Best Phones With Stylus: Reviewing the Latest Options
In a world dominated by touchscreens, phones with stylus support stand out for their precision, productivity, and creative potential. Whether you're a digital artist, a note-taker, or a professional signing documents on the go, a stylus-equipped smartphone can elevate your mobile experience. In 2025, the market offers a range of stylus phones catering to various budgets and needs. This blog post reviews the latest and best options, highlighting their features, performance, and value based on recent expert reviews and testing.
Why Choose a Stylus Phone?
A stylus phone isn’t just about having a pen; it’s about seamless integration with software to enhance functionality. From jotting down quick notes to sketching intricate designs, stylus phones offer precision that fingers can’t match. They’re ideal for tasks like annotating PDFs, editing photos, or navigating interfaces with accuracy. Plus, modern stylus phones come with features like pressure sensitivity, low latency, and AI-driven tools that make them versatile for both work and play.
Below, we explore the top stylus phones of 2025, focusing on their key specifications, stylus capabilities, and overall performance.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Premium Powerhouse
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the gold standard for stylus phones, thanks to its integrated S Pen and top-tier hardware. Released in early 2025, this flagship device combines a stunning display, powerful performance, and a feature-rich stylus experience.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 3,200 x 1,440 pixels, 2,600 nits brightness, Gorilla Armor glass
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB options
- Cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- S Pen: 4,096 pressure levels, low latency (2.8ms), Air Commands, AI Sketch to Image, Smart Select
- Price: Starting at $1,300
Stylus Experience:
The S Pen is housed within the phone, charging automatically and offering a natural writing feel with 4,096 pressure levels. Its flat 6.9-inch display provides an expansive canvas for note-taking and sketching, enhanced by Samsung Notes and AI-driven features like circling to search and image generation. The stylus also supports remote camera control and off-screen memos, making it a productivity beast.
Pros:
- Unmatched S Pen integration with advanced features
- Exceptional camera system with 200MP main sensor
- Bright, durable display ideal for stylus use
- Powerful performance for multitasking and gaming
Cons:
- High price tag
- Overkill for casual users
Why Choose It? The Galaxy S25 Ultra is for power users who want the best stylus experience, top-notch cameras, and a premium build. It’s ideal for professionals and creatives who need a device that can handle demanding tasks.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Cost-Effective Flagship
While no longer Samsung’s latest, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still a stellar stylus phone, especially if you find it at a discount. Released in 2024, it shares many features with the S25 Ultra but at a potentially lower price point.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 3,200 x 1,440 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- S Pen: 4,096 pressure levels, productivity features
- Price: Starting at ~$1,000 (discounted)
Stylus Experience:
The S24 Ultra’s S Pen is nearly identical to the S25 Ultra’s, with the same pressure sensitivity and features like Smart Select and off-screen memos. The slightly smaller 6.8-inch display is still excellent for stylus work, and the Gorilla Armor glass ensures durability against scratches.
Pros:
- Nearly identical S Pen experience to the S25 Ultra
- Excellent performance and camera system
- More affordable than the S25 Ultra
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Lacks the latest AI features and processor
- Still pricey compared to mid-range options
Why Choose It? If you want a premium stylus phone but don’t need the absolute latest tech, the S24 Ultra offers fantastic value, especially at a discount.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Foldable Option
For those who want a stylus phone with a twist, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a foldable design that doubles as a tablet. Released in 2024, it’s a unique choice for stylus users who need a larger canvas.
Key Features:
- Display: 7.6-inch main (2,208 x 1,840 pixels), 6.3-inch cover (2,376 x 968 pixels)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP front, 4MP under-display
- Battery: 4,400mAh
- S Pen: Optional (not included), requires a compatible case
- Price: Starting at ~$1,900
Stylus Experience:
Unlike the S-series, the Z Fold 6’s S Pen is an optional accessory that requires a case for storage. It still offers low latency and features like Air Commands, but the lack of built-in storage is a drawback. The 7.6-inch main display is ideal for multitasking and creative work, making it a great choice for artists and professionals who want a tablet-like experience.
Pros:
- Large foldable display for stylus use
- Powerful performance for multitasking
- Versatile form factor for productivity
Cons:
- S Pen not included and requires a case
- Expensive
- Smaller battery compared to non-foldable options
Why Choose It? The Z Fold 6 is perfect for those who want a stylus phone with a massive, foldable screen for creative or productivity tasks, but be prepared to invest in the S Pen and a case.
4. Moto G Stylus 5G (2025): The Budget Champion
For budget-conscious buyers, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) delivers solid stylus functionality at a fraction of the cost of premium options. It’s a refreshed version of Motorola’s affordable stylus phone.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 256GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, 32MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Stylus: Built-in, basic functionality for note-taking and navigation
- Price: ~$400
Stylus Experience:
The Moto G Stylus 5G’s stylus is simpler than Samsung’s S Pen, lacking advanced features like pressure sensitivity or Air Commands. However, it’s housed within the phone and works well for basic tasks like note-taking, sketching, and photo editing. The 6.7-inch OLED display is smooth and responsive, making it a great value for casual stylus users.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Built-in stylus with decent functionality
- Large, vibrant display
- Includes headphone jack and microSD slot
Cons:
- Stylus lacks advanced features
- Limited software updates (two years)
- Average camera performance
Why Choose It? The Moto G Stylus 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users who want a stylus phone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
5. TCL Stylus 5G: The Entry-Level Contender
The TCL Stylus 5G is another budget-friendly option, offering stylus functionality for those who want an affordable entry point.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch, 120Hz
- Processor: Mid-range (specifics vary by region)
- RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 128GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, basic secondary sensors
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Stylus: Built-in, basic functionality
- Price: ~$350
Stylus Experience:
The TCL Stylus 5G’s stylus is designed for simple tasks like note-taking and navigation. It lacks the advanced features of premium phones but gets the job done for casual users. The 6.6-inch display is decent for sketching and writing, though it’s not as sharp as higher-end models.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Built-in stylus
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Basic stylus functionality
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Less premium build quality
Why Choose It? The TCL Stylus 5G is a great choice for first-time stylus phone users who want an inexpensive device for light productivity or creative tasks.
Comparison Table
| Phone Model | Display Size | Processor | Stylus Features | Price (Starting) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 6.9-inch | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 4,096 pressure levels, AI features | $1,300 | Power users, creatives |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 6.8-inch | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 4,096 pressure levels, productivity | ~$1,000 | Value-driven premium users |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | 7.6-inch | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Optional S Pen, Air Commands | ~$1,900 | Multitaskers, creatives |
| Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) | 6.7-inch | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Basic note-taking, navigation | ~$400 | Budget-conscious users |
| TCL Stylus 5G | 6.6-inch | Mid-range | Basic note-taking, navigation | ~$350 | Entry-level stylus users |
Choosing the Right Stylus Phone for You
When selecting a stylus phone, consider your budget, use case, and desired features:
- Premium Users: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or S24 Ultra are the best choices for those who need advanced stylus features, top-tier performance, and a premium camera system. The S24 Ultra is a better value if you find it discounted.
- Creative Multitaskers: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a unique foldable design with a large screen, perfect for artists and professionals who need a tablet-like experience, though the optional S Pen adds to the cost.
- Budget Buyers: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) and TCL Stylus 5G are excellent for casual users who want stylus functionality without spending a fortune. The Moto G is slightly more polished, while the TCL is the cheapest option.
Stylus phones in 2025 cater to a wide range of needs, from high-end productivity to budget-friendly creativity. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads the pack with its unmatched S Pen integration and flagship features, while the S24 Ultra offers similar performance at a lower price. For those seeking a unique form factor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 delivers a tablet-like experience. Budget options like the Moto G Stylus 5G and TCL Stylus 5G make stylus phones accessible to everyone.
Before purchasing, check user reviews and consider your specific needs—whether it’s precision for sketching, productivity for note-taking, or affordability for casual use. With these options, there’s a stylus phone for every user in 2025.
Sources: ZDNET, Digital Camera World, WIRED, PCMag, The Independent, Pockettactics
