The Samsung Galaxy S Ultra series represents the pinnacle of the brand’s flagship offerings, known for its exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, and premium features. Each year, the Ultra models come packed with the latest advancements, from powerful processors and stunning displays to sophisticated camera systems. One of the most iconic features of the Ultra lineup has been the S-Pen, a stylus that enhances productivity and creativity, allowing users to take notes, draw, and interact with their device with precision.
However, recent rumors suggest that Samsung may phase out the in-built S-Pen in future models, potentially starting with the Galaxy S27 Ultra (anticipated in 2028). This change is reportedly being made to "make more room" inside the device, though it remains unclear if the S-Pen will still be compatible through external accessories. For now, the Galaxy S25 Ultra retains the S-Pen, though it comes with a notable downgrade — the Bluetooth functionality has been removed, meaning features like Air Actions and the remote camera clicker are no longer available.
Despite this, the S25 Ultra continues to offer impressive features such as a 200MP camera, 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 5000mAh battery, and 45W fast charging. These premium features cater to users who demand the best performance for gaming, productivity, and photography. However, the Ultra models are priced at a premium, making them less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
With a lack of expandable storage and only minor design updates over the years, the Galaxy S Ultra series is at a crossroads. While it continues to be a top choice for tech enthusiasts, Samsung must consider user feedback and market trends to keep the Ultra series competitive as the smartphone landscape evolves.
Privileges:
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Cutting-Edge Performance
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Powerful Processor: The Galaxy S Ultra models are equipped with the latest processors, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or equivalent Exynos), ensuring top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and high-demand applications.
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Fast Performance: These devices excel in speed, ensuring smooth operation for intensive tasks and enhanced user experiences.
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Stunning Display
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Dynamic AMOLED 2X Screen: The Galaxy S Ultra features a gorgeous display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high peak brightness, providing an exceptional visual experience whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
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120Hz Refresh Rate: Smooth scrolling, responsive touch, and high-quality visuals are a major perk, making interactions fluid and enjoyable.
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Advanced Camera System
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200MP Primary Camera: The Ultra models offer some of the best cameras on the market, with high megapixel counts and exceptional zoom features, including 10x optical zoom.
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Versatile Photography: Whether capturing landscapes, portraits, or macro shots, the Ultra series offers incredible detail and quality in various conditions.
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Built-In S-Pen (Until the Galaxy S26 Ultra)
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Productivity and Creativity: The integrated S-Pen is a unique feature that enhances productivity with precise note-taking, document annotation, and sketching.
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Seamless Integration: The in-built stylus makes the device highly attractive for users who require precision and enhanced functionality on the go.
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Battery Life and Fast Charging
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5000mAh Battery: Offers strong all-day battery performance for most users, allowing you to make it through the day without constantly worrying about recharging.
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45W Fast Charging: Ensures quick charging, minimizing downtime and ensuring that users can get back to using their device as quickly as possible.
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Software and Ecosystem
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One UI and Samsung Ecosystem: The One UI offers a polished, user-friendly interface with unique features. Integration with Samsung's ecosystem (e.g., wearables, tablets, smart home devices) ensures a seamless experience across multiple devices.
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Problems:
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Loss of S-Pen in Future Models
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Missing In-Built S-Pen (Rumored for Galaxy S27 Ultra and Beyond): Samsung is reportedly planning to remove the in-built S-Pen in future Ultra models (possibly starting with the S27 Ultra). For users who value the S-Pen for productivity and creativity, this could significantly impact their experience.
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Separate Accessory: If Samsung decides to market the S-Pen as a separate accessory, it may inconvenience users who expect it to be bundled with the device, increasing overall costs and complicating the user experience.
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Bluetooth Functionality Removed from S-Pen
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Limited Functionality (Galaxy S25 Ultra): The S-Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra lacks Bluetooth functionality, which means users lose features like Air Actions and the remote camera clicker. Although this may appeal to users who don’t need these features, it is a significant downgrade for power users who relied on the extra functionality.
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High Price Point
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Premium Pricing: The Galaxy S Ultra models come with a steep price tag, making them inaccessible to many potential buyers. The cost may be seen as too high when compared to competing flagship devices that offer similar performance but at a lower price.
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No Expandable Storage
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Lack of microSD Slot: Samsung continues to exclude expandable storage on the Ultra models, forcing users to rely on built-in storage. This can be limiting for users who store a lot of media or large files, especially when the device's storage capacity is maxed out.
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No Major Design Changes
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Stagnant Design: While the Ultra models have premium builds, the design has remained fairly consistent over the years, with minimal changes. For some users, this lack of significant innovation in the form factor can feel uninspiring, especially when other brands release bold design updates.
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Ecosystem Lock-In
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Tied to Samsung's Ecosystem: Samsung’s tight integration of exclusive features like Samsung DeX, the S-Pen, and proprietary apps can create a sense of lock-in for users, making it harder to switch to other brands. While this is great for Samsung enthusiasts, it can be frustrating for those who prefer a more open experience or are looking for a more customizable smartphone ecosystem.
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Potential Lack of Major Innovations
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Stagnation in Key Areas: While the Galaxy S Ultra series has consistently been a leader in hardware and camera quality, some users feel the devices have plateaued in terms of innovation. If Samsung doesn’t deliver fresh, compelling features or redesigns, competitors could potentially offer better value or more cutting-edge tech.
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Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy S Ultra series continues to be one of the most powerful and feature-packed smartphones on the market. Its cutting-edge performance, advanced camera system, and built-in S-Pen (for now) offer undeniable advantages. However, the rumored removal of the S-Pen in future models, the loss of Bluetooth functionality, and the high price point are potential drawbacks that could affect the Ultra series’ appeal in the coming years. Samsung will need to carefully balance innovation with user preferences to maintain its position in the premium smartphone market.