Motorola has announced the arrival of its highly anticipated Moto G Stylus (2026), a device that maintains the beloved features of its predecessor while introducing a significantly upgraded stylus and a higher price tag. As the non-Samsung contender in the pen-wielding smartphone market, this year’s model promises enhanced performance and usability, catering to users who value creativity and productivity in a budget-friendly package.
At first glance, the Moto G Stylus (2026) may not appear drastically different from the 2025 version, but upon closer inspection, it brings critical enhancements—especially in the stylus department. Let’s delve into what makes this new model stand out.
Familiar Yet Enhanced Features
- 6.7-inch 1.5K Extreme AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 5000 nits;
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor;
- Storage options of 128GB and 256GB;
- 8GB RAM;
- IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance;
- Military-grade durability;
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection;
- Android 16;
- 50MP Ultra Pixel main rear camera featuring a Sony Lytia 700C sensor with optical image stabilization;
- 13MP ultra-wide-angle and Macro Vision secondary camera;
- 32MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture and Quad Pixel technology;
- Stereo speakers upgraded with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio technology;
- 5,200mAh battery with support for 68W TurboPower wired charging and 15W wireless charging;
- Dimensions of 162.15 x 74.78 x 8.29mm;
- Weight of 192 grams (including stylus);
- Stylish leather finish with a twill-inspired texture;
- Available in Pantone Coal Smoke and Pantone Lavender Mist color options.
Stylus Improvements Make a Big Difference
Unlike last year's Moto G Stylus, which came with a rather basic passive pen, the Moto G Stylus (2026) embraces advanced stylus technology. The new active stylus features tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing for a more natural writing experience that mimics pen-on-paper feel in everyday tasks. With capabilities for broader shading, finer lines, and more fluid strokes, it elevates the user experience significantly.
While it lacks Bluetooth functionality, the active stylus boasts a battery life of up to 100 hours on standby and nearly four hours of writing on a single charge, requiring only about 15 minutes to recharge. New features such as Quick Clip, Drag & Drop, Hover to Magnify, and Circle to Search enhance productivity, shrinking the gap in functionality between the Moto G Stylus and higher-end options like the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Additional Features
Beyond the stylus, the Moto G Stylus (2026) retains many features from its predecessor, including its stunning 6.7-inch display, whose brightness has been enhanced, and a slightly increased battery capacity of 5,200mAh, promising nearly two days of use on a single charge.
Designed with style in mind, the Moto G Stylus (2026) showcases a “leather-inspired” finish that is both elegant and durable. It carries respectable camera capabilities with various AI-enhanced tools, although the sensors themselves remain unchanged from the previous generation, likely a decision to manage production costs.
The Price Tag
However, there is a catch: the Moto G Stylus (2026) is priced at $499.99 in the US, marking a $100 increase over the Moto G Stylus (2025). This price hike sparks the question of whether the enhancements justify the cost. While the upgraded stylus and battery do bring value, consumers must weigh their options amidst the fluctuating prices in the tech industry. Additionally, Motorola plans to offer enticing bundles with the new phone, including accessories, to sweeten the deal.
Scheduled for release on April 16 across various platforms, including Amazon and major carriers, the Moto G Stylus (2026) promises to entice both loyal Motorola fans and new users looking for an affordable yet powerful stylus-equipped device.
