Key features:
- PDF annotation
- S-pen/stylus support
- Sync (preferably NOT just via Nextcloud…looking at you, Saber)
- Handwriting recognition is a plus, but not required
As mention above, Saber fits the criteria well, but I don't use Nextcloud and that is the only sync available in that app (unless something has changed in the last couple of weeks). I have a Galaxy phone and tablet that both support S-pen and Samsung Notes is excellent, and free, but they're not exactly privacy concious, so I'm looking elsewhere. I had considered the Excalidraw plugin for Obsidian, but I'm not sure if that works on the Android version of the app.
Maybe obsidian
May have to go this route. The excalidraw plugin seems to work reasonably well and I already use Obsidian.