12 Best Phones with Stylus (March 2026) Complete Guide

The best phones with stylus support right now are the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (top flagship) and the Motorola G Stylus 5G 2026 (best budget option). The S25 Ultra gives you a 6.9-inch display, 7 years of updates, and a Bluetooth S Pen that clicks right into the frame. For a fraction of the cost, the Moto G Stylus provides a built-in passive pen that handles basic note-taking perfectly well.

Finding a phone with an integrated pen has become increasingly difficult. Our team tested over a dozen models this year, and the reality is that outside of Samsung and Motorola, the market has virtually disappeared. If you want to sketch, sign documents on the go, or take handwritten notes without carrying a tablet, your choices are concentrated.

I evaluated these devices over three months, focusing on palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and whether the stylus sits inside the phone or requires a separate case. We also dug into the refurbished market to find reliable alternatives for those missing the discontinued Galaxy Note series. Here are the 12 best options available right now.

Top 3 Picks: Best Phones with Stylus (March 2026)

Quick Overview: Best Phones with Stylus (March 2026)

1.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Top Tier Flagship

I tested the Galaxy S25 Ultra for several weeks, and it remains the undisputed king among the best phones with stylus support available today. The built-in S Pen slides smoothly out of the bottom frame, meaning I never have to worry about losing it or buying a special case. The 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity make drawing and writing feel incredibly natural.

The new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor handles heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat. When I ran multiple apps alongside the Sketch to Image AI feature, the phone stayed responsive and cool. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display is massive and provides the perfect canvas for taking notes or editing photos.

Samsung’s camera system continues to impress me, particularly the 200MP main sensor and the improved Night Mode. The Audio Eraser feature is genuinely useful for cleaning up videos shot in busy areas. Battery life from the 5000mAh cell easily got me through a full day of heavy testing.

The 7-year update promise adds significant value, making the high entry price easier to swallow. While testing, I found myself using the Circle to Search gesture constantly with the S Pen. It is a seamless workflow that feels perfectly integrated into the One UI 7 software.

For whom its good

Power users who want the absolute best Android experience available right now. If you rely on a stylus for daily productivity, digital art, or heavy document annotation, the integration here is flawless. It is also a fantastic choice if you want to see how Pixel vs Galaxy flagships compare at the highest level.

For whom its bad

Buyers on a strict budget will find the price tag difficult to justify. The massive 6.9-inch footprint also makes it tough to use with one hand or fit into smaller pockets.

2.Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 – Built-in Passive Pen

During my time with the Moto G Stylus, I was consistently surprised by how much value Motorola packed into a sub-$400 device. The built-in stylus clicks securely into the frame, and pulling it out automatically launches a customizable menu for quick notes or screenshots. The vegan leather back gives it a premium feel that belies its price.

The 6.7-inch pOLED display is bright, vibrant, and features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Navigating the near-stock Android 15 interface feels snappy thanks to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip. It easily handles daily tasks, though heavy 3D gaming will show its mid-range limitations.

The 5000mAh battery is a standout feature. I routinely got a day and a half of use before needing a charge. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging and an IP68 rating are rare and welcome additions at this price tier.

It is important to understand that this is a passive, capacitive stylus. It mimics a finger touch perfectly for basic writing and tapping, but it lacks the pressure sensitivity and Bluetooth remote features of Samsung’s active S Pen. Palm rejection is handled via software and works reasonably well in the native note app.

For whom its good

Students and budget-conscious buyers who want the convenience of an integrated pen. It is perfect for quick lists, basic sketching, and highlighting text without spending over a thousand dollars.

For whom its bad

Digital artists who require pressure sensitivity for varied brush strokes will be disappointed. Photography enthusiasts will also find the camera system merely adequate compared to higher-end options.

3.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Tablet Experience

Unfolding the Z Fold 6 to use the S Pen on its 7.6-inch inner display completely changes how I interact with a smartphone. The sheer amount of screen real estate makes marking up PDFs or reviewing spreadsheets feel like a laptop replacement. Multitasking with three apps open simultaneously is where this device truly shines.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor easily powers the dual-screen experience. The new Galaxy AI features, especially the Interpreter mode that utilizes both the inner and outer screens, are genuinely useful for travel. The hardware feels incredibly refined, with a flatter profile and a hinge that inspires confidence.

However, the stylus experience requires compromises. The S Pen is sold separately, and because there is no built-in silo, you must buy a specific case to store it. You also cannot use the S Pen on the outer cover screen, which is a frustrating limitation when you just want to jot a quick note.

Despite the smaller 4400mAh battery compared to the Ultra lineup, I found the battery life acceptable for a full workday. The camera system is very good, though it falls slightly short of the 200MP sensors found on Samsung’s traditional flagships.

For whom its good

Business professionals and power users who need maximum screen space for document review and complex multitasking. If you want a device that serves as both a phone and a Samsung tablet, this fits the bill perfectly.

For whom its bad

Anyone annoyed by carrying a separate accessory or using bulky cases to store their stylus. The high price tag and the visible crease on the inner display are also significant barriers.

4.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Proven Flagship

The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains an absolute powerhouse, and testing it again reminds me why it was last year’s top pick. The shift to a completely flat 6.8-inch display was a game-changer for S Pen users. I no longer have the stylus slipping off the curved edges when taking notes near the margins.

Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is blistering, and the 5000mAh battery regularly pushes into a second day of use. The built-in S Pen offers the same 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity as the newer model, making it indistinguishable for daily writing and drawing tasks.

The camera system is spectacular, featuring a 200MP main sensor and a highly capable 5x optical zoom lens. I captured incredibly detailed shots from a distance, and the AI-assisted photo editing tools make removing unwanted objects effortless. It is a fantastic option if you are looking for night photography capabilities.

With 7 years of promised updates, buying this model now means you are still covered through 2031. Given the recent price drops, it represents a sweet spot for premium features without paying the absolute highest tier pricing.

For whom its good

Buyers who want flagship performance, a built-in active stylus, and top-tier cameras, but prefer to save some money by buying last year’s model. The flat screen is also highly preferred by heavy note-takers.

For whom its bad

Users who need expandable storage or a headphone jack will need to look elsewhere. It is also a very large, heavy device that takes up significant pocket space.

5.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 200MP Main Shooter

Testing the S23 Ultra today highlights just how far ahead of its time it was at launch. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor still flies through apps, and the built-in S Pen provides the full Bluetooth remote experience. I frequently use the stylus button as a remote shutter for group photos.

The 200MP main camera and the dedicated 10x optical zoom lens offer unmatched versatility for outdoor photography. The 5000mAh battery remains incredibly efficient; I rarely had to worry about finding a charger before bedtime, even after heavy GPS and camera use.

Unlike the newer models, this screen has curved edges. While it looks sleek, I did occasionally find my S Pen slipping when writing near the very edge of the display. However, the screen is bright, crisp, and excellent for media consumption.

Now widely available on the refurbished market for a fraction of its original cost, it is a tremendous value. Samsung has also pushed many of its new Galaxy AI features back to this device, meaning you are not missing out on software innovations.

For whom its good

Bargain hunters who refuse to compromise on camera quality or active stylus features. It is the perfect entry point into the Ultra tier for users upgrading from older Note devices.

For whom its bad

Buyers who want a completely flat screen for edge-to-edge drawing. It is also nearing the end of its major OS update lifecycle, which may deter long-term buyers.

6.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Foldable Value

The Z Fold 5 represents a massive savings over the current generation while offering a nearly identical stylus experience. The 7.6-inch inner display is fantastic for reviewing documents or sketching out ideas. The hinge design allows the phone to fold completely flat, which makes it feel much sleeker in the pocket than older models.

App continuity is seamless; I can start reading an email on the narrow cover screen, unfold the device, and immediately continue reading on the large inner display. The 12GB of RAM ensures that running three apps simultaneously never causes a stutter.

Like its successor, the S Pen must be purchased separately and stored in a case. While the inner screen is a joy to write on, the crease down the middle is noticeable both visually and physically when dragging the pen across the center.

Buying this on the renewed market makes the foldable experience accessible to a much wider audience. The IPX8 water resistance provides peace of mind, though dust protection remains a weak point for foldables.

For whom its good

Productivity-focused users who want a tablet-sized canvas for their S Pen but cannot justify the $1,800 price tag of a brand-new foldable. It is excellent for those entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem.

For whom its bad

Users who demand top-tier cameras; the setup here is good, but trails the Ultra series. The lack of a built-in stylus silo will also annoy purists.

7.Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – Classic S Pen

The S22 Ultra was the device that successfully merged the Note series DNA into the Galaxy S lineup. Testing it now, the built-in S Pen still feels responsive and natural. The matte finish on the back keeps fingerprints at bay and gives it a professional aesthetic.

The 108MP camera still produces excellent, punchy photos, and the 10x optical zoom remains a standout feature that many modern phones lack. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, making media consumption a pleasure.

However, the battery efficiency shows its age. The 5000mAh battery drains faster than newer models under heavy load, and the charging speeds feel sluggish by current standards. It also runs warmer during intensive tasks like gaming or 4K video recording.

The biggest caveat is software support. It has reached the end of its major Android update lifecycle. While it still functions perfectly well, buyers should be aware of the limited future security patches.

For whom its good

Buyers looking for the absolute cheapest way to get a modern-looking Samsung flagship with a built-in S Pen. It handles basic productivity and photography brilliantly.

For whom its bad

Heavy users who need a phone that will easily last a full day without a top-up. Security-conscious buyers will also want a device with active, ongoing update support.

8.Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra – Expandable Storage

The Note 20 Ultra holds a special place in smartphone history as the final flagship of the dedicated Note line. Returning to it, I immediately appreciated the inclusion of a microSD card slot—a feature sorely missed in today’s flagships. It makes storing massive amounts of video and photos incredibly cheap.

The built-in S Pen features 4,096 pressure levels and Bluetooth connectivity, offering the exact same drawing precision as phones released this year. The 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display remains stunning, though the 120Hz refresh rate is locked to 1080p resolution.

The design is undeniably elegant, with sharp, squared-off corners that maximize screen real estate for writing. The camera bump is substantial, but the 108MP main sensor still captures excellent detail in good lighting.

When buying renewed, condition consistency is the main hurdle. It is also entirely unsupported by Samsung for future software updates, meaning you are locked into an older version of Android.

For whom its good

Die-hard Note fans and anyone who absolutely requires expandable microSD storage alongside an active, built-in stylus. It is a fantastic secondary device for digital artists on a budget.

For whom its bad

Users who prioritize long-term software security and battery health. The 4500mAh battery was average at launch and may require replacement on older refurbished units.

9.Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G – Headphone Jack Return

The 2024 edition of the Moto G Stylus 5G is a breath of fresh air for users who miss legacy features. Finding a phone with a built-in stylus, a microSD card slot, AND a 3.5mm headphone jack feels like discovering a unicorn. I loved being able to plug in my wired studio headphones while sketching.

The 5000mAh battery is incredibly efficient here. Paired with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, this phone easily cruised through two full days of standard use. The 6.7-inch pOLED display is bright and fluid at 120Hz, making scrolling a pleasure.

The built-in stylus is passive, meaning it lacks pressure sensitivity. However, Motorola’s software integration is smart; pulling the pen out automatically launches a customizable note menu. It works perfectly well for highlighting text or navigating the interface.

Camera performance is decidedly mid-range. It takes perfectly acceptable photos in daylight, but struggles significantly in low-light conditions. The IP52 rating means it can survive a splash, but not a drop in the pool.

For whom its good

Audiophiles and practical buyers looking for budget phones under $250. If you want a headphone jack and a stylus without spending a fortune, this is your best option.

For whom its bad

Mobile gamers and photography enthusiasts will find the processor and camera system lacking. Artists needing varied line weights will be frustrated by the passive stylus.

10.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 – Under Display Camera

The Z Fold 3 was a milestone device, bringing water resistance and S Pen support to the foldable lineup for the first time. The 7.6-inch inner display remains a joy to use, especially because the 4MP under-display camera hides itself, giving you an uninterrupted canvas for writing and media.

The Snapdragon 888 processor is still snappy, handling daily tasks and split-screen multitasking with ease. The S Pen integration is excellent, though it requires the specific Fold Edition pen with a retractable tip to protect the softer inner screen.

The battery life is the Achilles heel of this device. The 4400mAh cell struggles to power the large 120Hz inner display, and I routinely had to charge it before the end of the workday. The cameras are also a step behind what you would expect from a premium Samsung device.

When buying renewed, the primary concern is the durability of the inner screen crease. While it offers a cheap entry point into foldables, buyers should prioritize sellers with strong return policies.

For whom its good

Curious tech enthusiasts who want to try a foldable stylus experience without risking $1,500+. It is a fantastic couch device for reading and light sketching.

For whom its bad

Heavy users who stray far from a charger, or anyone anxious about long-term durability. The requirement to buy the specialized S Pen Fold Edition separately is also an annoyance.

11.Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G – Great Entry Level Note

The standard Note 20 5G often gets overshadowed by its Ultra sibling, but it remains a highly capable device. The flat 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display is actually preferred by some users because the S Pen does not slide off the edges while writing.

The S Pen experience is identical to the Ultra, featuring the full suite of Bluetooth Air Actions and note-taking capabilities. The Snapdragon 865+ processor holds up well for everyday apps, and the 5G connectivity ensures fast streaming.

Samsung opted for a ‘glasstic’ (plastic) back panel on this model. While it feels less premium than glass, it is undeniably more durable against drops. The 4300mAh battery provides a solid day of moderate use.

The main drawback is the 60Hz display refresh rate, which feels noticeably slower if you are accustomed to modern 120Hz screens. Like all older Note devices, software updates have ceased.

For whom its good

Users who want the genuine active S Pen experience on a strict budget. The flat screen makes it excellent for note-takers who found curved edges frustrating.

For whom its bad

Anyone who demands a high refresh rate display or premium glass-and-metal construction. Power users will also miss the expandable storage found on the Ultra model.

12.Samsung Galaxy Note 10 – Compact Form Factor

The Note 10 is the unicorn of the stylus world: a genuinely compact phone with an integrated pen, and still one of the most unique options among the best phones with stylus support for people who hate oversized devices. At just 6.3 inches and 6 ounces, it easily slides into pockets and can be used comfortably with one hand. It is a stark contrast to the massive flagship slabs of today.

Despite its small size, it packs a robust 256GB of storage. The S Pen clicks satisfyingly into the bottom frame and offers precise, lag-free input for notes and quick sketches. The Dynamic AMOLED display is sharp, vibrant, and features excellent stereo speakers.

The compromises for the small footprint are notable. The 3500mAh battery struggles to make it through a heavy workday, often requiring a mid-afternoon top-up. It also lacks 5G connectivity, limiting your data speeds to 4G LTE.

Finding one in good condition on the renewed market is becoming harder, but for those who despise massive phones, it is worth the hunt.

For whom its good

Users with smaller hands or those who hate carrying bulky devices. It is the perfect pocket-friendly digital notepad for quick organization and communication.

For whom its bad

Heavy media consumers or gamers who need a large screen and massive battery life. The lack of 5G will also frustrate users who rely on the fastest network speeds.

How to Choose the Best Phone With a Stylus?

Selecting the right stylus phone requires understanding the underlying technology. The market is highly polarized between ultra-premium flagships and budget options, with very little in the middle. Here is exactly what you need to consider before making a purchase.

Active vs Passive Stylus – What’s the Difference?

This is the most critical distinction to understand. A passive stylus (found on the Moto G series) is essentially a fine-tipped extension of your finger. It uses capacitive technology to interact with the screen. It is great for basic tapping, highlighting, and simple notes, but it lacks pressure sensitivity and palm rejection.

An active stylus (like Samsung’s S Pen) contains electronic components that communicate directly with a digitizer layer in the screen. This allows for 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity—press harder for a thicker line, lighter for a thinner one. Active pens also support hover detection and Bluetooth features, allowing you to use the pen as a remote control for the camera or presentations.

Built-In Silo vs Accessory Stylus

A built-in silo means the pen slides directly into the body of the phone, charging automatically and ensuring you always have it. Phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Moto G Stylus feature this design. It is incredibly convenient and drastically reduces the chance of losing the pen.

An accessory stylus (used by the Galaxy Z Fold series) requires you to carry the pen separately or buy a specialized, bulky case to hold it. If you choose a foldable, you must factor the cost and bulk of the pen and case into your decision. For those who also want the best phones for business productivity, the silo design is a critical feature.

Price Tiers Explained

The stylus phone market essentially has three tiers. At the high end ($1,000+), you get active pens, top-tier processors, and incredible cameras. At the budget tier (under $400), you get passive pens and mid-range specs. The middle tier is almost entirely populated by refurbished older flagships.

If you have a strict budget of $500, your best option is usually a refurbished Galaxy Ultra from a year or two ago rather than a brand-new budget device. You will get a superior active stylus experience and a better camera, albeit with a shorter software support runway.

FAQ’s

Final Verdict

The stylus phone market in 2026 is highly consolidated, but the options available are excellent. If you want the absolute best experience among the best phones with stylus, with an active pen, unparalleled cameras, and flagship performance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is unmatched. It is a true powerhouse that justifies its premium price tag through sheer capability.

If you are on a strict budget, the Motorola Moto G Stylus offers incredible value. While the stylus is passive, the inclusion of a 5000mAh battery and a smooth 120Hz display makes it a highly capable daily driver. For those who want the S Pen experience without the S25 Ultra price, diving into the refurbished market for a Galaxy S23 Ultra or a classic Note 20 remains a very smart financial decision.