Introduction
Motorola’s recent releases—the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power (2020)—turned heads by offering strong photography performance at budget-friendly prices. Priced at $300 and $250 respectively, both managed to deliver image quality that rivals midrange phones while retaining long battery life and essential features. Here’s why these affordable devices deserve a closer look.
Impressive Camera Performance Out of the Box
The Verge praised these phones, saying:
“They’re both capable of shooting some of the most detailed, color‑balanced photos that I’ve seen from a device at these prices” youtube.com+15theverge.com+15wired.com+15.
Both models use the Snapdragon 665 chipset and deliver well-balanced photos with strong detail and accurate colors under good lighting conditions.
Moto G Stylus: A 48-MP Powerhouse
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Features a 48-MP main sensor plus a 16-MP ultrawide lens and a 2-MP macro shooter.
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Android Central notes the primary sensor is “pretty good” in daylight, capturing crisp details and natural background blur.
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The Verge highlighted sharper daytime shots and usable Portrait mode, though low-light sometimes shows grain.
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Real-world users on Reddit agree it’s a “GREAT phone for the money”.
Moto G Power: Consistently Solid
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Comes with a 16-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, and a 2-MP macro sensor.
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Android Central praised it for having “good cameras” despite its focus on battery life .
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Tracfone users noted the wide-angle lens and 4K recording as strong positives for the price.
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Reddit users confirmed improved image quality with a GCam mod, reporting Pixel 3a–level shots.
Side-by-Side Camera Comparison
| Feature | Moto G Stylus | Moto G Power |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 48 MP (wide) | 16 MP (wide) |
| Ultrawide Sensor | 16 MP (for video) | 8 MP |
| Macro Sensor | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Camera Highlights | Sharp daylight shots, stylus-enhanced use youtube.com+15wired.com+15tracfonereviewer.blogspot.com+15 | Wide-angle is flexible, good all-around captures |
| Low-Light Performance | Grainy but usable Portrait mode | Lacks night mode, not ideal for low light |
Additional Camera Insights
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Stylus macro shots are subpar, clearly illustrating low megapixel limitations.
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Users praised the Stylus for easy content annotation and note-taking.
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GCam mods have significantly enhanced G Power’s photography quality.
Beyond the Cameras: Strengths and Trade-offs
Battery Life
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Stylus features a 4,000 mAh battery (about 3 days standby).
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G Power doubles down with a 5,000 mAh battery, often lasting three days of use.
Performance & Build
Built on Snapdragon 665 with 4 GB RAM, both offer smooth everyday operation for under $300 amazon.com+5wired.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5. They also include a generous 3.5 mm headphone jack, fingerprint sensor, and microSD slot.
Software Support
Both run Android 10 at release but only receive one major OS update and limited security patches, a weaker commitment compared to competitors.
Who Should Buy Which Phone?
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Moto G Stylus – Best for those who want the most powerful camera in this range, plus stylus functionality and flexible shooting options.
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Moto G Power – Ideal for users who prioritize battery life and want a solid, all-around phone with a dependable camera and wide-angle lens.
Final Verdict
Motorola’s mid-2020 G series surprised the market by delivering strong camera performance at affordable price points. The Stylus delivers the best imaging experience with its higher-spec main sensor, while the Power balances solid photography with legendary battery endurance. For less than $300, both are compelling choices for users seeking dependable cameras, lasting power, and essential smartphone functionality.
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