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Android 12 Has Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve, But You Have to Know Where to Look
Android 12 Has Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve, But You Have to Know Where to Look
Android 13 is now available for certain Google Pixel owners to install, but Samsung Galaxy, Motorola and other Android users will have to wait until later this year to get their hands on Google's latest mobile software update. However, there is still a ton to explore on Android 12, which most people are still running on their Android phones.
Read more:How to Download Android 13 Beta 2 on Your Phone Now
Whether you own a Pixel 6 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S22, you can find a number of hidden settings and features on Android 12 that can completely change how you use your Android device.
In this story we'll show you how to recover accidentally deleted notifications, use your phone with only one hand and more. Check out what Android 12 has to offer below.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve your Android experience, check out these seven tips to improve your Android's performance and how to save battery with Android's built-in dark mode.
Android 12 keeps your notification history a tap away
Do you ever clear out a notification without reading it? I do it all the time. Android has offered device notification history for some time now, but you either had to know where to look, or you had to install a third-party app to see it.
In Android 12, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of your notification shade, where you'll see a new History button. Tap it, and you'll see recently cleared notifications as well as alerts from the last 24 hours.
If you see Manage instead of History, that's because Notification History isn't turned on. Enable it by tapping on Manage, then select Notification History and slide the switch to the On position.
You now have quick access to your past notifications.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 12 makes big phones feel smaller
A new one-handed mode in Android 12 may not be a headlining feature, but it's one that could make a big difference in how you use your phone. This is especially true if you're using a phone with a big display, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
The new one-handed mode moves the top half of whatever's on your screen to the bottom half, making it easier to tap a quick settings tile or a notification. To use it, place a finger on the small bar at the bottom of your phone's screen and swipe down. It may take a few tries, but once you get the gesture figured out, it's easy to reproduce.
Before you can do that, though, you'll need to turn it on: go into the Settings app, type in One-handed mode and toggle the feature on. Depending on which Android phone you have, this feature might have different settings you can toggle off and on.
Left: Google Pixel 6 Pro. Right: Samsung Galaxy S22.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
There's a dedicated gaming mode in Android 12
If you play a lot of games on your Android device, you'll be happy to know that Google added a dedicated gaming mode to Android 12. When it's turned on, your phone will do things like automatically turn on do not disturb when you start playing.
But you'd never know the mode existed if you didn't venture deep into, of all places, your notification settings. More specifically, go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Schedules. Once there, check the box next to Game Mode to turn it on. Next, tap on the Settings gear icon to and toggle both items.
In my experience testing it, game mode doesn't work in every game (looking at you, Asphalt 9). It does work in Call of Duty Mobile, however. When it's active, you can do things like force your phone to optimize itself for gaming in a single-tap or view your device's current frames per second.
Use the new Game Mode in Android 12 to boost performance or live stream on YouTube.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 12 has a new app layout option
The app grid on your phone's home screen normally ranges for a 4x4, 5x5 or 6x6 grid (or similar combinations). However, in Android 12 on the Pixel, there's a new app grid option that's downright funny at first glance -- 2x2. I assume this is limited to just Pixel phones, but hopefully, other phone-makers adopt it, as it's a huge accessibility feature for those in need of larger app icons.
Switch to the new 2x2 layout with a long-press on your home screen, then select Wallpaper & style > AppGrid > 2x2.
This 2x2 app grid feature is only available on the Google Pixel.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
For more, check out the best Android phones and Samsung phones to buy in 2022, every reason why you should give Pixel phones another chance and how the Pixel 6 with its Tensor chip is more exciting than the iPhone 13.
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Android 12 Has Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve, But You Have to Know Where to Look
Android 12 Has Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve, But You Have to Know Where to Look
Android 13 is now available for certain Google Pixel owners to install, but Samsung Galaxy, Motorola and other Android users will have to wait until later this year to get their hands on Google's latest mobile software update. However, there is still a ton to explore on Android 12, which most people are still running on their Android phones.
Read more:How to Download Android 13 Beta 2 on Your Phone Now
Whether you own a Pixel 6 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S22, you can find a number of hidden settings and features on Android 12 that can completely change how you use your Android device.
In this story we'll show you how to recover accidentally deleted notifications, use your phone with only one hand and more. Check out what Android 12 has to offer below.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve your Android experience, check out these seven tips to improve your Android's performance and how to save battery with Android's built-in dark mode.
Android 12 keeps your notification history a tap away
Do you ever clear out a notification without reading it? I do it all the time. Android has offered device notification history for some time now, but you either had to know where to look, or you had to install a third-party app to see it.
In Android 12, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of your notification shade, where you'll see a new History button. Tap it, and you'll see recently cleared notifications as well as alerts from the last 24 hours.
If you see Manage instead of History, that's because Notification History isn't turned on. Enable it by tapping on Manage, then select Notification History and slide the switch to the On position.
You now have quick access to your past notifications.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 12 makes big phones feel smaller
A new one-handed mode in Android 12 may not be a headlining feature, but it's one that could make a big difference in how you use your phone. This is especially true if you're using a phone with a big display, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
The new one-handed mode moves the top half of whatever's on your screen to the bottom half, making it easier to tap a quick settings tile or a notification. To use it, place a finger on the small bar at the bottom of your phone's screen and swipe down. It may take a few tries, but once you get the gesture figured out, it's easy to reproduce.
Before you can do that, though, you'll need to turn it on: go into the Settings app, type in One-handed mode and toggle the feature on. Depending on which Android phone you have, this feature might have different settings you can toggle off and on.
Left: Google Pixel 6 Pro. Right: Samsung Galaxy S22.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
There's a dedicated gaming mode in Android 12
If you play a lot of games on your Android device, you'll be happy to know that Google added a dedicated gaming mode to Android 12. When it's turned on, your phone will do things like automatically turn on do not disturb when you start playing.
But you'd never know the mode existed if you didn't venture deep into, of all places, your notification settings. More specifically, go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Schedules. Once there, check the box next to Game Mode to turn it on. Next, tap on the Settings gear icon to and toggle both items.
In my experience testing it, game mode doesn't work in every game (looking at you, Asphalt 9). It does work in Call of Duty Mobile, however. When it's active, you can do things like force your phone to optimize itself for gaming in a single-tap or view your device's current frames per second.
Use the new Game Mode in Android 12 to boost performance or live stream on YouTube.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 12 has a new app layout option
The app grid on your phone's home screen normally ranges for a 4x4, 5x5 or 6x6 grid (or similar combinations). However, in Android 12 on the Pixel, there's a new app grid option that's downright funny at first glance -- 2x2. I assume this is limited to just Pixel phones, but hopefully, other phone-makers adopt it, as it's a huge accessibility feature for those in need of larger app icons.
Switch to the new 2x2 layout with a long-press on your home screen, then select Wallpaper & style > AppGrid > 2x2.
This 2x2 app grid feature is only available on the Google Pixel.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
For more, check out the best Android phones and Samsung phones to buy in 2022, every reason why you should give Pixel phones another chance and how the Pixel 6 with its Tensor chip is more exciting than the iPhone 13.
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Android 13 Is Coming: Every Feature We Know of So Far
Android 13 Is Coming: Every Feature We Know of So Far
The Android 13 public beta arrived last month and with it came a clearer idea of the new features and functions coming to the rumored Pixel 7, plus eventually other Android devices later this year. Between the beta and speculation from leakers, we're already learning a lot about how Android 13 could build on Android 12's privacy features, user-interface enhancements and Material You design overhaul. And we're likely to get even more clarity on the next-gen OS at Google I/O, which starts today.
If you're curious about Android 13's release date, or if you're wondering what new features could hit your phone in the coming months (here are some of the best hidden features from Android 12), we recommend bookmarking this page. We'll be periodically updating it with all the Android 13 buzz we can find.
Read more: Best Android Phones You Can Buy in 2022
When's the Android 13 release date?
Although Google has not publicly revealed a specific release date for Android 13, the Android Developers blog provides a rough timeline for the rollout, with a beta coming out every month through July. The beta in July is listed as the "near-final build for final testing."
Judging from precedent, Android 13 could debut a month after that final beta. Android 12's fifth and final beta came out in September 2021, and Google officially released the app in October. With Android 11 (2020) and Android 10 (2019), the final betas dropped in August, and the OS hit phones in September. So we can reasonably assume that Android 13 will arrive in August this year. If not, September is a safe bet.
Keep in mind that Google sends Android updates to its Pixel phones first (and will probably ship the rumored Pixel 7 with Android 13). If you have a different Android phone, like a Samsung, Motorola or OnePlus, you'll likely have to wait a few months after the initial release to experience Android 13.
New photo privacy feature
Android 12 introduced a kill switch that allows you to prevent apps from accessing your camera and mic, and it also added the option to show apps your approximate location instead of your exact whereabouts.
It appears that Android 13 will bolster these privacy settings. According to Google's Android Developers blog, Android 13 will include a photo picker. This means when an app wants access to your images and videos -- like social media and photo editing apps often do -- you can select specific media files to share instead of granting access to all of them. (Android already has a document picker that allows for the same thing.)
Apps need your permission to notify you
The second developer preview for Android 13 introduced a new feature called "notification permission," the Android Developers blog said. In order to send you notifications, apps will need you to give them your permission -- and you can say "no." The blog post shows a dialog box that asks, "Allow [App] to send you notifications?" (You're then prompted to select "Allow" or "Don't allow".) Apple already requires developers to obtain your permission for apps to send you notifications.
Upgraded design with more color options
The Material You redesign was the star of the show for Android 12, featuring UI color schemes that automatically adjust based on the wallpaper you select. The Android Developers blog says Android 13 will add even more color customization to Material You.
In Android 12, only Google apps work with the adjustable color palette feature. But Android 13 will expand the feature to all apps, as long as the apps' developers agree to design alternate icons that are monochromatic.
A rumor from AndroidPolice citing a "trusted source" says Android 13 will let you choose more options for color customization. Among these are "spritz," a desaturated version of the color scheme, and "expressive," which incorporates hues differing from those that come by default with your wallpaper selection.
Notifications about battery-draining apps
You'd be surprised how much of your battery life a single app can gobble up -- even when you're not actively using the app. Android 13 will send you a notification when an app uses a significant portion of your battery over the course of a day, according to the Android Developers blog.
Adapting an iOS perk
The flashlights on Apple's iPhones have offered adjustable brightness for years, but a rumor from Android analyst Mishaal Rahman says Google will finally integrate the feature into Android 13, allowing for some customization when you're using the phone as a light source.
But Rahman says a lot of current Androids don't have the hardware required to use this feature. Perhaps the rumored Pixel 7 will. If you have a Samsung phone, though, Samsung's software overlay One UI already lets you adjust the torch brightness.
Read more: Android Settings Changes That'll Make You Like Your Phone More
Will my phone be compatible with Android 13?
If you own a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4A, Android 13 might be the last supported software update your phone can receive. This prediction is based solely on precedent: Android 12 is probably the last update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A, and Android 11 was the last for the Pixel 2.
If your Pixel 3 or 3A ends up being incompatible with Android 13, you can still keep using it with an older OS. But this means you won't have access to the latest security patches, and that could put your data at risk.
How to download Android 13
For now, don't. As exciting as the previews may be, early betas can make some apps stop working on your device for good. They usually have bugs and can put a damper on your battery life. (CNET's Jason Cipriani experienced this while testing the iOS 15 betas.) If you have a spare Android lying around, go for it -- but we strongly caution against subjecting your main phone to bugs.
If you're really feeling risky, though, here's how to get Android 13 in its current state. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Even as we look forward to everything Android 13 will bring, it's worth exploring all the highlights from Android 12. Last year's OS had fun hidden features, including Game Mode and One-Handed Mode. Also, be sure to check out the Android 12 Easter egg.
If you're curious about the best phones you can buy in 2022, we've put together a list that includes the Google Pixel 6 Pro and last year's Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
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Apple Needs Another Affordable 5G iPhone
Apple Needs Another Affordable 5G iPhone
What's happening
The iPhone SE is Apple's only 5G phone that costs less than $500. Android competitors are outpacing Apple in affordable 5G options, as proven by the Google Pixel 6A and other devices.
Why it matters
Apple needs to provide more choice when it comes to wallet-friendly 5G iPhones. 5G once demanded premium prices, but it's become the standard in most new phones.
What's next
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 14 in September. When it does, the iPhone 12 Mini could see a price cut that brings it to $500.
Shortly after Apple launched the iPhone 13 in September, I wrote about why the iPhone 11 was (and is) still a great deal at $500. It has Face ID, a sharp dual camera system and a large screen for $300 less than the iPhone 13. What's not to like?
There's only one setback that gives me some pause when recommending the iPhone 11: It doesn't have 5G. A few years ago, 5G was just a buzzword that tech giants used to get customers excited about new products. Companies like Samsung charged a premium for 5G phones back in 2019, even though 5G networks were in the early stages then.
In 2022, you can get by just fine without a 5G phone. But now that 5G has become standard in most moderately priced phones, there's little reason not to buy one if you're already upgrading. Unless you're an Apple fan that doesn't want to spend more than $500, that is.
Many US shoppers likely aren't paying that price all at once since carriers offer monthly installment plans. Most carriers also promote deals to subsidize upgrades, but those discounts usually require conditions like opening a new line or choosing a pricier plan.
Apple launched the $429 iPhone SE in March to provide a wallet-friendly 5G option. But with its small 4.7-inch screen and single camera, it's not for everyone. At the same time, companies like Samsung and Google have been releasing promising 5G phones with many of the same qualities found on more expensive models, like the Galaxy A53 and Pixel 6A.
All of Apple's flagship phones come with 5G, starting with 2020's iPhone 12. But compared to Android, Apple doesn't offer many options when it comes to affordable 5G devices. That could change in the coming months when the iPhone 14 is expected to launch, and I'm hoping it does.
Do I really need 5G in my next phone?
The answer is complicated. In many everyday scenarios, you probably won't notice the difference between 4G and 5G. And 4G networks aren't turning off anytime soon, so you don't need to worry about a 4G phone becoming obsolete.
But if you're buying a new phone, it's best to go with a 5G-enabled device if you can afford one. Carriers are expanding their midband 5G networks, which provide speedier performance than 4G LTE, and low-band 5G can function at longer distances than the super fast (but severely limited) millimeter-wave 5G.
If you want a phone that will last for the next three to five years, I'd recommend buying a 5G phone so that you don't miss out on speedier midband networks as they continue to expand. If you think you'll be upgrading again in the next year or two, it's fine to buy a 4G phone.
The iPhone SE is Apple's only sub-$500 5G phone... for now
The 2022 iPhone SE
Patrick Holland/CNET
With eight iPhones on the market, Apple certainly provides a lot of choice. However, the 2022 iPhone SE is the only 5G option under $500.
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like about the iPhone SE. It runs on the same processor as the iPhone 13, which means it has fast performance for the price. The camera takes great photos, and its battery life is longer than the previous iPhone SE's. But it also comes with a lot of limitations.
The iPhone SE only has one rear camera even though most modern phones have at least two. That camera lacks night mode -- another feature found on most phones released in 2019 or later. The iPhone SE also has the same design as the nearly 5-year-old iPhone 8, which means it has a small display and old-fashioned bezels above and below the screen. That can make it feel dated compared to many newer devices, like the Pixel 6A. It's also not very different from the $400 iPhone SE that launched in 2020, aside from the new model's 5G support and newer chip.
If you want 5G and more modern features like Face ID, a camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses, improved durability and a larger 5.4-inch screen, your closest option is the $600 iPhone 12 Mini. It's more affordable than other devices in Apple's lineup, like the $700 iPhone 13 Mini, $700 iPhone 12 and $800 iPhone 13. But it's nearly two years old and is out of budget for anyone with a $500 limit.
2022 iPhone Prices
Model
US starting price
5G
Screen size
CPU
Release date
iPhone SE
$429
Yes
4.7 inches
A15 Bionic
March 2022
iPhone 11
$499
No
6.1 inches
A13 Bionic
September 2019
iPhone 12 Mini
$599
Yes
5.4 inches
A14 Bionic
November 2020
iPhone 12
$699
Yes
6.1 inches
A14 Bionic
October 2020
iPhone 13 Mini
$729
Yes
5.4 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13
$829
Yes
6.1 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13 Pro
$999
Yes
6.1 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13 Pro Max
$1,099
Yes
6.7 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
While Apple's sub-$500 5G options are limited right now, that might not be the case for much longer. Apple traditionally lowers the prices of its older iPhones when releasing new models, as it did with the iPhone 11 last year. If Apple follows the same pattern, the 5G-enabled iPhone 12 and 12 Mini could see another price drop that brings the Mini down to $500 this fall.
There's also another possibility. Before Apple launched the iPhone SE in March, rumors suggested Apple was working on a cheaper iPhone with the same design as the iPhone 11. This rumored device has been referred to as the iPhone SE Plus.
Now that the iPhone SE is becoming a more regular part of Apple's iPhone lineup, there's a chance Apple could use this rumored iPhone 11-inspired design for the next-generation model. That would certainly address many of the iPhone SE's current limitations, particularly its small screen and single camera.
But based on Apple's release schedule, we probably won't see a new iPhone SE until March or April 2024. So if you're looking for a cheaper 5G iPhone in the near term, the current iPhone SE or a discounted older model will be your best bet.
The Android competition is moving ahead of Apple
The Google Pixel 6A
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
The Android landscape looks vastly different than Apple's. There are plenty of choices for those who don't want to spend more than $500 on a new phone yet still want 5G connectivity. The $450 Google Pixel 6A is probably the best option right now, thanks to its great camera, large screen, eye-catching design and early access to Android updates.
The Pixel 6A isn't alone. There's a growing selection of 5G Android phones that cost $500 or less but have features that once demanded a premium price. Samsung, for example, sells the $450 Galaxy A53 5G and $400 Galaxy A42 5G, both of which have large screens, on-screen fingerprint sensors and multi-lens cameras. The iPhone SE doesn't have any of those features, although it is the only current iPhone with a physical home button and fingerprint sensor.
Motorola's $500 Moto G Stylus 5G has a spacious 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and four times as much storage as the base iPhone SE model. Although it's not available in the US, the recently launched Nothing 1 phone is another example of an affordable 5G Android phone. For a price that translates to roughly $480, you get a large 6.55-inch OLED screen, a dual camera with a 50-megapixel main sensor and 128GB of storage. You can even find 5G phones for under $300, like the $250 Samsung Galaxy A13, although phones in the $400 to $500 range offer a better balance between features, speed and affordability.
These Android phones offer a lot of value compared to the iPhone SE. But it's important to acknowledge where they fall short. The Pixel 6A is only guaranteed to get three years of major Android version updates, while Apple's upcoming iOS 16 software will run on iPhones that are nearly five years old. Apple also supports phones for much longer than Motorola, which only promises one software upgrade. Unlike the iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G doesn't run on the same processor as the company's flagship phones. During my time testing the Galaxy A53, I experienced occasional software lag and performance hiccups -- an issue that hasn't come up with the iPhone SE.
For those who just want a basic inexpensive iPhone to stay connected to Apple's apps and services, the iPhone SE is probably enough. But Android phone makers are proving that the list of compromises you need to make when spending $500 or less on a new phone is getting shorter. Now it's time for Apple to catch up.
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Moto G Stylus 5G Review: Great Specs For $500 But Limited Software Updates
Moto G Stylus 5G Review: Great Specs For $500 But Limited Software Updates
Motorola's Moto G Stylus 5G has everything you want from a sub-$500 phone at first glance. At $500 (which roughly converts to £320 and AU$560) it has higher-end features normally found on more expensive phones, including a 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 50-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization. You also get a built-in stylus, a feature that Samsung is now only providing for its luxe $1,200 Galaxy S22 Ultra. The phone has great battery life to boot. It all sounds great for the money, but there are some important details to keep in mind if you go with this phone.
Motorola sells the Stylus 5G unlocked with a roomy 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. It also includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip, which is generally more powerful than the MediaTek one included in the $300 4G-only Moto G Stylus from earlier this year. Its 5G support includes sub-6 and C-band frequencies. A Verizon version will also support millimeter-wave 5G.
All this makes the phone fit right in with midrange rivals such as the $450 Galaxy A53 and last year's $449 Pixel 5A with 5G. But unlike Samsung and Google, which both commit to years of software updates, Motorola only promises one major software update to its G line of phones. This means that while the Stylus 5G is shipping right now with Android 12 and will eventually get Android 13, you'll only receive three years of security updates instead of any additional feature upgrades.
Motorola says this could be a perk, offering stability and consistency with its menus and interface. But even if you buy a cheaper phone, you shouldn't have to sacrifice updates because you probably want it to last as long as possible.
This makes the Moto G Stylus 5G worth considering if you want to hold onto the phone for two or three years, but it's a tougher sell if you want a phone that'll be viable for longer. It has many of the best Android 12 features, including the option to customize menus to your favorite color, and a long-lasting battery. And if a stylus is important to you on top of that, this phone could be the best pick for you.
The Moto G Stylus 5G has a few different apps optimized for the stylus.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Tall phone with a big battery
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a tall and thin phone, making it easy to hold and even text with one hand. I'm normally a fan of phones with screens longer than 6.5 inches because it's easier to watch videos and read. But the shape of the phone leaves its top half exposed, which would make it easier for a thief to snatch if you're not paying attention.
I can alleviate this by using the stylus and the phone's handwriting recognition keyboard instead, which gets me a better grip on the body. Yet that comes at the expense of speed and accuracy compared to touch typing and autocorrect. Putting the phone in a case paired with a PopSocket, or something similar, could also help with that safety concern.
Otherwise the screen is great for watching and reading content, especially since it provides the option to boost the refresh rate up to 120Hz. Motorola also provides options for using a dynamic refresh rate depending on how you're using the phone or a 60Hz option, both of which consume less power on the battery.
The Moto G Stylus 5G has a 5,000-mAh battery.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Yet with a beefy 5,000-mAh battery inside, the phone easily made it through a few full days of heavy usage with 120Hz on at all times. I watch a lot of YouTube, play games, take video calls, capture photos and videos and even on my longest day it still had 30 to 50% capacity when I was ready to go to bed. I averaged just over 3 hours of screen time each day but with less intensive usage patterns I'm sure the phone could easily last well into a second day.
Geekbench 5 Single Core
Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)
Note:
Higher scores are better
Geekbench 5 Multicore
Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Note:
Higher scores are better
While all that extra power is great, it's worth noting that the Stylus 5G does charge more slowly than rival phones. You get a power adapter -- something that's disappearing from most phone boxes lately -- but it's a 10W charger with a USB-A to USB-C cable. Motorola said that you can use a different power adapter with the phone, but the maximum speed it can charge is 15W. By comparison the Galaxy A53 also has a 5,000-mAh battery and can charge at up to 25W, but you need to buy a power adapter separately. When I ran the Stylus 5G down to 0%, it took roughly 2.5 hours to charge it up to 95% using the included charger.
Shockingly, there's a headphone jack included, something that's practically nonexistent for phones in this price range. Motorola includes Dolby Atmos, which can be applied to specific headphones and speakers that you connect.
The stylus inside the Moto G Stylus 5G.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Stylus features are nice, but lack impact
The Moto G Stylus 5G includes a stylus, but the best thing about it is its dedicated slot in the phone. When you remove the stylus, you'll see a menu of shortcuts including an option to take a screenshot to annotate, take a note or open a coloring book app.
Motorola is also launching a Live Message feature, which lets you create an animated drawing and send it out through a favorite messaging app. I was easily able to make these, and send them to friends the way I'd send a GIF. My friends found the animations amusing but this isn't something I'd do every day.
The stylus is neat, but it's hard for me to imagine using it on a regular basis. If you need to sign a digital document, it's now easy to get that done with a service like DocuSign, Microsoft Office or Google Docs. Unless you absolutely need a stylus, you'd be better off considering the sub-$500 phones that don't include one.
The Moto G Stylus 5G has a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor camera.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Stable photography
The biggest improvement on the Moto G Stylus 5G over last year's version is with the inclusion of optical image stabilization. This reduces hand shake while taking photos, helping prevent motion blur.
The main 50-megapixel camera on the back of the phone is accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel depth sensor camera. On the front is a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
I took the phone to a dog park, where I needed to move quickly to get photos of the puppies. I shot plenty of great dog photos, including of my friend's dog Mel who got particularly aggressive with a football toy.
Photo taken on the Moto G Stylus 5G.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Mel, the dog pictured here, wouldn't let any other dog near this football. Photo taken on the Moto G Stylus 5G.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
I also took the phone to a Korean barbecue restaurant as well as to a karaoke night, where I used the phone's Night mode to help capture more detail in darker indoor settings. It captured all of the details of the meal, but at the theater the results were more saturated. There's a noticeable blur on objects that were farther away.
Night mode on the Moto G Stylus 5G.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Night mode on the Moto G Stylus 5G.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Photo taken on the Moto G Stylus 5G's front-facing camera.
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
The front-facing camera also captured a lot of detail while I made faces at the camera.
Video isn't the phone's strong suit. You can choose between 30 and 60 frames per second, but otherwise it's limited to 1080p for capture. Last year's Stylus 5G includes 4K video recording, so I was surprised that feature didn't stick around.
The footage I took at the dog park was OK, but wasn't particularly detailed even in good lighting. I wouldn't expect to capture anything more than short video clips that could be shared with friends or family.
Limited software support hurts an otherwise good phone
Even though the phone's stylus, good photography, larger screen and higher refresh rate all recommend it, it's hard for me to ignore Motorola's commitment to just one major Android update.
I used a Moto Z2 Play as my personal phone back in 2018. When it developed bugs, the slower software updates meant I couldn't be confident those issues would be resolved.
Motorola pledges security updates for three years, which will at least make sure the Stylus 5G isn't vulnerable to most malicious threats. But Samsung pledged to support Galaxy A phones for four years while Google gave the Pixel 6 three years of software updates and five years of security updates. Motorola is woefully behind in comparison.
Unless you crave the stylus and want a phone for $500 or less, I suggest waiting a few more weeks until after Google I/O. It's rumored Google will announce a cheaper Pixel 6A, possibly in the $450 to $500 price range. Motorola's $400 Moto G 5G, sans stylus, will also launch in the coming weeks. Once those phones are released, we'll have a better overall idea which is the best phone in this price range.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) vs. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Google Pixel 5A with 5G, Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)
