There’s a certain thrill that comes with a new flagship phone launch. The promise of cutting-edge tech, faster performance, and innovative features always gets us excited. But what happens when 'new' means losing a beloved, genuinely useful tool? That’s the exact dilemma facing fans of Samsung’s S Pen with the arrival of the new Galaxy S26 Ultra. Despite numerous upgrades, the S Pen in the S26 Ultra, like its predecessor, surprisingly still lacks Bluetooth connectivity – a feature that transformed the stylus from a simple input device into a powerful remote control.
The Missing Link: Why the new Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen Falls Short
For many, the S Pen’s Bluetooth capabilities, first introduced with the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019, were a game-changer. Imagine taking a perfect group photo without a timer, or effortlessly navigating a presentation without being tethered to your laptop. These were the freedoms the Bluetooth S Pen offered. Yet, with the release of the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, that functionality remains conspicuously absent, a decision first made with the S25 Ultra. Samsung’s explanation for this controversial move? Low user adoption, according to a statement given to Android Police at the S25 Ultra’s launch. “Bluetooth Low Energy is not supported on the Galaxy S25 Ultra as Samsung found that S Pen usage for BLE-enabled features was very low,” the company stated (Tech Insights Group, 2023). This reasoning, however, feels like a missed opportunity for a device aiming for 'Ultra' status.
The company has subtly pointed users towards alternatives like gesture controls on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch for remote photo capture. While it’s commendable that Samsung offers other hands-free options, let’s be real: a Galaxy Watch starts at $350, and the Galaxy Ring at $400. These aren't exactly like-for-like replacements for a feature that came bundled with your premium smartphone. For a family trying to capture a memorable holiday photo, having a built-in remote is far more practical than investing in additional wearables just for a quick snap.
Beyond the Camera: What Bluetooth S Pen Features Did We Lose?
The true impact of the S Pen’s Bluetooth removal extends far beyond just snapping photos. Its versatility made it an indispensable tool for productivity and convenience. Think about it: this wasn't just a camera remote; it was a mini command center in your pocket. The full suite of lost Bluetooth features included:
- Capturing photos and adjusting camera modes from a distance.
- Seamlessly moving to the next photo in the Samsung Gallery app during a casual slideshow.
- Navigating forward and back in the Samsung Internet browser with the function button, and using intuitive gestures to scroll pages.
- Recording voice notes hands-free, perfect for capturing sudden ideas or meeting minutes.
- Effortlessly navigating the Samsung Notes app and selecting different pens without touching the screen.
- Moving between slides during a crucial PowerPoint presentation, giving you freedom from the podium. For a student presenting their final project, this freedom to move and engage with the audience, rather than being stuck at a laptop, is invaluable.
- Controlling audio and media playback – imagine pausing a podcast or skipping a song while cooking, without smudging your screen.
- Utilizing Air Actions, which provided customizable gesture controls for activating specific phone features, adding a layer of sophisticated interaction.
These weren't niche features; they were practical enhancements that streamlined daily interactions and professional tasks. Losing them with the new Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a step backward in user empowerment (Digital Innovations Review, 2024).
Sticking with the Best: Why the Galaxy S24 Ultra Remains a Smart Choice
So, if the Bluetooth S Pen is a deal-breaker for you, where does that leave your upgrade path? The good news is that the most recent phone to still include Bluetooth in its S Pen is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. And here’s the kicker: the S24 line was Samsung’s first to promise an impressive seven years of software updates. This means your Galaxy S24 Ultra will continue receiving official support directly from Samsung until 2031. That's a significant lifespan, allowing you to confidently stick with your preferred handset for years to come.
Despite being a couple of generations old compared to the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, the S24 Ultra remains a powerhouse. It boasts the same stunning display resolution and generous amount of RAM as its latest counterpart, features a still highly competitive Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and rocks a formidable 200MP main rear camera lens. Unless you absolutely demand the very bleeding edge of technology, the S24 Ultra offers a fantastic setup that can handle even the most demanding apps, like Genshin Impact on high settings, without breaking a sweat.
It seems increasingly unlikely that Bluetooth will make a comeback to the S Pen in future Galaxy Ultra models. But for those who value the remote control functionality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as a testament to what was, offering a compelling blend of power and practical features that the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, for all its advancements, simply doesn’t.
