Moto G Stylus 2026 vs. Moto G Stylus 2025

Motorola has once again made waves in the mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the Moto G Stylus 2026. This latest iteration brings a significant upgrade to the beloved stylus experience, finally introducing an active stylus that supports tilt detection and pressure sensitivity—features previously reserved for high-end devices like Samsung’s S Pen. But does this upgrade justify the $100 price increase over its predecessor, the Moto G Stylus 2025? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which model is right for you.

Design and Display: Subtle Changes, Big Impact

At first glance, the Moto G Stylus 2026 looks almost identical to the 2025 model. Motorola has stuck with its signature faux-leather finish, but the 2026 version introduces two new Pantone-inspired colors: Coal Smoke and Lavender Mist. The texture has also been slightly refined for a more premium feel. Both models share the same dimensions (162.2 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm) and weight (around 192 grams), making them equally comfortable to hold.

The real standout feature of the 2026 model is its IP69 rating, which offers the highest level of water and dust resistance available in smartphones. This is a significant upgrade over the 2025 model’s IP68 rating, giving users peace of mind in more extreme conditions.

The display remains largely unchanged, with both models featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. However, the 2026 model boasts a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, up from the 2025 model’s 3,000 nits. This improvement ensures better visibility in bright outdoor environments.

The Game-Changer: Active Stylus

The most significant upgrade in the Moto G Stylus 2026 is undoubtedly the active stylus. Unlike the passive stylus in the 2025 model, the 2026 version supports pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, making it a true competitor to Samsung’s S Pen. This means you can now create thicker or thinner brush strokes depending on how hard you press, and shading becomes more intuitive with tilt detection. Motorola claims the stylus can last up to 100 hours on a single charge and can be fully recharged in just 15 minutes when docked in the silo.

For artists, note-takers, and anyone who relies on precise input, this upgrade is a game-changer. The 2025 model’s passive stylus, despite claims of improved sensitivity, often felt laggy and less responsive during testing.

Performance and Specs: Familiar Territory

Under the hood, both the Moto G Stylus 2026 and 2025 models are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The 2026 model features a slightly larger 5,200mAh battery compared to the 2025 model’s 5,000mAh, but both support 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

Both models run Android 16 with Motorola’s Hello UX, promising two years of OS updates. The 2026 model also introduces more Moto AI features and camera enhancements, such as Action Shot and Super Zoom, which may eventually roll out to the 2025 model via software updates.

Camera Capabilities: Consistent Quality

The camera setup on both models is identical, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens with autofocus for macro shots, and a 32MP front-facing camera capable of 4K recording. While the hardware remains unchanged, the 2026 model introduces a Signature Style mode, which uses AI to add a unique flair to your photos based on your preferences.

In our testing, the Moto G Stylus 2025 delivered excellent photo quality in good lighting conditions, and we expect the 2026 model to perform similarly. The addition of Moto AI features could further enhance the camera experience, but it’s worth noting that these may also be available on the 2025 model in future updates.

Pricing and Value: A Tough Call

The Moto G Stylus 2025 launched at $399 but is now available for as low as $350 for the 256GB variant, making it an incredible value for money. The 2026 model, on the other hand, starts at $499 for the 128GB variant and goes up to $599 for the 256GB model. While the price increase is steep, Motorola is offering some enticing bundles during the launch period, including a four-pack of Moto Tags, a Moto Watch, and Moto Buds Loop with the higher storage variant.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a serious stylus user who values advanced features like pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, the Moto G Stylus 2026 is worth the upgrade. It offers S Pen-like functionality at a fraction of the cost of Samsung’s flagship devices and even surpasses them in water resistance.

However, if you only occasionally use a stylus for basic tasks like signing documents or taking quick notes, the Moto G Stylus 2025 remains an excellent choice. Its lower price point and nearly identical specs make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Final Thoughts

The Moto G Stylus 2026 is a solid upgrade for stylus enthusiasts, but it may not be necessary for everyone. The active stylus is a game-changer, but the $100 price increase could be a dealbreaker for some. Ultimately, your decision should depend on how much you value the advanced stylus features and whether you’re willing to pay a premium for them.

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