What you see above these lines was the last of a saga: the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, even if, actually, Difficult to distinguish the ultra from the Korean firm. Thus, the recent Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is very similar to the previous Galaxy S24 Ultra. Apart from these blunt and angular lines, they all have one less and less different differentiating element: the S-PEN.
The farewells of the note have left an inheritance whose hours seem counted: The Samsung stylus whose ultra inherited. Let's be realistic, I have never been a great defender of this accessory (for lack of real use), but in this last opus even less. Because just as ultra looks aesthetically resembles, in the new generation there is a small but subtle difference with the S-PEN: it no longer has Bluetooth connectivity.
This is the start of the end: the S-PEN no longer connects to Bluetooth
This does not mean that the S-PEN has become a useless plastic stick. The key lies in integrated Wacon technology, with electromagnetic resonance so that the panel and stylus communicate via a low radio signal, which means that the pointer's cursor is visible on the screen, that it is sensitive to pressure and Has a button to erase.
But has lost other important functions Like gestures in the air or the possibility of using it as a remote trigger, one of the most useful things if necessary (even if you can use another gadget in the house or even configure a hand gesture ). Because the S-PEN had many uses on paper, another thing is in practice, most mortals take advantage of it.
As the Korean brand explains to Android Authority, it did it simply because they were not very popular functions, but that implies that there are people who would benefit. If he now has fewer functions, he will be even less useful And it will be more dispensable for more people. Weaken your differentiating element does not seem to be the best thing to do if you want to keep it.
I can't help but think that Samsung opens the way to a goodbye. And that would have the whole sense of the world. In fact, I think The future Samsung Galaxy Ultra would win by getting rid of the S-PEN Taking into account the time when Slim became fashionable.
The S-PEN takes up a lot of space on the phoneThis forces him to be larger, thicker and heavier. This precious space could be occupied by more battery or a larger camera sensor, which would have a direct impact on the average user. They would even add items that may not be fashionable but useful, such as an SD card reader or a jack.
The S-PEN also makes the development of phones more expensive. In an optimized process where chain production is so important to reduce costs, ultra need more to integrate this unique element both in manufacturing and in research and development of products and software to take advantage of it . And this is then paid by the one who buys the mobile.
The fact that the Samsung Galaxy Ultra is cheaper is something from which the majority of those who buy it would benefit. For the moment, there is no choice: If you want an ultra, you have to pay for the S-PEN whatever happens. The possibility of launching it as an option for those who wish to acquire it would clarify the question of its real utility.
But I think that more than usefulness, the meaning of the S-PEN is strategic: This is something that ultra has and the rest of the high end does not have.. The notes no longer exist, but their differentiating element remains. Until when? Time will tell us.
Cover | Anna Marti
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