If you use Apple products daily but prefer to have an Android phone, you've probably thought about looking for one more than once. mobile phones with styluses that fit well into the Apple ecosystemDrawing, taking handwritten notes, signing documents, or precisely editing photos is much more comfortable with a stylus than just using your fingers, and the truth is that more and more users are combining iPhone, iPad, or Mac with a smartphone with a pen for work or study.
The problem is that There aren't too many smartphones with a built-in stylus.And direct Apple Pencil compatibility on iPhone remains unavailable. However, there are several interesting alternatives: from Samsung Galaxy phones with the S Pen, to Motorola and other brands with their own styluses, to hybrid solutions like using universal styluses that work well with both Android phones and Apple devices.
Why a phone with a stylus makes sense in an Apple ecosystem
Combining an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with an Android phone with a stylus might seem strange at first, but it makes perfect sense if you're looking to... increased productivity and creative versatilityYou can continue to enjoy iCloud, AirDrop, Messages, or Handoff on your Apple devices, while the phone with a stylus becomes your digital notebook, sketchbook, or quick note-taking tool.
The key is that Almost all relevant note-taking, office, and drawing apps are cross-platform.Notion, OneNote, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, design apps, and lightweight editing apps... all work on both iOS and Android; there are also essential apps for your iPad which complement those flows.
Furthermore, a mobile phone with a stylus can perform tasks that Apple currently handles with the iPad and Apple Pencil. If you don't want to invest in a tablet, having a large smartphone with a stylus gives you a work and creativity format very similar to that of a tabletbut in a single pocket-sized device.
On the other hand, although the iPhone is not yet compatible with Apple Pencil, Apple's patents suggest that The brand is seriously considering a universal pencil It works with more devices: iPhone, iPad, and even mixed reality glasses like Apple Vision Pro. So it's not unreasonable to start getting used to working with a stylus if you see yourself in that future.
However, it is important to differentiate between mobile phones specifically designed to use a stylus (with integrated stylus and advanced features) and phones that simply accept generic capacitive styluses. In the first case, the precision, latency, and extra features (gestures, shortcuts, buttons, Bluetooth) make a huge difference in everyday use.
Real advantages of using a smartphone with a stylus
A stylus isn't just for people who draw beautifully. In combination with an Apple ecosystem, it becomes a versatile tool for work, study and leisureThese are some of the most interesting uses you can get out of it:
take handwritten notes Being able to write directly on the screen is one of the biggest reasons to buy a phone with a stylus. In meetings, classes, or on calls, you can jot down quick ideas, create diagrams, or highlight PDFs much more naturally than with a keyboard. Apps like Samsung Notes, OneNote, Notability (on iOS), or GoodNotes (once you've finished the workflow on iPad or Mac) are perfect for this kind of mixed use.
If you're creative, you're especially interested in everything related to drawing and graphic designWith a good stylus and a quality screen, you can create sketches, illustrations, storyboards, logos, or even quite fine photo retouching. On Android, you have options like Autodesk SketchBook, Adobe Photoshop Express, or Ibis Paint X, while on your iPad you can refine your work with Procreate or Affinity Designer. Pixelator Pro.
For those who are constantly working with documents, a mobile phone with a stylus is a real plus when it comes to edit and sign PDF files or presentations. You sign digital contractsNote changes to a report, correct presentations, or mark comments in spreadsheets. Adobe Acrobat, the Microsoft Office suite, and Google Docs/Sheets/Slides enable this combined work between Android mobile devices and Macs or iPads.
Another less glamorous but very useful section is the Precise navigation through the interfaceWhen working with spreadsheets, video editing apps, timelines, or very small menus, the stylus gives you a level of control that's difficult to achieve with your finger, especially if you're moving files between your phone and Mac or iPad.
In some advanced models, the stylus is also a multifunction remote controlYou can advance slides in a presentation you're projecting from your laptop or mobile device, remotely trigger the camera, pause a video, or activate certain commands with gestures. For anyone who provides training, gives Keynote demos from a Mac, or presents documents on a large screen, this is pure gold.
What to consider when choosing a mobile phone with a stylus compatible with your Apple environment
If you already own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and are considering adding a phone with a stylus to the equation, it's worth looking at more than just the technical specifications. There are several key factors that determine... how well that phone will integrate into your workflow with Apple.
The first thing is the Actual functionality of the penSome styluses are mere capacitive pointers that are good for writing and little else; others, like Samsung's S Pen or other active styluses, add pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, programmable buttons, Bluetooth connectivity, and air gestures. The closer the experience is to the Apple Pencil, the better for your productivity.
You should also pay attention to the phone performanceIf you plan to use drawing apps, photo editing software, handwriting recognition note-taking tools, or other demanding productivity applications, you'll need a powerful processor, ample RAM, and plenty of storage. Keep in mind that this phone with a stylus can become your personal portable studio, so cutting corners here isn't worth it.
Another key factor is the screenTo work well with a stylus, you need a good-sized screen (the difference is noticeable from 6,5 inches upwards), with high resolution and, if possible, a 120Hz refresh rate. AMOLED or similar screens, with good brightness and accurate colors, make drawing, editing, or reading documents much more comfortable, and complement the quality of Apple's Retina displays very well.
Don't forget about the batteryIt's easy to find yourself switching between your Mac, iPad, and phone throughout the day; if your smartphone with a stylus runs out of battery mid-afternoon, it loses much of its appeal. A 4.500-5.000 mAh battery with decent fast charging is practically essential if you're going to be using a stylus, demanding apps, and a data connection a lot.
Finally, although it may seem obvious, check the operating system and the apps of the ecosystemAlmost all phones with styluses are Android, so check that the apps you use on Apple (for notes, cloud storage, office applications, or drawing) have an Android client; see our iPad reviews and opinions to assess workflows and compatibilities before taking the leap.
The most interesting phones with styluses for Apple users
The catalog of smartphones with styluses isn't huge, but there are several models that are a great fit if you're already an Apple user and want to add a device with a pen. Below, we review the most relevant options, from high-end to more affordable choices, without forgetting alternatives that rely on universal styluses.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: the benchmark for those who want the best stylus
Within the Android universe, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra It is, to this day, one of the best options if you want something equivalent to the professional experience Apple offers on the iPad + Apple Pencil. Not only is it compatible with the S Pen, but it has it integrated into the body, as a direct descendant of the legendary Galaxy Note series.
Its main chamber of 200 megapixelsThe spectacular photos and videos day and night, the top-of-the-range performance, ample battery life, and the integration of Galaxy A.I. These features make it a true top-of-the-line device. The S Pen lets you create graphics, doodles, handwritten notes, precise screen cropping, and interact more effectively with AI features (like selecting areas of an image to retouch it in seconds), and tools such as NotebookLM on iOS and Android They are changing the studio from the mobile.
The large, high-resolution screen makes the S25 Ultra an excellent complement to a MacBook or iPad: you can draw, correct or annotate on your mobile phoneAnd then finish up on your Apple devices by taking advantage of cloud synchronization. For those looking for the best without being too budget-conscious, it's the ideal candidate.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: almost the same, for less money
If you don't need the very latest and greatest, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra It remains a very smart purchase. It retains the integrated S Pen, high-end performance, outstanding cameras, long-term update support, and all the advantages of Samsung's AI.
The S Pen of the S24 Ultra, with 0,7mm tipIt offers a writing experience very similar to using a pen on paper. Drawing, taking notes, making precise strokes, or jotting down notes on the train or in class feels natural. In practical tests, it's noticeable that even intricate signatures or quick sketches come out with a fluidity reminiscent of the Apple Pencil experience—a key feature if you're going to be constantly switching between your iPad and this Samsung.
If you work in mixed environments, you can use Samsung Notes or third-party apps to save your notes in the cloud and access them later from your Mac or iPad. It's a simple way to have a permanent digital notebook in your pocket, without giving up your usual Apple workflows.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S22 Ultra and S21 Ultra: previous generations that still have a lot to say
Both the Galaxy s23 ultra such as S22Ultra and the S21Ultra They're still a great option if you want a phone with a stylus and don't mind being one or two generations behind in exchange for saving money.
The S23 Ultra was the official replacement for the Galaxy Note family It already integrated the S Pen into the chassis, with a 6,8-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display, high refresh rate, 5.000 mAh battery, and a camera system with a 200 MP main sensor and up to 100x zoom. Its S Pen allows you to take photos, animate messages, make more precise edits, and much more—very useful if you then transfer that content to your Mac for further retouching.
The S22 Ultra, meanwhile, maintains the concept: gigantic 6,8-inch QHD+ screen at 120 HzThe S Pen is integrated into the bottom left corner, and the Exynos 2200 processor can handle it all. You can write with the screen off, capture snippets from websites or apps, convert handwriting to text, and store everything in cloud services accessible from your Apple devices.
In the case of Galaxy s21 ultraThe key difference is that the S Pen doesn't come with the phone; you have to buy it separately. The good news is that it's still... fully compatible with the stylus It offers a large work surface thanks to its 6,8-inch AMOLED screen with a variable refresh rate between 11 and 120 Hz, in addition to very powerful hardware and a 5.000 mAh battery.
If you combine any of these models with your Apple devices, you get a productivity-focused pen-equipped device that can coexist seamlessly with your iPhone (even if you use it more for messaging, calls and time-lapse) and your iPad or Mac (for longer tasks).
Samsung Galaxy Note 20: the last classic generation of the Note
The series Galaxy Note 20 It was the last of the historic Note family before Samsung merged that concept into the S Ultra. Within that family, the Note 20 4G stands out as a model that can still be found at more reasonable prices and maintains the essence: an integrated S Pen with air gestures, pointer functions, and remote camera shutter.
Its 6,7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display is the perfect size for comfortable stylus use, and the Exynos 990 processor remains more than sufficient for running note-taking apps, light drawing, or document editing. The 64MP main camera and 4.300mAh battery (with fast and wireless charging) complete a well-balanced package for those who want a Note without the current Ultra price tag.
If your plan is to keep your iPhone as your main phone and use the Note 20 as a secondary device, then the Note 20 is a better option. writing and creativity deviceIt's an interesting combo: the Note for the stylus, the iPhone for the rest of the tasks, and in the background, an iPad or a Mac where everything you do will end up thanks to cloud synchronization.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and other foldables: freestyle with pen
If you're drawn to foldable laptops, the Samsung Galaxy ZFold 6 It's especially appealing to those who already use a Mac or iPad. In phone mode, it has a 6,3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X external display, but when opened, it reveals a 7,6-inch QXGA+ internal panel which, when paired with a compatible S Pen, closely resembles a tablet experience.
This format is ideal for split screen and work in multiple apps at the same timeFor example, you can take notes with a stylus on one side and make a video call on the other, or use a PDF and annotation app simultaneously. It has a 50 MP camera, a battery with good life and fast charging, plus a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that's more than enough for editing, drawing, or managing work files.
There are also interesting proposals outside of Samsung, such as the OPPO Find N5It's an ultra-thin foldable phone that can be used with the OPPO Pen. Its large 8,12-inch screen, IPX9 water resistance, and cutting-edge hardware make it an excellent canvas for drawing or note-taking, although its availability in Spain is limited.
In the Xiaomi arena, the Xiaomi Mix Flip It features a clamshell design with 4,01-inch and 6,86-inch screens, cameras with Leica Summilux optics, and a battery with 67W fast charging. It doesn't include its own stylus, but it's compatible with universal styluses, so you can buy a good quality one and use it as a digital notepad to complement your Apple ecosystem.
Huawei Mate X6: power and optional stylus
El Huawei Mate X6 It's another foldable alternative aimed at the high-end market. It features very durable glass, a generous battery with 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, good performance, and a very capable camera system. It doesn't come with a stylus in the box, and Huawei's styluses are designed more for tablets, but you can use it with universal capacitive styluses.
It's not the option with the best direct integration with Apple at the services level (due to Huawei's known limitations), but as complementary device for creativity and writing With third-party apps and multi-platform clouds, it may fit into some specific scenarios.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G: the low-cost option with integrated stylus
If you're looking for something more affordable to add a pen to your life without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G It is one of the few that offers an integrated stylus in the mid-range, with a quality/price ratio that is hard to beat.
Its stylus is housed inside the phone's body and is designed to write, draw or take notes directly on the screenintegrated with Motorola's native software to take advantage of precision features in creative and productivity applications.
The 6,7-inch Full HD+ 120Hz pOLED display works very well with the stylus, offering a comfortable working area. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD) provide sufficient performance for most note-taking, office tasks, and light drawing.
In terms of connectivity, it has 5G, in-display fingerprint reader, face unlock, and ThinkShield for mobile protectionThe camera system, led by a 50 MP main sensor, along with a wide-angle/macro and depth sensor, and the 5.000 mAh battery with fast charging complete a very balanced package for those who want a stylus without going to the ultra-premium range.
For an Apple user, it can function as battle notebookTake notes, make sketches or drafts on the Moto G Stylus, they sync with your preferred cloud, and then you retouch or archive them on your Mac or iPad.
Apple Pencil, iPhone and the future of the pencil in the Apple ecosystem
Within the Apple universe itself, the Apple Pencil It has established itself as one of the star accessories for iPads. It transforms the tablet into a digital notebook or canvas where you can draw, write by hand, or annotate documents in a very natural way, something that complements a Mac incredibly well.
However, to this day, No iPhone is officially compatible with Apple Pencil.Apple has geared the Apple Pencil towards the iPadOS experience, while the iPhone still relies solely on finger input. This puts them at a disadvantage compared to some Android devices with integrated styluses if your priority is writing or drawing directly on the phone.
Even so, the iPhone, thanks to its high-quality OLED displayThe precision of the touchscreen and the ecosystem of apps make it a great ally for mobile creativity, especially in combination with apps like Procreate Pocket or Notability. Even if you can't use the Apple Pencil, you can draw with your finger and then finish the work on an iPad with Pencil or even on an Android phone with a stylus if you've opted for a hybrid setup.
These patent designs feature smartphones that clearly resemble an iPhone, which fuels the idea that Apple is seriously considering expanding Apple Pencil compatibility. Beyond the iPad. Of course, as always with patents, there's no guarantee that this product will ever see the light of day, but it fits with the brand's direction toward more natural entry experiences.
Practical alternative: universal styluses for any mobile phone
Until the day arrives (or doesn't) when Apple allows the use of Apple Pencil on iPhones, and while you decide whether to buy an Android phone with a dedicated stylus, you have a very interesting intermediate option: the universal styluses compatible with almost any touchscreen.
These capacitive styluses work on both budget and high-end phones, whether Android or iOS. They don't offer the same advanced features as an S Pen or Apple Pencil (they don't usually have such precise pressure sensitivity or Bluetooth gestures), but for take basic notes, sketch casually, or navigate more precisely They have more than enough.
Among the most popular are pencils like the HOTLIFEOne of Amazon's best-selling styluses, it offers good precision, tilt sensitivity, and compatibility with tablets and smartphones at a very reasonable price. It's perfect if you want to try out using a stylus on your iPhone or Android without spending too much; you can also check out our guide on mobile phone accessories.
Another interesting option is the MoKo PencilIt's also compatible with a wide range of tablets and phones from different brands, and features a battery indicator and very fast charging times (around 35-40 minutes for a full charge). It's a bit more expensive, but still far from the price of an Apple Pencil.
If you just want something simple and cheap, a model like the ELZO PencilUniversal for touchscreens and available in various colors for less than 10 euros, it allows you to write, tap icons more precisely, or make quick notes without complicating things.
In any case, you have countless options on Amazon, AliExpress, and other stores. The important thing is to carefully check reviews, compatibility, and value for money, and to keep in mind that, although almost all phones accept basic styluses, the experience won't be as refined as with a device designed from scratch for stylus.
Can any mobile phone work with a stylus?
The short answer is that Yes, almost any mobile phone with a touchscreen can be used with a basic stylus.But that doesn't mean they're all designed to take full advantage of it. A phone without specific stylus support won't have advanced pressure recognition, gestures, or low latency, so the experience will be more like using a fine finger than a smart stylus.
Mobile phones with integrated styluses, such as the Galaxy Ultra or the Moto G Stylus, adapt their software and hardware to make the most of the pencilDedicated menus, optimized native apps, extra features when you remove the stylus, writing with the screen locked, etc. In contrast, with a universal stylus on any mobile phone, you'll have a more basic but functional experience.
Also keep in mind that some manufacturers are changing their strategy. Samsung, for example, has confirmed that The Galaxy Z Fold7 is not compatible with the S PenUnlike previous generations, the brand explains that it has prioritized a thinner and lighter design, which is what many users value more than a pencil holder in this type of folding laptop.
Even in models where the S Pen still exists, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest updates have introduced some limitations in the capabilities of the pencilThis is possibly to balance user experience, battery life, and the device's internal design. It's a reminder that stylus support on mobile devices isn't guaranteed forever and that many advanced features may gradually migrate to tablets.
In any case, if you combine a mobile phone with or without a stylus with your Apple devices, a good stylus (whether dedicated or universal) gives you the ability to write, draw, edit, and take advantage of AI or productivity features in a way that, once you get used to it, is hard to give up; and if you're interested in getting started in the creative world, you can Take your first steps in graphic design From the phone.
