriting. The app came preloaded and featured easy-to-navigate note, canvas, and checklist sections. One other petty qualm, though—I learned the hard way that I needed to hit the back button to save a note. Swiping the app away would leave the note unsaved, and more than once, I opened Moto Note to find my recent checklist or note blank or missing entirely. Unfortunately, the stylus is basic. It lacks pressure sensitivity, the touch display lacks palm rejection when the stylus is in use (many rogue markings occurred due to this), and there's no included air commands or gesture support. If you're simply looking to doodle and take notes, this shouldn't be a big deal. However, if you want to create more professional images or utilize stylus-specific shortcuts, you may want to consider a more premium device that offers these features. This, however, likely means significantly raising your budget. If you want a decent camera that works well enough to provide up to 50MP photos, the cameras on the Moto G Stylus (2025) aren't bad. The main camera offers 50MP (13MP ultrawide) resolution and features a Sony Lytia 700C sensor, which is an improvement over the previous Moto G phone sensors. Moto AI also comes into play to enhance contrast, exposure, and colors. Most images came out nicely detailed, but the colors and exposure occasionally looked off. The front-facing selfie camera is 32MP, and takes nice enough selfies to please the average user. Its clarity is striking enough to show nearly every line, pore, and blemish, whether that's for better or for worse. And, of course, there are some of the typical editing features packed into the camera. In most lighting scenarios, the camera typically took photos with clarity and nice detail, even if the colors were occasionally a bit oversaturated. In dimmer lighting, some images appeared murkier, but I usually achieved good results from nighttime captures and videos. The weakest link in the camera system is its lack of a telephoto lens, which results in relatively poor shots when zooming in. The rear camera only provides up to two times zoom. Most of the time, when I tried to zoom in on a subject, the image was slightly fuzzy. A lack of a telephoto lens meant the Moto G Stylus had to crop the image digitally rather than truly zoom in, which didn't always result in the best photos. Overall, though, the camera on the Moto G Stylus (2025) performed well for the price point, and I still enjoyed taking photos with it. The stereo speakers were also impressively loud, and I could jam out to music or listen to YouTube videos without feeling the need for Bluetooth headphones. As someone who often doesn't have earbuds handy when I'm out and about, I found the speaker volume and quality on the Moto G Stylus (2025) another plus. For reference, the speaker system was at least as loud as the speakers on my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. And they offered a nicely balanced sound for most media until they passed the 70% volume threshold, where some sibilance and distortion made listening at higher levels less pleasant. Motorola claims that the Moto G Stylus (2025) can hit up to 40 hours of battery life. I'm inclined to believe this is reasonably accurate, as I was usually able to get over a day of charge out of the phone, unless I was using it very heavily. One day, I used my phone very little at a social gathering. I mostly took photos, a few videos, and answered a few text messages. The phone had started at 100%, and by the time I woke up the next morning (nearly 24 hours from that 100% charge), the Moto G Stylus still had 70%. Granted, my screen time was maybe two hours or so that day. Most days, the phone didn't hit below 40%. When I did, it was typically because I was gaming with a mobile gaming controller for hours. This did raise the phone's temperature levels considerably, but not to anything unusual. As for charging, when I used the phone's 68W TurboCharge setting, I typically noticed about a 30 to 40% increase in 20 to 25 minutes, but sometimes I saw less. It provided an impressive charging boost when the battery was running low, and often, a quick few minutes on the charger saved me from losing game progress or missing important texts and emails. If I were in the market for a budget-friendly phone right now, I might grab the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025). It's a compelling choice, thanks to its built-in stylus for note-taking, vibrant display, and outstanding battery life. It also doesn't slack despite its $400 price. The software is speedy, the camera is decent (minus the disappointing zoom), and it looks cool to boot. Of course, there are plenty of worthy competitors in the best budget phones category. And you won't want to grab this device if you're looking for a more evolved stylus with gestures and other integrations, a camera system with a telephoto lens, or more long-term software support. Still, for the price, this is a solid pick.
