Will the S25 Ultra Have the Iconic S Pen?

For many users, the S Pen is more than just a stylus—it’s a power productivity tool that enhances the device’s functionality with features like note-taking, drawing, screen recording, and more. The burning question on every Samsung user’s mind is whether the S25 Ultra will retain the iconic S Pen that will attach snugly even to the thinnest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra case or whether there will be any changes. Let’s discuss what we know so far and explore the implications for the future of the S25 Ultra S Pen.

The S25 Ultra S Pen is a wireless stylus that can be used with certain Samsung devices to write, draw, and take notes. It's designed to feel like a pen and can be used instead of a pencil or pen on paper, transforming your device into a power productivity tool. It’s a precision stylus for Samsung’s Galaxy Note series and other compatible devices, offering a range of functionalities, including writing, drawing, and navigating the screen with accuracy. The S Pen is known for its Bluetooth connectivity, pressure sensitivity, and low latency, making it a favorite among artists and note-takers. 

Some standout features of the S25 Ultra S Pen are:

• Precision. The fine tip allows for highly accurate input, whether taking notes, sketching, or navigating through apps.

• Air Actions. It lets users control their devices with gestures, such as changing slides in a presentation or taking photos remotely.

• Screen Off Memo. This lets you jot down quick notes without unlocking your phone, making it incredibly convenient for capturing ideas on the go.

• Bluetooth Functionality. This allows the S Pen to be a remote control for tasks like taking selfies or controlling music playback.

• Enhanced Pressure Sensitivity and Low Latency. The S Pen provides a more natural writing and drawing experience, offering varying line thickness based on how hard you press.

The S Pen also includes a button for easy access to shortcuts and a hover feature that lets users preview content without touching the screen. 

The Samsung S Pen is compatible with a range of Samsung devices, primarily within the Galaxy Note series, including the Galaxy Note 20, Note 10, and earlier models. Additionally, it works with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, and other compatible Galaxy S series devices. The S Pen’s compatibility extends to the Galaxy Tab series, such as the Galaxy Tab S7 and S8, providing a seamless experience across Samsung’s ecosystem.

The S25 Ultra S Pen has intuitive features that enhance your device’s functionality, and here’s how to use them.

1. Screen Off Memo. Remove the S Pen from its magnetic attachment or slot while the screen is off. You will instantly be able to start writing on the screen without unlocking your device.

2. Air Actions (Remote Control Gestures). Hold the button on the side of the S Pen and swipe to navigate through apps or control features like volume and media playback or take photos remotely.

3. Drawing and Writing. Open the Samsung Notes or an app you downloaded for creativity and use the S Pen to write or sketch. The harder you press the S Pen button, the thicker the lines get.

4. Annotating Screenshots. Take a screenshot by pressing the power and volume down buttons on your device, or use the “Smart Select” tool. After taking a screenshot, tap the S Pen icon to highlight, add text, or circle areas you deem important directly on the image you captured.

5. Remote Features. You can use the S Pen to take a selfie, control media playback, or change slides in a presentation. To do this, point the S Pen toward your device and press the button to activate these features.

6. Settings & Customization. Customize what happens when you remove the S Pen from its slot. You can also set up Air Actions for specific apps and adjust the pen’s sensitivity.

To do this, go to Settings > Advanced features > S Pen.

Additionally, the hover feature lets you preview content without touching the screen, making it even more versatile.

Recent leaks suggest that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature an S Pen without Bluetooth functionality. This change implies removing features such as remote control and Air Actions, which previously allowed users to perform tasks like taking photos or controlling presentations remotely. 

Despite the absence of Bluetooth, the S Pen will retain essential functionalities. The Air Command feature, which provides quick access to S Pen tools, will remain available, as it doesn’t rely on Bluetooth. Additionally, the S Pen will continue to support applications like Samsung Notes and the sketch-to-image app, maintaining its utility for note-taking and drawing. 

Enhancements to the S Pen’s design include a 1.5mm tip, fine-tuned to offer improved precision and a more natural writing experience. This adjustment aims to elevate the sketching and handwriting capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. 

The decision to remove Bluetooth from the S Pen may be influenced by several factors. Reports indicate that the S Pen is among the least used features on Galaxy devices, with many users seldom utilizing it. Eliminating Bluetooth could reduce Samsung’s production costs and potentially improve battery life marginally. Some enthusiasts have even suggested removing the S Pen entirely to allocate space for a larger battery or enhanced camera components. 

In summary, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen will lose certain Bluetooth-dependent features, it will maintain core functionalities and introduce design improvements to enhance the user experience.

A standard phone case should work with a Samsung S Pen, but some MagSafe cases can interfere with the S Pen’s functionality due to magnetic interference, potentially causing issues with responsiveness or accuracy when writing on the screen; in such cases, you might need to remove the case or use one with minimal magnetic influence to use the S Pen properly.

On the other hand, the Fiberborne Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra aramid fiber case does not interfere with the S Pen function. Aramid fiber cases crafted with precision do not usually cause interference, such as this one:

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to include the iconic S Pen, it may lose its Bluetooth functionality. This change could impact how users interact with the S Pen, creating buzz and unrest within its community. It remains to be seen if this alteration is a step forward or backward for the brand. Still, Samsung will still include the S Pen, ensuring that the S25 Ultra continues to offer a unique and valuable feature for users.