Motorola launches a pair of mid-range 5G phones you'll actually want to buy

The new Moto G 5G and Moto G Stylus 5G
(Image credit: Motorola)

What you need to know

  • Motorola has launched two new affordable smartphones in the U.S., the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)  and the Moto G 5G.
  • The new Moto G Stylus features a Full HD+ 120Hz display and is powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset.
  • The Moto G 5G has a 90Hz display and a large 5,000mAh battery.

Motorola's lower-cost offerings in the U.S. haven't really impressed, but the company is hoping to change that with its latest release. Breaking onto the scene is a pair of 5G smartphones, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) and the Moto G 5G.

It may seem a bit confusing since Motorola just released the Moto G Stylus (2022) in February. That said, this phone shouldn't be confused with its non-5G counterpart, as it packs quite a few upgrades that could bring it head to head with some of the best budget Android phones. Namely, this new model sports a smoother 120Hz display, a first for the company's North American Moto G family. Of course, the most noticeable upgrade is the Snapdragon 695 chipset which brings sub-6 5G connectivity.

You'll also get 128GB or 256GB of expandable storage and up to 8GB of RAM. Surprisingly, the new Moto G Stylus 5G also features NFC on board, which is fairly uncommon for the company's mid-range devices.

Aside from that, the phone is nearly identical to the 4G version, including a 50MP triple camera setup that maxes out at FHD video recording, a large 5,000mAh battery, and a built-in stylus.

As for the Moto G 5G, this device is positioned as a lower-tied 5G smartphone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display and 90Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 with up to 6GB of RAM and 64 or 256GB of expandable storage. On the rear is a 50MP primary camera paired with a macro lens and depth sensor. There's no NFC here.

Both phones will launch with Android 12 out of the box. The Moto G 5G will retail for $400 and goes on sale on May 19. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) will be available on April 28 and retail for $500, with preorders starting today. That's admittedly a tad steep for what you get, especially when the Galaxy A53 5G can be had for just $450. However, the new devices appear to be Motorola's most compelling mid-range launches yet for the North American market and might be worth a look if you're in the market for an affordable 5G device.


Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) $500 at Best Buy

Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) $500 at Best Buy

The new Moto G Stylus brings a ton of value with 5G connectivity, a large battery, a built-in stylus for added productivity, and a smooth 120Hz display. Plus it has a 50MP triple camera on the back to capture important moments.

Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.