Best Unlocked Android Phones With a Stylus in 2026
Compare unlocked Android phones with a stylus for everyday notes and sketches, from two Moto G generations to the feature-packed Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 is our best overall unlocked Android phone with a stylus. Its sharper display, built-in pen and IP68 rating make it a well-rounded choice for quick notes without buying a flagship.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 | Best overall | View |
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 | Best for wired headphones | View |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Best premium choice | View |
How to choose an unlocked Android phone with a stylus
A pen stored inside the phone is convenient for signing a document or marking a screenshot in a queue. All three phones here carry one in the body, but the software and the rest of the hardware differ considerably. We compared manufacturer specifications and the listed US unlocked configurations; this is not a hands-on test.
Check carrier support before ordering. An unlocked phone is not automatically compatible with every network or every 5G band, particularly outside the US. Ask your carrier to confirm the model or IMEI, and check import warranty terms if buying abroad. Storage, charger contents and updates also vary by model and market.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025: best overall
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025
The 2025 Moto offers the most balanced route to a pen-equipped Android phone for everyday notes and sketches. Its 6.7-inch pOLED display has a 2712 by 1220 resolution and an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, giving handwritten lists plenty of room. Motorola specifies 256GB of internal storage and microSD expansion up to 1TB, useful if photos and downloaded files accumulate. An IP68 rating gives it a stronger stated dust and water resistance level than a basic splash claim, although resistance can diminish with wear. It earns our overall badge because these practical features accompany the integrated stylus without the Galaxy's flagship feature set. The tradeoff is the missing 3.5mm headphone socket: wired listeners need USB-C audio or an adapter. For maximum wired charging speed, a compatible 68W charger is required.
Pros
- Sharp 2712 by 1220 pOLED display for notes and sketches
- 256GB storage plus microSD expansion for larger libraries
- IP68-rated dust and water resistance
Cons
- No 3.5mm headphone socket for existing wired headphones
- 68W wired charging requires a compatible charger
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: best for wired headphones
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024
The 2024 Moto stands out for a small feature many newer phones omit: its 3.5mm headset jack. A commuter can listen to wired headphones while the USB-C port remains available for charging, without carrying an adapter. The phone also combines a built-in stylus with a 6.7-inch, 2400 by 1080 pOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. This listed unlocked version has 256GB of storage, and Motorola specifies microSD expansion up to 2TB. Those features make it a sensible choice for offline media and handwritten reminders. The reason for its badge is the dedicated audio port, not an assumption that it will always cost less. Its screen has fewer pixels than the 2025 model, and its 30W wired charging ceiling is lower, so compare the two if display sharpness or charging speed matters more.
Pros
- 3.5mm jack leaves USB-C free while using wired headphones
- microSD expansion supports a large offline media collection
- 120Hz pOLED display gives the integrated pen a roomy canvas
Cons
- Lower display resolution than the 2025 Moto
- 30W maximum wired charging is slower on paper than the 2025 model's 68W
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: best premium choice
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra suits a buyer who wants a pen alongside a broader flagship toolkit. Its integrated S Pen works with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, giving annotations more room than either Moto. Its rear camera system includes 3x and 5x optical zoom cameras, a meaningful difference if distant subjects matter as much as notes. This listed US unlocked version has 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. It earns the premium badge for combining those capabilities with a high-resolution 200MP main camera rather than for handwriting alone. At 232g, it is a substantial phone to hold while writing, and its extra camera features may be unnecessary if you only sign occasional forms. It is also an older generation, so check the remaining software support and seller's warranty terms before ordering.
Pros
- Built-in S Pen and spacious 6.8-inch QHD+ display for annotation
- 3x and 5x optical zoom cameras offer two useful distant-subject views
- 200MP main camera complements the two optical zoom options
Cons
- 232g body can be tiring for prolonged one-handed notes
- Flagship camera and display features may exceed simple note-taking needs
Pen, storage and charging: what matters most?
A pen that lives in the phone is less likely to be left behind than a separate accessory, but it is still thin and may feel different from a full-size drawing pen. For longer sessions, consider the size and weight of the phone as well as the note app's export options. Confirm that your preferred app supports the format you need before migrating a notebook.
Both Motorolas combine 256GB of built-in storage with a card slot, although their stated expansion limits differ. A card can hold compatible media, but not every app can move its data there. The Galaxy configuration also has 256GB; plan ahead if you keep large video files locally. Battery capacity alone does not predict runtime, which depends on brightness, connectivity and workload.
Frequently asked questions
Will these unlocked phones work with any carrier?
Not necessarily. These are US unlocked listings, but network support depends on the precise model, bands and carrier activation rules. Check the model number or IMEI with your provider before purchase, especially when importing into Europe. An unlocked device does not guarantee every local 5G feature, and its warranty may be limited to the original market.
Can I use wired headphones while charging?
The 2024 Moto has a dedicated 3.5mm jack, leaving its USB-C connector free for power. The 2025 Moto uses USB-C for wired audio, so simultaneous charging may require a compatible adapter. Check an adapter's audio and charging support before buying it; a connector that fits does not establish that both functions work together.
Is the Galaxy's S Pen worth choosing over a Moto stylus?
Choose the Galaxy when its larger QHD+ screen, optical zoom cameras and 200MP main camera matter alongside handwritten notes. The Moto 2025 already stores a pen in the phone and offers a sharp 6.7-inch display for everyday lists. The right choice depends on the whole phone, not on the presence of a pen alone.
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change.