Do You Really Need a $1,200 Phone for a Stylus?
Do You Really Need a $1,200 Phone for a Stylus? in 2025: ranked by real specs like camera hardware, battery capacity, and display refresh rate. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Moto g stylus 5G (2024), and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra each offer unique features and performance capabilities that cater to different needs. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and top-tier camera system, offering a premium experience with a higher price tag. Meanwhile, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) provides a budget-friendly option with decent performance but lacks in some high-end features like 4K video recording. The Galaxy S22 Ultra strikes a balance between the two, offering a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and robust camera capabilities, albeit with slightly older technology. When choosing the best smartphone, consider factors such as processing power, display quality, and stylus features. Use the buttons above to check current prices and availability.
Top picks
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the top pick for its unparalleled performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and an integrated S Pen that enhances productivity and creativity. Its 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers stunning visuals, while the versatile camera system supports advanced photography needs. Ideal for those who demand the best in technology and features, this phone justifies its premium price. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra remains a strong contender with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and integrated S Pen, providing a high-quality experience for both productivity and artistic tasks. It offers excellent camera capabilities and a bright, adaptive display, making it a strong pick for users who need a powerful device without the latest processor. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) offers a budget-friendly alternative with a built-in stylus and adequate performance for daily tasks. While it lacks some high-end features, its 6.7-inch pOLED display and long battery life make it suitable for users who need basic stylus functionality without breaking the bank. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
How to decide
S Pen (Active) vs Moto Stylus (Passive): The difference explained
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Ultra come equipped with an active S Pen, which provides a more precise and responsive experience, ideal for artists and note-takers. This stylus features Bluetooth connectivity and allows for air gestures, offering enhanced functionality beyond basic drawing and writing. In contrast, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) includes a passive stylus, which lacks electronic components, resulting in a less sensitive input that may feel less natural for intricate tasks. The active S Pen's integration with Samsung's suite of apps, such as Samsung Notes and Live Translate, further extends its utility, making it a powerful tool for productivity. For users who prioritize a seamless and advanced stylus experience, the Galaxy models stand out. Meanwhile, the Moto stylus serves basic needs efficiently at a lower cost.
Note-taking apps ecosystem
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra and S22 Ultra are deeply integrated with a robust ecosystem of note-taking apps, such as Samsung Notes, which sync seamlessly across devices for enhanced productivity. These apps leverage the advanced features of the S Pen, like pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, to offer a paper-like writing experience. In contrast, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) relies on standard Android note-taking apps, which may not fully utilize the stylus's potential. Samsung's ecosystem also supports third-party apps better, thanks to its extensive developer support and frequent updates, ensuring a smooth and feature-rich experience. For professionals and students who depend on digital note-taking, Samsung's offerings provide a significant advantage.
Art and drawing capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the S Pen, excels in art and drawing applications. The high-resolution screen, coupled with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensures smooth and detailed rendering of strokes. The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers similar capabilities, making it suitable for artists who require precision and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) features a 6.7-inch FHD+ pOLED display that, while vibrant, lacks the same level of detail and color accuracy. Its passive stylus also falls short in providing the nuanced control required for professional-grade artwork. For artists who demand the best in display quality and stylus precision, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a worthy investment.
Performance gap: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering cutting-edge performance with its 8-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU. This combination provides exceptional speed and efficiency, supporting demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, also delivers robust performance but may exhibit throttling under heavy loads. In contrast, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) is equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, which is adequate for everyday tasks but lacks the raw power for intensive applications. The performance gap is evident in real-world usage, where the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 excels in processing speed and graphics capabilities. For users who prioritize top-tier performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the superior choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the best performance and features for creatives and professionals, with its advanced processor and integrated S Pen. The Galaxy S22 Ultra provides a balanced choice with premium features, while the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) caters to those seeking affordability. Each device comes with varying levels of software support and warranty, ensuring peace of mind for US buyers. Use the buttons above to see live pricing and stock.



