The best thing about the Moto G Stylus 2026? It does what Google and Samsung won’t

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The Moto G Stylus line has always held a special place in my heart. I love the idea that buyers can have a stylus with their phone without spending wallet-punishing amounts on a Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s a useful tool, and the G Stylus phones have long been keepers of fan-favorite legacy features.

Unfortunately, prices crept up over the years. The original G Stylus was a borderline budget phone, but now, at $500, it’s firmly in the midrange — and  facing serious competition. Still, I like the overall package Motorola offers, and while it’s not the right choice for everyone, there are certainly reasons why the Moto G Stylus (2026) should end up in your pocket.

I’m an avid S Pen user on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. I don’t know who Samsung polled who told the company it was a good idea to downgrade the accessory, but the company certainly didn’t ask me. Apparently, it didn’t ask a lot of other people I know as well, since many power users who came from Galaxy Note devices love the S Pen. It’s a shame Samsung removed Bluetooth from the pen, and I wish the company would reconsider.

Thankfully, Motorola is moving in the opposite direction with the latest Moto G Stylus, opting to beef up its pen for 2026. The stylus now has a battery and can carry out functions without touching the screen. It’s pressure-sensitive, giving you greater control and detail in your notes and drawings. It’s the most responsive G Stylus pen I’ve used, and the input glides across the screen without noticeable latency. It’s solidly built and feels amazing to use in the hand.

I’m not going to pretend that every user who buys a Galaxy S26 Ultra cares about the S Pen. However, if you’re someone who does, the G Stylus is worth considering at a fraction of the price, especially if you don’t need all the power of a flagship phone.

I don’t agree with people who claim headphone jacks and microSD card slots don’t have a place on modern smartphones. It’s more than just nostalgia, and I appreciate that Motorola at least offers some models with both available — including the 2026 G Stylus.

Not everyone is comfortable with cloud storage, and it’s getting more expensive . Whether you’re carrying around movies and music or your photos, you can fill up your phone’s base storage quickly. With a microSD card slot, you can bring more with you without relying on a solid Wi-Fi connection or mobile signal.