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Why the Samsung Galaxy Pen Is Such an Important Feature

By Charlotte Bolton | Updated 10 Feb 2025

Why the Samsung Galaxy Pen Is Such an Important Feature

Why the Samsung Galaxy Pen Is Such an Important Feature

If you own a Samsung Galaxy Ultra — or you're thinking about upgrading to one — the S Pen is one of the features that truly sets these phones apart. It’s more than just a stylus tucked into the bottom of your device; it’s a powerful tool built for creativity, productivity and everyday convenience.

Here’s why the S Pen continues to be one of the most iconic features of Samsung’s Ultra lineup.

For a closer look at Samsung’s latest flagship, check out our Samsung Galaxy S25 Review.

What Does the Galaxy S Pen Do?

The Galaxy S22 Ultra was the first S Series model to debut with a built-in S Pen, blending the legacy of the Note Series with the power of the Ultra name. Since then, every Ultra model has included the S Pen neatly housed inside the phone — no extra accessories needed.

Removing the S Pen is simple: look at the bottom edge of your Ultra model. To the left of the charging port, you’ll see a small button. Press it, and the S Pen will pop out slightly. Pull it gently to remove it, and when you’re done, slide it back in until you hear the click.

Even when stored inside the phone, performance and battery life are unaffected — it’s designed to live in your device without causing any bulk or interference.

Main Features of the Galaxy S Pen

The S Pen includes far more than handwriting support. Some of its most popular features include:

  • Air Command shortcuts
  • Translate text instantly
  • Create Notes anywhere, anytime
  • Magnify content on-screen
  • Camera remote for group photos or hands-free shots
  • Music control without touching your device
  • Launch apps quickly
  • Smart Select to crop or capture parts of your screen
  • AR Doodle for creative 3D drawings
  • Handwriting-to-text conversion
  • Built-in mic support for certain actions

Is the Samsung S Pen Actually Useful?

In short — yes. The S Pen remains one of the most versatile smartphone tools available.

Unlike Apple’s stylus, which is sold separately and isn’t designed to fit inside an iPhone, Samsung builds the S Pen directly into the body of the Ultra models. This makes it:

  • Convenient — always with you, no extra storage needed
  • More versatile — functioning as a pen, pointer, remote, mic and shortcut tool
  • Ideal for productivity — from note-taking to photo editing to signing documents

It’s also part of what makes the Ultra line so unique. Because the S Pen requires dedicated internal space, Samsung only includes it on the Ultra — and that exclusivity enhances its value.

If you're considering an upgrade, the Ultra models offer one of the best all-round experiences Samsung provides. You can browse our refurbished Samsung Galaxy Ultra range to find a great deal with the S Pen included.

For more Samsung picks, explore our roundup of the Top Samsung Phones of 2025.

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