Moto G Stylus: A Great Phone Hampered by Lack of Updates and Adware
The recently released Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a compelling smartphone, offering exceptional value for its $400 price tag. It boasts a stunning display, impressive performance, and a surprisingly capable camera. However, two glaring issues prevent it from reaching its full potential: Motorola’s lackluster software update policy and the abundance of intrusive advertisements throughout the phone’s software.
Software Updates: A Major Shortcoming
Motorola has consistently struggled to provide timely software updates for its budget-friendly smartphones, and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is no exception. While competitors like Google and Samsung offer extended software support for their mid-range and budget devices, Motorola only promises a single Android update for the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). This means that the phone will not receive any major Android OS upgrades beyond Android 15, which is expected to be released later this year. Additionally, security updates will be provided for only three years, and even those will be delivered at a reduced bimonthly rate.
This lack of software support is a significant concern for several reasons. It deprives users of access to new Android features and security enhancements. Additionally, it can make the phone more vulnerable to malware and security breaches. Motorola’s poor software update record is particularly disappointing given that other manufacturers have demonstrated that it is possible to provide extended software support for budget devices.
Advertisements: An Unwanted Intrusion
In recent years, Motorola has introduced a growing number of advertisements into its budget smartphones. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is no different, and it is plagued by intrusive ads and bloatware that detract from the user experience.
Upon setting up the phone, users are greeted with several pre-installed “Folders” that are filled with advertisements and third-party apps. These folders are a constant reminder of the phone’s budget status, and they can be particularly annoying for users who prefer a clean and uncluttered software experience.
The advertisements extend beyond the pre-installed folders. The default weather app displays ads alongside weather information, and even the lock screen is not spared, with a feature called “Glance” that provides news, sports scores, and ads based on the user’s location and data.
Conclusion:
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a solid smartphone with a lot to offer for its price. However, its shortcomings in terms of software updates and intrusive advertisements prevent it from being a truly great value. Motorola needs to address these issues if it wants to compete with the best budget smartphones on the market.
