Samsung's latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has taken a surprising step backward with its S Pen stylus. The company has removed the motion gestures and remote camera shutter function, leaving the S Pen to its basic stylus capabilities. This move marks a departure from the "do-everything" approach Samsung has taken with its Ultra models in the past.

According to Samsung, the decision to simplify the S Pen was based on customer feedback, or rather, the lack thereof. During a media briefing, the company revealed that customers rarely used the "Air action" gestures, which allowed users to control their phone with gestures using the S Pen. As a result, Samsung decided to cut costs by ditching these features entirely.

One of the most notable omissions is the ability to trigger the camera shutter using the S Pen. This feature was particularly useful for taking photos when the phone was positioned out of reach. Samsung suggests that users can instead use the palm gesture, where the phone recognizes a hand being held up and automatically triggers the shutter, or control the camera with a paired Galaxy Watch. However, these alternatives may not be as convenient or discreet as the S Pen's button.

Despite the stripped-down S Pen, Samsung is maintaining the same $1,299.99 price point for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The company believes that other hardware upgrades, such as improved cameras and processors, are enough to justify the cost. While this may be true for some users, the loss of these features may be a disappointment for those who relied on them.

This move may also be seen as a shift in focus for Samsung, as the company seems to be placing more emphasis on its Galaxy AI software capabilities. The handy screen-off memo feature, which allows users to jot down notes on the screen even when the phone is locked, remains intact. However, it remains to be seen whether users will adapt to the simplified S Pen and the new features that Samsung is pushing.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's simplified S Pen may be a surprise to some, but it's clear that Samsung is trying to strike a balance between features and cost. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this change and whether Samsung's gamble will pay off.