GoKawiilTaylor Kerns / Android Authority
The Moto G Stylus is typically one of the stronger members of the Moto G family, but with the latest Moto G Stylus (2026), things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. The phone has a new active stylus, faster UFS 3.1 storage, and a stronger IP rating than the 2025 model, but basically everything else is the same. Well, aside from the $100 higher price tag.
You could do far worse than the new Moto G Stylus if you’re shopping for a budget smartphone right now, but you could do a lot better, too. Before buying Motorola’s latest, here are five other Android phones you should buy instead of the Moto G Stylus (2026).
Which phone do you think is the best Moto G Stylus (2026) alternative? 58 votes Moto G Stylus (2025) 12 % Google Pixel 10a 21 % Nothing Phone 4a Pro 16 % Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 33 % Motorola Razr (2025) 12 % Other (let us know in the comments) 7 %
Moto G Stylus (2025)
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
If you’re committed to buying a stylus-equipped Android phone that won’t break the bank, the Moto G Stylus (2026) is the most obvious choice. However, you do have another option: the Moto G Stylus (2025).
Take one look at both phones’ spec sheets, and you’d be right in thinking something was wrong. The Moto G Stylus (2025) and (2026) have the same 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset paired with 8GB RAM. The 2025 and 2026 models share the same camera systems, charging speeds, design language, 3.5mm headphone jack, and microSD card slot for expandable storage. No matter which phone you choose, it’s all the same.
So, what’s the advantage of the 2026 version? The included stylus in the new phone is an active pen, meaning it supports pressure/tilt detection, palm rejection, and select shortcuts with its button — all features the passive stylus in the 2025 phone lacks. The 2026 version also has faster storage, an IP69 rating (upgraded from IP68), and a slightly larger 5,200mAh battery (up from 5,000mAh).
Those are fine upgrades, but when the Moto G Stylus (2026) retails for $500 while the Moto G Stylus (2025) costs $400 — and can often be purchased for even less — they’re hardly enough to justify the higher price. Unless you absolutely need the active stylus, save your money and get the 2025 model.
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