Motorola has released the 2026 edition of its Moto G Stylus, featuring an upgraded active stylus but facing criticism over a significant price increase. According to a review by theverge.com, the new device costs $499, representing a full $100 jump year over year.
While the device retains popular features like a MicroSD slot and a headphone jack, the hardware performance struggles to justify the new midrange price tag. The outlet reported that the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM, occasionally exhibits lag when opening apps.
Software and camera concerns
Motorola has successfully reduced the amount of pre-installed bloatware on the device. Theverge.com noted that the unwanted app folders have been scaled back, and the controversial MotoHub widget has been removed.
However, some transparency issues remain. The reviewer pointed out that a third-party weather app is still not clearly identified by its developer on the initial splash page.
Camera performance also remains a weak point for the new model. The 50-megapixel main sensor produces punchy colors and red-channel clipping, which theverge.com described as giving photos "a certain artificial look."
There is also confusion regarding the device's rear camera array. While there are four lens-looking elements on the back, only two are functional cameras. Motorola spokesperson Brendan Hall stated that the third sensor "helps with Auto White Balance, Exposure, and Anti-Flicker."
Software longevity is another drawback for potential buyers. Motorola offers only two major OS upgrades and three years of security updates. Theverge.com suggested that users prioritizing photography or long-term software support should instead look toward the Google Pixel 10A.
