The Moto G Stylus is getting a big update for 2026, with a new pen that behaves more like a Galaxy Note’s S Pen than ever before.
Available starting on April 16, the new Moto G Stylus (2026) is the highest-end model in Motorola’s Moto G lineup, and it’s got a big new addition this year.
The biggest change is the phone’s own namesake, with the stylus switching from a basic capacitive pen to a proper active pen. In other words, the same general idea as the Galaxy Note’s iconic S Pen, or the Apple Pencil used with iPad.
What does this actually change?
With Moto G Stylus (2026) switching to an active pen you get not only more precise input, but also the ability for the pen to recognize tilt and pressure (at least in supported apps). It should feel much more like writing on real paper. It also picks up a floating menu you can access with a press of the pen’s built-in button. Shortcuts from that button include:
- Quick Clip: Highlight and send text directly to Notes with a press of the stylus button
- Drag & Drop: Press and hold the stylus over an image, then drag & drop the picture into Notes from supported apps
- Hover to Magnify: Preview text up close by hovering the stylus over the screen
- Circle to Search with Google: Long‐press the pen button and circle anything you see on your device to get instant search results without switching apps
The stylus has a tiny built-in battery (just 4 mAh), but has around 4 hours of constant use on a charge, and refills in 15 minutes. There’s no full Bluetooth, though, so you can’t use it as a remote shutter or anything like some generations of Samsung’s S Pen offered.
Beyond the pen, Moto G Stylus (2026) puts together a pretty solid Android phone for its $499 price point.
It runs Android 16 out of the box – yes, we have to specify that – with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, a microSD card slot, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz, 5,200 mAh battery with 68W wired charging and 15W wireless, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and IP68/69 dust/water resistance. In the camera department, there’s a 50MP Sony Lytia 700C main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide shooter, and a “third” camera that’s actually just a light sensor. Up front, a 32MP camera for selfies.
Moto G Stylus (2026) also comes in “Coal Smoke” and “Lavender Mist” color options, both a part of Motorola’s ongoing Pantone partnership.
You’ll be able to buy it unlocked at Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola’s website on April 16, with the phone also available that day on Google Fi and on Motorola’s website in Canada. Other US carriers (Spectrum Mobile, Cricket Wireless, AT&T, Xfinity Mobile, and Optimum Mobile) will follow later.
Motorola is also today announcing a return to Android tablets with its new Moto Pad.
More on Motorola:
- Motorola’s next batch of Razr colors sound just as fun as you’d expect
- Motorola teases Razr Fold pre-orders that start pretty soon
- Motorola’s next Razr Ultra is even thicker in first leak, and it makes me want to scream
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments