Samsung Might Ditch the S Pen Slot in Future Galaxy S Ultra Phones

Samsung's Galaxy S Ultra series has long been the gold standard of Android innovation combining brute power, industry-leading screens, and adaptable camera systems with the legendary S Pen experience. But as technology continues to advance, even legacy features are not immune to extinction. When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Ultra earlier this year, users were surprised at what was missing: the elimination of Air Actions and the remote shutter firing of the camera with the in-built S Pen. People were left questioning is the S Pen no longer a part of the Galaxy S Ultra range?

Now, new reports indicate that the next several iterations of the Galaxy S Ultra will see an even more extreme change: eliminating the S Pen slot altogether. If this happens, it would represent a radical shift in Samsung's flagship approach one that would have broad ramifications for power users and productivity-minded consumers.

Let's break down all that we currently know, what this might portend for future Galaxy S Ultra handsets, and how it might alter the face of premium smartphones.

The Decline of the S Pen in the Galaxy S Series Phones

Since Samsung merged the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S Ultra lines, the S Pen has always been the focal point of the Ultra experience. But the story changed with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

For the first time, Samsung released the device without Air Actions support, a feature that enabled users to control media, scroll pages, and capture camera shots remotely through gestures. The decision left many wondering if the S Pen was being silently phased out.

Now, according to leaker Flash Panda Pro on X (formerly Twitter), Samsung is actively mulling cutting the S Pen slot completely from future Ultra models potentially starting with the Galaxy S27 Ultra due in 2027.

“Samsung may be planning to axe the S-Pen slot from future Galaxy S Ultra models,” – Flash Panda Pro

This isn’t just a small design tweak it could be the end of a defining feature of the Ultra series.

Why Would Samsung Remove the S Pen Slot?

On the surface, eliminating the S Pen slot would appear to be a step backward. But there's a reason behind Samsung's madness. Insiders say eliminating the stylus slot would open up precious internal real estate, which Samsung could utilize to address another big consumer need larger batteries.

Here's why this is important:

1. The 5,000mAh battery limit: For a few generations now, Samsung's Ultra phones have been limited to 5,000mAh, even as competitors have larger cells.

2. Space constraints: The S Pen slot consumes valuable internal space that could be used for a larger battery or better thermal control.

3. User data: With Air Actions eliminated and fewer users needing sophisticated stylus capabilities, the typical Galaxy S Ultra purchaser may not miss the S Pen so much.

The math is straightforward: Remove the S Pen, get battery life, simplify things.

But is it quite so straightforward?

Could Samsung Offer a Compromise?

Interestingly, Samsung is not entirely dropping stylus support at least, not yet.

A different report by WCCTech indicates that even if Samsung eliminates the physical S Pen slot, it might still cater to the S Pen via external accessories. This would be analogous to what the company already does with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which supports the S Pen but not as a built-in feature.

Possible alternatives Samsung might explore:

1. Magnetic S Pen attachment

Samsung may integrate strong magnets into the phone’s chassis to allow the stylus to attach externally much like how Apple does with the iPad.

2. Stylus-compatible cases

Third-party and Samsung-made cases might offer slots to house the S Pen securely, while still providing full functionality.

3. Detachable S Pen Pro

Samsung’s S Pen Pro, a larger and more advanced stylus, could become the default accessory for productivity users.

While these options keep the door open for stylus fans, they also clearly signal that the days of a dedicated S Pen slot in the S Ultra series may be numbered.

What About the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Before we jump ahead to the S27, what about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Here’s what Flash Panda Pro claims:

“Samsung is still considering including an S Pen and dedicated slot for the S26 Ultra launching next year.”

So, if you're an S Pen fan, you might get one final chance to experience the full Ultra + S Pen thing in 2026. But even in the S26 Ultra, Samsung might go hybrid a still-included S Pen, but experimenting with how to take back internal space.

This brings us to another big potential change…

A Radical Change in the Camera Setup?

To save space and add battery capacity, Samsung is also said to be looking at reducing the number of rear cameras. Yes, you heard that correctly.

In a daring move, the company is said to be looking at switching to fewer but more sophisticated sensors, thanks to variable aperture technology.

What is Variable Aperture Technology?

This allows a single camera sensor to adjust its aperture (how much light it lets in), giving it the versatility of multiple lenses in one. It could potentially replace multiple focal lengths like:

• Wide-angle

• Telephoto

• Ultra-wide

If Samsung pulls this off, future Ultra models might feature a single, powerful 200MP sensor with adjustable aperture to handle a range of photography scenarios day, night, portrait, zoom, and macro.

Why It Matters:

• Fewer sensors = more space for battery

• Simplified camera system = reduced manufacturing complexity

• Better battery = longer life and improved efficiency

Of course, this would only work if Samsung can deliver software and hardware optimization at a flagship level which it has historically done well.

Bigger Battery

At its core is Samsung's long-held ambition to finally blast past the 5,000mAh battery barrier.

Customers have been asking this for years: Why are mid-rangers like the Galaxy M series coming out with 6,000mAh or even 7,000mAh batteries, yet flagships remain stuck at 5,000?

The reason has always been: space and weight restrictions.

But if Samsung:

• Removes the S Pen slot

• Reduces the number of camera sensors

• Improves internal layout and efficiency

…it would at last be able to add a bigger battery to the Ultra line, maybe 5,500mAh or larger, and keep the weight the same or even lower it.

That would be a tremendous victory for users who require all-day battery life, particularly with AI features, 120Hz screens, and 4K recording eating more power than ever.

What Does This Mean for Samsung’s Brand Identity?

Samsung has long marketed the S Pen as a key differentiator for power users, artists, note-takers, and mobile professionals.

So what happens if it gets removed?

Pros:

• More space for battery and heat dissipation

• Simpler design, more flexibility for innovation

• Lower manufacturing cost

Cons:

• Loss of a unique identity (especially after Galaxy Note was merged)

• Alienation of S Pen loyalists

• Reduced appeal for productivity-focused users

To address this, Samsung may:

• Introduce a new S Pen-focused model in another lineup

• Push Galaxy Tab S devices or Galaxy Z Fold series as the S Pen champions

• Offer exclusive bundles with S Pen Pro or stylus-compatible cases

This could actually benefit Samsung’s ecosystem strategy, encouraging users to adopt more than one Galaxy device (e.g., a phone + tablet setup).

Timeline of Key Galaxy S Pen Decisions

Let’s quickly summarize how Samsung’s stylus strategy has evolved over the years:

Year	Model	S Pen Features
2020	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra	Full Air Actions, in-body slot
2021	Galaxy S21 Ultra	S Pen support, no slot
2022	Galaxy S22 Ultra	Return of in-body S Pen slot
2023	Galaxy S23 Ultra	S Pen + Air Actions
2024	Galaxy S25 Ultra	No Air Actions, slot still present
2025	Galaxy S26 Ultra (expected)	Last model with slot
2026	Galaxy S27 Ultra (expected)	No S Pen slot, external stylus support only

A New Galaxy Ultra Experience?

So, what could the Galaxy S27 Ultra look like?

Here’s a speculative list based on leaks and ongoing trends:

• 🔋 5,500mAh+ battery

• 📸 200MP single sensor with variable aperture

• ✍️ S Pen support via magnets or external attachment

• 📶 Improved thermals and AI-powered performance

• ⚡ Faster charging (possibly 65W+)

• 📱 Sleeker, lighter design without the S Pen slot

If Samsung executes this vision well, the loss of the S Pen slot may not be a dealbreaker—it might even feel like a natural evolution.

Samsung's consideration of eliminating the S Pen slot from its Galaxy S Ultra lineup is as much a matter of user demand and technological priorities as it is one of reimagining its flagship vision.

Although stylus enthusiasts might be let down, in truth, most users value battery, camera, and performance over stylus capabilities. By realigning its design, Samsung could bring a better-balanced and competitive Ultra that resonates with a wider range of consumers.

But it needs to be cautious not in alienating its faithful Note faithful but in driving innovation in the process.

Would you still buy a Galaxy S Ultra without a built-in S Pen? Let us know in the comments on AndroBranch, and stay tuned for more updates on Samsung’s upcoming flagship series!