The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Is This the Futuristic Flagship’s Last Chance for the S Pen

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could be the S Pen’s Last Dance – Here’s Why

The S Pen has been a staple feature in every Samsung Galaxy Ultra model since the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but it’s starting to feel like the end of the road for this stylus. Despite its once-promising start, the S Pen is now little more than an afterthought in Samsung’s latest Galaxy Unpacked event.

In Samsung’s latest press release [1], the S Pen gets a single mention in the fine print, clarifying the S25 Ultra’s IP68 water resistance credentials. This is a far cry from its heyday, when the S Pen was hailed as a game-changer for creatives and productivity enthusiasts.

So, what’s behind Samsung’s sudden loss of interest in the S Pen? The answer lies in the company’s newfound focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and camera technology. It’s clear that these are the hot new areas where Samsung is placing its bet for future success.

In 2019, the Note series was retired, but the S Pen was unexpectedly revived in the premium "Ultra" version of the Galaxy S lineup. This brief respite, however, may be temporary. The S25 Ultra’s S Pen is already showing signs of decline, with features removed and functionality downgraded.

So, why the S Pen, once a proud feature, now seems to be an afterthought? In today’s AI-driven world, the need for a stylus is no longer as pressing as it once was. Major advancements in AI mean that some of the unique functions the S Pen once offered are no longer so unique.

When it comes to note-taking, for example, AI-powered voice recognition has rendered traditional handwriting somewhat obsolete. And for artistic pursuits, while the S Pen is still superior, Samsung’s Sketch to Image feature turns even rough sketches with your finger into convincing images.

The writing on the wall is clear: the S Pen’s days are numbered. As with removable batteries, headphone jacks, and pop-up selfie cameras, the S Pen is on its way to becoming a mobile feature of the past.

The S Pen: A Once-Cream of the Crop Now Lagging Behind

When the S Pen first debuted with the original Galaxy Note in 2011, it was a game-changer. Sleek, slender, and highly responsive, the S Pen promised a new level of productivity and creativity on-the-go. It was a defining feature that set the Note series apart from its competitors.

Over the years, Samsung continued to refine and improve the S Pen, increasing pressure sensitivity, fine-tuning the design, and adding more features. For creatives and productivity enthusiasts, the S Pen was a must-have accessory, allowing them to jot down notes, sketch designs, and even take high-quality photos.

The Decline of the S Pen: A Sign of the Times

In recent years, however, the S Pen has lost its luster. As AI and camera technology have advanced, the need for a stylus has diminished. Once upon a time, the S Pen’s unique features were a major selling point, but in today’s world, they are no longer revolutionary.

The Future of the S Pen: Uncertain, but Uncertainly Unsettling

While it’s possible that the S Pen may make a comeback, it’s increasingly likely that Samsung will eventually phase out this feature altogether. With the company’s newfound focus on AI and camera technology, it’s clear where their priorities lie.

The S Pen’s demise is a sign of the times, a reflection of the evolving landscape in the world of mobile technology. As we move forward, it’s essential to adapt and innovate, rather than clinging to what once worked. Despite its decline, the S Pen will always be remembered as a pioneering feature that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a mobile device.