Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has landed in the hands of consumers—but not without controversy. The tech giant’s decision to remove the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen stylus, a hallmark of its Ultra lineup since 2020, has ignited frustration among loyal customers. Instead, the device now ships with a basic, non-connected stylus, a move critics are calling a “step backward” for productivity and creativity.
The Backlash Begins
For years, the S Pen’s Bluetooth capabilities set Samsung’s Ultra phones apart, allowing users to control presentations, snap photos remotely, or trigger apps with gestures. The feature became a selling point for professionals and artists alike. But with the S25 Ultra, Samsung has quietly replaced the advanced stylus with a pared-down version lacking wireless connectivity. The company now directs users to purchase the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen separately as an accessory, priced at $99.
The new stylus, listed on Samsung’s UK site, emphasizes “precision and comfort” but makes no mention of Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra itself has been praised for its groundbreaking display and AI-powered camera, leaving fans puzzled by the stylus downgrade.
Customers Voice Their Disappointment
Social media platforms and forums have erupted with complaints. Reddit threads and Samsung Community posts are flooded with users accusing the company of “nickel-and-diming” loyalists. “I upgraded from the S23 Ultra specifically for the S Pen features. Now I’m stuck with a glorified stick,” wrote one user. A Change.org petition demanding the return of the built-in Bluetooth stylus has already garnered over 15,000 signatures.
Third-party retailers like Amazon are seeing a surge in sales of older Bluetooth S Pens, with some sellers marking up prices due to demand. The S24 Ultra’s stylus, for instance, remains a top seller despite being incompatible with the S25 Ultra.
Samsung’s Rationale Falls Flat
In a statement to press, Samsung defended the decision, citing “consumer feedback focused on slimming the device’s profile” and reducing costs. The S25 Ultra is indeed 0.8mm thinner than its predecessor, but critics argue the trade-off isn’t worth losing a signature feature. Analysts speculate the move aims to boost margins on accessories, with the standalone Bluetooth S Pen offering higher profitability.
Competitors like Apple’s Pencil Pro and Google’s Pixel Pen continue to integrate seamlessly with their respective devices, putting pressure on Samsung to justify its strategy. Meanwhile, YouTube tech reviewers have begun labeling the S25 Ultra’s stylus as “barely an upgrade” from budget-tablet alternatives.
Will Samsung Reverse Course?
The outcry mirrors past controversies, such as Apple’s removal of the headphone jack, which eventually normalized across the industry. However, Samsung risks alienating its core base of power users who prioritize functionality over form. With pre-order numbers for the S25 Ultra reportedly lagging behind projections in key markets, the company may need to rethink its approach—or face lasting brand damage.
For now, the debate rages on: Is Samsung innovating or regressing? The answer may determine the Ultra line’s future in an increasingly competitive premium smartphone market.
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