The device is available in "lunar gray" and "fine gold" colors, and unlike previous generations is not customizable via MotoMaker.

Like previous generations, the device supports gesture and motion controls through Moto Actions.

[7] Unlike the previous generation, the 2800 mAh battery of the basic Moto G5 variant is user-replaceable.

On the other hand, the G5S Plus features 5.5-inch display, Snapdragon 2.0 GHz processor, and a new 13 MP dual-lens camera setup.

[29] On the other hand, the G5 Plus and G5S Plus (and to a lesser extent, the G5S) were praised for their large improvements in performance, battery life, camera quality, and storage capacity.

[30][31][32] Android Central thought that the G5S Plus was not a significant upgrade over the G5 Plus, finding that while the G5S Plus adds an upgraded front-facing camera with LED flash and a metal unibody, its rear camera module they considered a regression from that of the G5 Plus due to a narrower aperture (F2.0 versus F1.7).