Early Galaxy S26 Ultra Hands-On Video Reveals Bad News for S Pen Fans
An early hands-on video of the unreleased Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced online, and it delivers disappointing news for enthusiasts of the device's signature S Pen stylus. The footage strongly suggests that Samsung has not reinstated Bluetooth functionality to the S Pen, a feature removed in the previous generation.
The Missing Bluetooth Connection
The video, posted by a tech enthusiast who reportedly acquired the device early, focuses on testing the S Pen's capabilities. It shows the user repeatedly pressing the button on the side of the stylus while it is removed from the phone. In previous Ultra models with Bluetooth-enabled S Pens, this action would trigger various remote functions. However, in the video, the button presses yield no response from the phone, indicating a lack of wireless connectivity.
This continuation marks a significant shift from earlier Samsung flagships. Models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and its predecessors allowed users to employ the S Pen as a remote camera shutter, a presentation clicker, and for media playback controls via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The removal of this feature in the S25 series was met with criticism from power users and professionals who relied on these remote capabilities.
Implications for Users
The apparent absence of Bluetooth in the S26 Ultra's stylus means the tool is likely relegated to its core functions: writing, drawing, and navigating the screen with precision. While these are the foundational uses of a stylus, the loss of remote features narrows its utility compared to past iterations.
For photographers, the inability to use the S Pen as a remote shutter eliminates a convenient tool for capturing group photos or stabilizing shots. Similarly, professionals who used the stylus to control presentations wirelessly will need to find an alternative. This design choice suggests Samsung may be prioritizing other aspects of the device, such as battery life, internal space, or cost, over these niche but valued wireless features.
Context and Speculation
The decision to potentially maintain a non-Bluetooth S Pen aligns with Samsung's recent trajectory. Last year's removal was justified through various industry reports citing design and component considerations. The early look at the S26 Ultra indicates this may not be a one-generation experiment but a longer-term strategic change for the Ultra lineup.
It remains to be seen if Samsung will offer any official workarounds or accessories to restore remote functionality. The company has not commented on the leaked video or the S26 Ultra's specifications, as the device is not yet officially announced.
Conclusion
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to bring advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display quality, this early revelation about its S Pen will be a letdown for a specific segment of its user base. The hands-on video provides compelling, albeit unofficial, evidence that the stylus lacks the Bluetooth features that once distinguished it as a multifunctional tool. For fans who cherished the S Pen's remote capabilities, the upcoming flagship may represent a second consecutive generation of compromise on this front.