Samsung faces a critical decision regarding the S Pen for its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. The company is considering removing the S Pen to free up space for a larger battery, which many users would appreciate. However, the S Pen has established itself as a key feature of Samsung’s flagship devices, leading to concerns about potential backlash from loyal customers. In response to criticism about the removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, which was deemed underutilized, Samsung acknowledges the negative feedback it received.
There is a general worry that eliminating the S Pen entirely could alienate a segment of their user base, which values this unique feature. If given a choice, many users, including myself, would prefer to keep the S Pen, despite broader concerns about battery life. While I recognize the ongoing issues Samsung faces with battery performance, simply eliminating the S Pen is not a sound solution. Instead, the company should invest in advanced battery technologies.
Additionally, the trend of making devices slimmer at the expense of functionality should be reconsidered, as this approach does not support longer battery life. Both Samsung and Apple, as leading smartphone makers, seem to be prioritizing design aesthetics over functional improvements. This shift may not align with consumer needs, particularly when considering the essential role of the S Pen in enhancing the user experience. Currently, no other smartphone manufacturer approaches the brand recognition of Samsung when it comes to stylus use, with only a few alternatives available.
Losing the S Pen would not only mean removing an iconic feature but also gaining little in return, particularly if it doesn’t translate into significant improvements in battery life.