Summary
- The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth connectivity, removing features like Air Actions.
- Samsung says the change was made due to low user engagement and suggests using other devices.
- The S Pen is now lighter and battery-free, contributing to the phone’s reduced overall weight.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is finally here, bringing a trio of familiar flagships with upgraded hardware and a heavy focus on AI features. As with previous generations, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the only model in the lineup to feature an S Pen. However, if you’re planning to upgrade to the latest Samsung flagship to take full advantage of the S Pen, you should know that the company has slightly downgraded its functionality this time around.
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Until now, previous generation Samsung flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra used a special low-frequency Bluetooth connection to pair the S Pen with the phone. This enabled features like Air Actions, which let users control various functions such as opening apps, navigating through photos, and even using the S Pen as a remote camera shutter for hands-free photography and video recording.
However, as rumored earlier, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has ditched Bluetooth connectivity for the S Pen, meaning these features are no longer available on the new flagship.
The S Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra drops camera control and other Bluetooth features
Samsung explains that the decision to remove Bluetooth from the S Pen was driven mainly by low user engagement. According to the company, many users aren’t actively using these features, and similar functionalities — such as remote camera control — are now available through other Samsung devices, like the Galaxy Watch and the Galaxy Ring.
Official statement from Samsung:
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. In addition, Galaxy users are utilizing gesture controls on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch for hands-free photo capture instead.
On the bright side, the lack of Bluetooth does come with a few benefits. With fewer components inside, the S Pen no longer requires a battery, making it lighter and simpler. This also contributes to the overall weight reduction of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is 15 grams lighter than its predecessor.
Still, this change feels like a step backward. The S Pen has been an integral part of Samsung’s Ultra flagship experience — not just from the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but going all the way back to the Note series. Sure, you’ll still be able to use it for note-taking and drawing, but the features that truly set the S Pen apart are now gone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through. And yes, the S Pen is still here — though it has seen a slight downgrade this time around.
