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Galaxy S25 Ultra review: mixed reactions to new S Pen

Abby Miller
February 11, 2025
galaxy S25 Ultra review: mixed reactions to new S Pen
galaxy S25 Ultra review: mixed reactions to new S Pen
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Samsung’s decision to remove the remote control functionality from the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra has not been well-received by many users. A recent poll shows that two-thirds of participants use the remote functions at least occasionally and expect to miss them if they upgrade to the new device. The S Pen’s remote shutter capabilities and other Bluetooth-based functionalities have distinguished it from other styluses.

 

Users anticipate a no-compromise experience from an “Ultra” device, especially considering the high-price of $1,300/€1,470.

Some speculate that Samsung might aim to phase out the S Pen entirely, which has historically been tied to the defunct Galaxy Note series. Removing the S Pen could allow for a larger battery, but eliminating just the remote control functionality would be a downgrade that could harm the S25 Ultra’s long-term appeal.

 

Despite the controversy, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has enjoyed substantial pre-order numbers, particularly in South Korea, where it has outpaced orders for the S25 and S25+ combined. It remains to be seen if this momentum will hold post-launch. While some users may adapt to the changes, a significant portion of power users will sorely miss the practical functions of the remote-controlled S Pen.

 

The outcry surrounding its removal underscores the S Pen’s value and role in distinguishing the Galaxy S series in a crowded market. A recent durability test has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen might scratch more easily than its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. The test, conducted by JerryRigEverything, showed that the S25 Ultra’s screen began to scratch at level six of the Mohs scale of hardness, while the S24 Ultra did not exhibit scratches until level seven.

 

Remote control functionality removed

This suggests that Corning and Samsung may have opted to enhance the drop resistance of the S25 Ultra by sacrificing some scratch resistance. The move to Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection was initially hailed as a significant upgrade, promising enhanced durability.

The observed results might be outliers despite Corning’s assertion that Gorilla Armor 2 maintains exceptional scratch resistance. Even if the S25 Ultra is more prone to scratching, the potential for greater drop resistance could make it a worthwhile trade-off for users who prioritize durability over a pristine screen. As devices evolve, manufacturers seek the best balance between scratch and drop resistance, attempting to meet varied consumer preferences.

Samsung has started selling replacement S Pens for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which debuted last month as the only model in the S25 line to feature the stylus. The new S Pen has been redesigned to be lighter and battery-free, but it lacks the Bluetooth capabilities present in previous versions. Despite these changes, Samsung is charging $49.99 for the new S Pen, available in black, light gray, and light silver.

The absence of a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen has stirred controversy among Samsung’s customer base, with some speculating that removing the battery and Bluetooth chip helped cut production costs. Discontented customers have started a petition asking Samsung to restore the S Pen’s functionality, which quickly gathered over 6,500 signatures. Concerns grew when a blog post, later clarified as a mistake by Samsung, stated that a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen would be sold separately.

Currently, the Bluetooth S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not be available.

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