Rethinking the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has garnered a largely favorable reception as a standout phone this year. However, one component that seems to miss the mark is the S Pen, which I haven’t found a need to utilize since writing my review.
Originally introduced in 2011 with the Samsung Galaxy Note series—a term coined to describe the growing ‘phablet’ form factor—the S Pen has seen its share of support across various devices. Following the discontinuation of the Note series after the Note 20 in 2020, the S Pen briefly found a home in the Galaxy S21 Ultra and subsequently received a dedicated slot in the S22 Ultra.
Over the years, the S Pen has been compatible with numerous Samsung tablets, laptops, and foldable smartphones. However, it appears that the accessory is now waning in popularity, notably absent from the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and losing key features in the Galaxy S25 Ultra iteration.
After exploring the features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s evident why Samsung is reducing the S Pen’s functionality. Future iterations, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, may even exclude it entirely.
What Is the S Pen Used For?
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Previously, the S Pen’s Bluetooth capabilities offered users the ability to control functions like snapping photos or advancing presentation slides. Unfortunately, Samsung has removed these features due to minimal usage—less than one percent of users reportedly took advantage of them.
The elimination of app-launching functionality limits the S Pen’s utility, as Samsung’s official documentation now primarily highlights features that are no longer accessible. Additionally, older S Pens, such as those from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, cannot be used with the S25 Ultra.
On a positive note, the lighter design of both the S Pen and the Galaxy S25 Ultra may enhance portability. Moreover, the latest model requires no battery, eliminating concerns about charging. This likely reduces production costs, although no price difference exists between the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra at launch.
Currently, remaining functionalities include basic tasks like sketching and note-taking, in addition to selecting items on the screen—tasks most users might prefer to accomplish with their fingers. Individual users may have varying experiences, but there are instances where the S Pen sits unused.
For instance, while jotting down notes directly on the lock screen is convenient, many find typing quicker and easier. Even premier note-taking applications, such as Google Keep, can handle handwritten entries, converting them into digital text.
A Handy Tool for Digital Art
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Interestingly, the best applications of the S Pen appear to lie in digital artwork. Sketching small designs is enjoyable, and utilizing tools like Drawing Assist—where AI enhances initial sketches—can be entertaining. However, the AI results may not always align with the artist’s vision.
Artists will likely appreciate the precision offered by the S Pen compared to finger-drawing. Opening a note or drawing application on Android allows for meaningful use, whether crafting flowcharts, design mockups, or simple comic strips.
There’s an abundance of drawing applications available on Android, including Infinite Painter, Sketchbook, and Krita. Adobe has also reintroduced Photoshop for Android, further enhancing creative possibilities that the S Pen can facilitate.
However, using a mobile phone for extensive creative work might not be feasible for professionals, who often prefer larger canvases. It’s unfortunate that Samsung has omitted S Pen compatibility from their foldable phones this year, yet many users likely prioritize features like a slimmer profile and improved battery life.
While some users maximize the S Pen’s capabilities on Samsung Galaxy devices, this demographic is likely dwindling. Should the S Pen be omitted from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, advancements in device design and battery performance may take precedence.
