Is the Moto G Stylus waterproof?

By Bryan M. Wolfe Published April 19, 2024

Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 in hand — Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Motorola’s Moto G Stylus range of Android smartphones falls in the midrange category. As the name suggests, each of these phones comes with a stylus. The two latest models of this phone are the Moto G Stylus (2023) and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). While both phones have many similarities, there are some differences between them. For instance, only the 5G model supports NFC.

But when it comes to water resistance, how well-protected are each of these Moto G Stylus phones? This article will provide you with all the necessary details, which may surprise you.

Recommended Videos

Are any Moto G Stylus phones waterproof?

Sadly, none of the Moto G Stylus models have an official IP rating for waterproofing. Instead, Motorola says they offer a “water-repellant design” or “water-repellant” coating.

As such, none of the following Moto G Stylus phones have an IP rating:

Moto G Stylus (2020)
Moto G Stylus (2021)
Moto G Stylus (2022)
Moto G Stylus (2023)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

What does the water-repellent design mean?

According to Motorola: “Water-repellent design creates a barrier to help protect against moderate exposure to water such as accidental spills, splashes, or light rain. Not designed to be submersed in water, or exposed to pressurized water, or other liquids; may diminish over time. Not waterproof.”

In other words, any of these phones should be able to handle accidental spills and splashes, but they cannot be submerged in water or exposed to pressurized water. A few splashes here and there won’t be the end of the world, but you’ll probably want to keep your phone away from the pool, lake, etc.

What do IP ratings mean?

IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are a metric used to evaluate the level of protection a device provides against dust and water. Essentially, it is a rating system that informs you how well your phone can withstand outdoor exposure.

Surprisingly, Motorola doesn’t use the IP metric to rate any of its Moto G Stylus smartphones. If you’re looking for a phone that is more than just splashproof, check out our list of the best phones available on the market. Most of these phones have an IP rating, which can help you decide whether it’s the right phone for you. This list includes phones like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and many more.

Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Topics

Phones

The HONOR Robot Phone feels like the first phone I’d actually buy for its weirdest feature

I wanted a better workflow. HONOR built a robot.

HONOR Robot Phone Hands On First Impressions Review

When I was at Computex earlier this year, I shot a lot of Reels using my DJI Osmo. And don't get me wrong: that little camera is excellent. The stabilization is great, the video quality is good, and it is exactly the kind of thing you want when you're running around a trade show trying to make content. But then came the annoying part: transferring all that footage to my phone or laptop, moving it to the cloud, and finally getting it onto the platform I actually wanted to use. At some point, I remember thinking, "Why are there so many steps?"

Apparently, HONOR had the same thought. The difference is that while I just complained about it, HONOR went ahead and built a phone around the idea. The HONOR Robot Phone is, admittedly, doing a lot. It's a flagship Android phone, a miniature motorized camera gimbal, a robotic arm, and an AI playground all rolled into one. But after actually using it at IFA Berlin this year, I found myself caring far less about the novelty and far more about the camera. Because, honestly, this thing is really good.

Phones

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an unabashedly bougie reader, but gosh, I can’t put it down

I am NOT telling you to spend $1,900 on it for reading books. And yet, here I am, surpassing my reading goals at an addictively quick pace.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

On an ordinary day, if you ask me what's the best e-reader device out there, my answer would most probably be one of Amazon's Kindle readers. I will most likely ask about your budget and your preferences before doling out a few recommendations.

If you tell me that the Kindle is too restrictive, I would point you in the direction of a Boox slate, which comes in multiple sizes across a wide price bracket. In case you are inclined towards a phone-like reader device, the Boox Palma 2 or the DuRoBo Krono would be my suggested picks. And if you're chasing something light, tiny, and open, the XTEINK X4 would be my go-to choice.

Phones

Three reasons I’m still hesitant to order the iPhone Duo

Apple’s first foldable had me reaching for my credit card, but a few days of thinking changed my mind.

iPhone Duo on table unfolded

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo at its “Surprise and Shine” event, and my jaw dropped. To be fair, I had a pretty good idea about the phone’s hardware, but the software polish and little nice touches Apple added everywhere made me instantly pull out my credit card.

From the opening animation to the almost creaseless nano-texture display to the under-display camera to the IP68 water and dust resistance, Apple has certainly delivered with its first try at a foldable phone.