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In the realm of “Best Stylus Phones,” the year 2023 brings a fortunate twist for those seeking smartphones with built-in styluses. This year witnesses a resurgence in the demand for such devices, expanding beyond the iconic Samsung Galaxy Note series. The playing field has been elevated with the introduction of fresh contenders like the Motorola Moto G Stylus, offering an unparalleled and exceptional stylus experience.
Additionally, models that are dependable and future-proof, like as the LG Stylo 6, are making a reappearance as solutions that are friendlier to one’s wallet. In this in-depth piece, we will investigate and rank the top smartphones that come equipped with a stylus pen in 2023, tailoring our discussion to your specific requirements and tastes. This list will assist you in locating the best stylus phone to meet your needs, regardless of whether you are an individual who places a high value on creativity or productivity.
Benefits of Using Stylus Phones
The touchscreen on a stylus phone can be used with more accuracy. The stylus makes it easier to tap, swipe, and make other gestures with more accuracy. This is especially helpful for jobs that need precision, like drawing or writing.
- Productivity: Stylus phones can make you much more productive because they let you type more quickly and accurately. With a stylus, it’s easy to write notes by hand, add notes to papers, edit images, and do other tasks that need precise input.
- Creativity and artistic expression: stylus phones give you a lot of ways to be creative. Artists and designers can use the stylus to sketch, draw, and paint right on the screen of the device. This gives them a digital surface that feels like using traditional art tools.
- Handwriting Recognition: Many pen phones have handwriting recognition features that let you write in your own handwriting and have it turned into digital text. This function can be helpful if you want to quickly write down ideas or take notes during a meeting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stylus Phone
Make sure the stylus phone you choose comes with a stylus that works with it or can be used with a stylus pen. Some phones already have a stylus built in, but others need a different stylus accessory.
- Display Quality and Size: Think about how good the phone’s display is and how big it is. When drawing or taking notes, for example, a larger screen can make it easier to use the stylus and give you more room to work with.
- Pen Sensitivity and Pressure Levels: Check how sensitive the pen is and how much pressure it can take. Higher sensitivity and more pressure levels make the pen feel more real and accurate, especially when doing art work.
- Performance and Processing Power: Look for a stylus phone with enough processing power and RAM to handle jobs like drawing, taking notes, or running apps that require a stylus.
Best Stylus Phones Comparison Table
When you first get your hands on the best stylus phone, you immediately understand what you have been missing out on for all of these years. Touchscreens are amazing, no doubt about it, but there are a lot of circumstances in which utilizing a pointing device is going to be far simpler and more accurate.
| Smartphone | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 with the S-Pen Case | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | LG Stylo 6 | Microsoft Surface Duo 2 with Slim Pen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 | Android 12 | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Display | 6.8-inch FHD+ Max Vision display | Main Screen: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8-inch FHD+ FullVision | Dual PixelSense Fusion AMOLED Displays |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 895 (region-dependent) | MediaTek Helio P35 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB | 12GB/16GB (variant-dependent) | 3GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB (expandable up to 1TB) | 256GB/512GB (non-expandable) | 256GB/512GB/1TB (variant-dependent) | 64GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP (main), 8MP (ultra-wide), 5MP (macro), 2MP (depth) | 12MP (main), 12MP (ultra-wide), 12MP (telephoto) | Quad-camera setup (exact specifications unknown) | 13MP (main), 5MP (wide), 5MP (depth) | Dual 12MP (wide) cameras with autofocus |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 10MP (cover), 4MP (under-display) | Not specified | 13MP | Not specified |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Not specified | 4000mAh | Not specified |
| Stylus Support | Yes | Yes (requires S-Pen Case, sold separately) | Uncertain | Yes | Yes (Slim Pen 2 included) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C |
List of the Best Stylus Phones
Are you trying to find the greatest stylus pen that will fit your requirements? In our search for the best creativity tool for you, we conducted research on sixty different options before purchasing the top five to compare side-by-side. Finding a pen that is compatible with your tablet and has the capabilities that will allow you to fulfill your goals of taking notes and making art can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
Best Overall: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) #Top3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Display | 6.8-inch FHD+ Max Vision display |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 256GB (expandable up to 1TB with microSD card) |
| Rear Camera | 48MP (main), 8MP (ultra-wide), 5MP (macro), 2MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
The latest Moto G Stylus from Motorola came out in the middle of 2021. It is a slightly improved version of the Moto G Stylus that came out just six months earlier. The Moto G Stylus 5G is by far our favourite smartphone with a stylus. It has a better camera, a 6.8-inch screen, and the Snapdragon 480 CPU.
Not only does it have a good price for its fast octa-core CPU (42.0Ghz and 41.8Ghz), but it also comes with a stylus and the stock Android 11 operating system without any extra software. The Motorola Moto G Stylus has several choices that help it find a good balance between good features and a low price. Our favourite is the version that can use 5G and has 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which is enough to keep your smartphone up-to-date for at least a few years.
The Good
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Large and immersive display
- Ample storage capacity
- Versatile quad-camera setup
The Bad
- May feel bulky and heavy
- Average low-light camera performance
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 with the S-Pen Case #Top3
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Display | Main Screen: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (main), 12MP (ultra-wide), 12MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 10MP (cover), 4MP (under-display) |
| Battery | 4400mAh |
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is our top choice among smartphones that are compatible with styluses. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone, as its name suggests; it is one of the most technologically advanced smartphones currently available. When unfolded, the AMOLED display can show a maximum resolution of 1768 by 2208 pixels at a refresh rate of 120 hertz, bringing to mind ancient personal digital assistants (PDAs) in some ways.
It has one of the most impressive displays seen on a smartphone so far. Aside from that, Samsung truly brings out the premium characteristics of the phone by equipping it with an octa-core Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 chipset (1.28 GHz, 3.24 GHz, and 4.18 GHz), 5G connectivity, 12 GB of RAM, and three 12 MP cameras.
The Good
- Foldable design for increased screen real estate
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888
- Impressive camera system
- S-Pen support for enhanced productivity
The Bad
- Expensive price tag
- Limited storage options
- Fragile folding mechanism
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra #Top3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 12 |
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 895 (region-dependent) |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB (variant-dependent) |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB (variant-dependent) |
| Rear Camera | Quad-camera setup (exact specifications unknown) |
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is, without a shadow of a doubt, the very greatest stylus phone that can be purchased in the present day. The most recent version of the S Pen, which is Samsung’s branded stylus, is included in the package that it comes in. This is an excellent option for anyone who takes notes or drawings because it has 4,096 different levels of pressure sensitivity and a low latency of 9 milliseconds. And because this is Samsung’s most recent major phone release, the experience of using the pen on this device is without a doubt the greatest available.
Whether we were utilizing the brushes in Photoshop Lightroom or performing some digital drawing, we noticed that using it was a breeze and had a minimal latency. This was the consensus of our review. You may also use it to scribble down thoughts, conduct Air operations, open a new note right on the screen, or utilize the S Pen to text tool to convert your handwriting to text as you write on the screen. All of these options are available to you when you use the S Pen.
The Good
- High-quality display with vibrant colors
- Powerful processor for smooth performance
- Ample storage options for data and media
- Advanced camera capabilities (expected)
The Bad
- Limited information available at this time
- Stylus support uncertainty
Stylus Phones for Artists and Creatives
Artists and other creative people like stylus phones because they can be used as a digital surface to show off their work. These phones have a variety of features and functions that artists need. This makes them useful tools for making digital artwork, drawings, and designs. Here are some of the reasons why artists and creative people should use phones with styluses:
LG Stylo 6
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 |
| Display | 6.8-inch FHD+ FullVision display |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio P35 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB (expandable up to 2TB with microSD card) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP (main), 5MP (wide), 5MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Stylus Support | Yes |
The LG Stylo 6 is a phone with a long history, and it might be the last one of its kind. LG stopped making smartphones and got rid of the Stylo 7, which was supposed to be its replacement in early 2021. Even though it’s not the newest phone on the market, the LG Stylo 6 holds its own against other smartphones with styluses in 2022 thanks to its future-proof Mediatek MT6765 Helios P35 CPU (42.3Ghz and 41.8Ghz) and 4Gb RAM and 64Gb ROM.
The Stylo 6 also has a 13MP camera, a 3.5mm audio jack, a 4000 mAh battery, and a 6.8-inch IPS LCD screen that can show 10802460 pixels. When it came out in 2020, the recommended retail price was $220. Overall, there isn’t much wrong with the LG Stylo 6 besides the fact that it doesn’t have a 5G link.
The Good
- Large and vibrant display
- Expandable storage for media and files
- Stylus support for enhanced functionality
- Affordable price tag
The Bad
- Limited RAM and processing power
- Average camera performance
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 with Slim Pen 2
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Display | Dual PixelSense Fusion AMOLED Displays |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (wide) cameras with autofocus |
| Front Camera | Not specified |
| Battery | Not specified |
| Stylus Support | Yes (Slim Pen 2 included) |
The Surface Duo 2 from Microsoft is Samsung’s answer to the Galaxy Fold 3. You can fold the screen of this solid smartphone with a stylus, and you can also write on its huge 8.3-inch folding screen with the Surface Slim PenRead More Reviews. The Surface Duo 2 also has the same octa-core Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 chipset, which gives it more working power than most other smartphones on the market.
Compared to our top pick, the Surface Duo 2, its screen isn’t quite as good because it only refreshes at 90Hz, while the Galaxy Fold 3 does it at 120Hz. Aside from that, it only has 8GB of RAM, which is half of what the Fold 3 has. It does, however, have better photos, with a 16MP camera on the back and a 12MP camera on the front. Overall, if you want to save money, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is a good option to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3. But keep in mind that the Surface Slim Pen is not included with the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 and must be bought individually.
The Good
- Dual-screen design for enhanced multitasking
- High-performance processor for smooth operation
- Ample storage options for files and applications
- Includes the Slim Pen 2 for precise stylus input
The Bad
- Battery life information not available
- Limited camera details
Stylus Phone Usage and Tips for Enhancing Productivity
Using a pen phone can help you get more done and do some things more quickly. Here are some tips on how to use a pen phone well and get the most out of it:
- Taking Notes: Use the stylus and note-taking apps to write down important information, make to-do lists, and record thoughts while you’re out and about. Use tools like handwriting recognition to turn your handwritten notes into digital text so that they are easier to organize and find.
- Annotation and Markup: Use the stylus to highlight and make notes on important parts of papers, images, or web pages when you’re going over them. You can highlight text, draw arrows, or make notes right on the screen to give graphic feedback or bring attention to important points.
- Drawing and Sketching: Use the tool to draw and sketch and let your imagination run wild. Whether you are an artist, a creator, or just like to draw, the precision and sensitivity of the stylus can make drawing more immersive and fun.
- Editing photos: If you like photography, the pen can be a useful tool for editing photos precisely. Use the stylus to make small changes, get rid of flaws, or add effects selectively to improve your pictures.
Questions and Answers
Yes, a pen phone can still be used without the stylus. The phone’s touchscreen works as well as any other smartphone’s and can be used with your fingers. But the stylus gives you more control and accuracy for jobs that need more precision or creativity.
Most stylus phones are in the higher price range because they have more features and technology. But the price can change based on the phone’s brand, model, and other features. Before you buy something, it’s a good idea to compare your choices and think about what you need.
Yes, you can play games with a phone that has a pen. Many games are made to work well on touchscreens, and you can use your fingers or a pen to play them. But not all games work with stylus inputs, so it’s important to check the game’s compatibility or specific needs before playing.