Similar situation here - I went through this exact struggle cuz the stock pen is basically a toothpick lol. I've spent way too much time testing alternatives because I was highkey worried about scratching the glass. Basically, these phones use a capacitive digitizer, so the pen is just a fancy finger replacement. I unfortunately had issues with cheap rubber tips; they felt sluggish and just... not as good as expected. I eventually tried disc-style tips for better technical accuracy. Here’s what I learned during my journey: 1. Surface Tension: Cheap mesh tips drag too much for sketching. I found the Digiroot Universal Disc Stylus felt way smoother on the screen.
2. Visual Accuracy: The clear disc lets you see exactly where the line starts. 3. Safety: I'm super *cautious* about dust. If grit gets under the disc, it'll scratch ur screen fast. Ngl, it's still not as good as a Pro tablet, but the bigger grip definitely stops the hand cramps! gl!

Quick question - do you use a screen protector?? Safety is SO important!! I've used styluses for years and think Adonit Mark Mesh Tip Stylus is amazing and wont scratch glass!

For your situation, I would suggest skipping the high-end boutique stuff and looking at the multi-functional pens from brands like MEKO or maybe even Bargain Depot. Honestly, Ive been using the Moto G Stylus line since it first dropped and I learned pretty quick that the built-in pen is basically just there for emergencies or quick grocery lists lol. When Im settled in for a real drawing session, I always reach for a thicker, weighted capacitive stylus instead because my hand just cant handle that tiny toothpick for long. Basically, you wanna look for something that has a mesh fiber tip on one end and maybe a disc tip on the other. In my experience, the mesh tips are the MVP for comfort because they dont drag on the glass like those sticky rubber ones do... they just glide. I'm actually really satisfied with the generic sets you find on Amazon because they're super budget-friendly and if you lose one, it's not the end of the world. Just make sure the brand is decent—I usually stick with Adonit if I want something that feels 'pro' but for everyday sketching, the cheaper aluminum-body ones work just as well. I mean, they all use the same capacitive tech anyway, so you're really just paying for the grip and the weight. I haven't had a single scratch on my screen in years using those mesh tips, so they're totally safe. Hope that helps, it definitely saved my hands from those tiny stylus cramps!! 👍

TL;DR: Grab some foam pencil grips for a few cents and slide 'em onto a cheap stylus to save your hands! And I totally agree about the screen protector point, you really can't be too safe lol. But honestly, as someone who has used these phones for years and still feels like I'm learning, I've found that the DIY approach works way better than buying some fancy "professional" pen. Basically, you can just take a standard mesh-tip stylus and slide a squishy foam pencil grip onto it. It makes it way thicker and easier to hold for long sessions without costing a fortune. I'd definitely recommend checking out some YouTube tutorials for 'DIY stylus mods' or 'pencil grip hacks' because there are some really creative ways to make a cheap pen feel like a high-end tool. Does anyone else do this, or does the extra bulk get in the way?

Oh man, I totally feel u on that thin stylus... my hand literally cramped up after twenty mins of sketching. I tried to save cash with some random cheap ones from a local shop but honestly they were so bad. One actually felt like it was gonna scratch my screen cuz the tip was so rough, and they felt super flimsy. Basically, those ultra-budget ones are a waste of money imo. For your situation, here's what I recommend:
- MEKO Universal Disc Stylus 2-in-1 Precision Series - this one is way more ergonomic and the disc tip actually lets you see your lines.
- The Friendly Swede Microfiber Tip Stylus 3-Pack - if you want a mesh tip that wont drag or fall apart. I guess I learned that spending like $15 for a solid backup is way better than struggling with the toothpick that comes in the phone lol. gl!

Good to know!

bump

In my experience with these phones over the years, the built-in pens are always a bit small, but this 2025 version feels especially tiny. I totally agree with that toothpick comment from earlier... it is honestly so uncomfortable to hold. Ngl i have this exact same issue and it has been driving me crazy for about two months now.

• my hand starts locking up almost immediately when i try to do anything detailed
• i am very protective of my screen so i am terrified of trying a random tip that might leave marks
• i still havent found a replacement that feels both safe and comfortable to hold It is so frustrating not having a clear answer yet tho... i am still searching right along with you. If i stumble onto anything that actually works for this model ill be sure to come back and let you know.