The Best Stylus Phones: A Guide for Digital Creatives
As a graphic designer, illustrator, or anyone in a creative field, having a stylus phone is a must-have. It’s not just about the convenience of taking notes, but also about the precision in design work. With a stylus, you can draw and write with ease, and capture ideas on-the-go. Here’s my list of the best stylus phones on the market, along with a comparison table to help you make an informed decision.
Criteria for Selection
Before we dive into the list of the best stylus phones, let’s take a look at the factors that we considered in the selection process.
Stylus Functionality
The most important factor when it comes to selecting a stylus phone is the stylus itself. We looked for phones that had an accurate and responsive stylus, with additional features like pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. A good stylus should feel natural to hold and allow for a smooth writing or drawing experience.
Display Size and Quality
When you’re working on a stylus phone, the size and quality of the display matter. You want a screen that’s big enough to work on, without feeling cramped, but also one that displays colors accurately and has good contrast. We also considered phones with AMOLED displays, which offer deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Processing Power and RAM
A phone with good processing power and RAM can handle multiple apps and processes at once without slowing down. This is especially important when you’re using design apps or other intensive applications. We looked for phones with at least 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon or MediaTek processor.
Battery Life
With heavy usage, a stylus phone’s battery can quickly drain. We looked for phones with a battery capacity of at least 4000mAh, which should last a full day with moderate usage. We also considered phones with fast charging capabilities, so you can quickly juice up your phone when you’re on the go.
Camera Quality
While a stylus phone is primarily used for productivity, it’s always good to have a decent camera. We looked for phones with cameras that can take sharp and vibrant photos, with a resolution of at least 12MP.
List of the Best Stylus Phones
After careful evaluation and taking into consideration the factors above my list for the best stylus phones are as follows.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra:This is the best stylus phone available in the market, offering exceptional stylus functionality, a large 6.9-inch display, a powerful Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 108MP camera, and a long-lasting 4500mAh battery.
- LG Stylo 6: This phone is a great budget option with built-in stylus functionality, a 6.8-inch display, a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, 3GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 13MP camera, and a 4000mAh battery.
- Google Pixel 5: While this phone does not have a built-in stylus, it supports external styluses and is a solid choice for those who want a high-quality camera and clean software. It features a 6-inch OLED display, a Snapdragon 765G processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 12.2MP camera, and a 4080mAh battery.
- Microsoft Surface Duo 2: This phone offers a unique dual-screen design for increased productivity, and comes with a built-in stylus. It features an 8.3-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, dual 12MP cameras, and a 4446mAh battery.
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Like the Google Pixel 5, this phone does not have a built-in stylus, but supports external styluses. It offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 48MP camera, and a 4500mAh battery.
| Phone Model | Stylus Functionality | Display Size | Processing Power | Battery Life | Camera Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Yes | 6.9 inches | Snapdragon 865+ | 4500 mAh | 108MP |
| LG Stylo 6 | Yes | 6.8 inches | Media Adam Capehart continueTek Helio P35 | 4000 mAh | 13MP |
| Google Pixel 5 | No (Supports external stylus) | 6 inches | Snapdragon 765G | 4080 mAh | 12.2MP |
| Microsoft Surface Duo 2 | Yes | 8.3 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | 4446 mAh | Dual 12MP |
| OnePlus 9 Pro | No (Supports external stylus) | 6.7 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | 4500 mAh | 48MP |
As you can see from the table, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the clear winner in terms of stylus functionality and overall performance. It’s a great phone for digital artists and creatives, with a large display, powerful processor, and excellent camera. The LG Stylo 6 is a great budget option that still offers excellent stylus functionality and decent performance.
The Google Pixel 5 and OnePlus 9 Pro do not have built-in styluses but offer compatibility with external styluses, making them a good choice for those who don’t want to break the bank on a high-end stylus phone. The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is a unique option with a dual-screen design, which can be useful for multitasking and productivity.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best stylus phone, there are a few factors to consider, including stylus functionality, display size and quality, processing power and RAM, battery life, and camera quality. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the best choice for digital creatives who need a powerful phone with excellent stylus functionality, while the LG Stylo 6 offers a great budget option. For those who don’t want a built-in stylus, the Google Pixel 5 and OnePlus 9 Pro are solid choices, while the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 offers a unique dual-screen design for increased productivity. Whatever your needs and budget, there’s a stylus phone out there for you.
