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For a new Samsung phone with a built-in S Pen, choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung says it is the only S Pen model in the Galaxy S26 family: the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 FE do not support S Pen functionality. If you are considering an older phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a previous-generation option to compare at current prices, not an automatic bargain.
Which Samsung phones have a built-in S Pen?
Among the current Galaxy S26 family, Samsung lists the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the built-in S Pen choice. Samsung explicitly says the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 FE do not support S Pen functionality. A compatible external stylus is not the same as a phone with a pen stored in the device.
Samsung’s broader compatibility guidance includes earlier Ultra and Note phones, but bundled pen models and supported features vary. Check the specific phone’s documentation before buying an older device or replacement pen; compatibility with one S Pen design does not guarantee that every S Pen feature works on every phone.
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Best Samsung phones with a built-in S Pen
| Phone | Best fit | What Samsung documents | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | Best current pick for a built-in S Pen | Samsung lists a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, a 5,000mAh battery, selected camera specifications, and S Pen functions. | Check its current price and storage configuration, and decide whether the S Pen’s lack of Bluetooth and Air Actions matters to you. |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Previous-generation Ultra to price-check | Samsung identifies it as compatible with the S26 Ultra pen design. | Compare the actual price and availability with the S26 Ultra; there is no basis here to call it the better value without that comparison. |
Samsung estimates up to 31 hours of video playback for the S26 Ultra. That is a manufacturer estimate based on playback of a saved 720p video, not a guaranteed daily runtime or an independent test. Samsung notes that actual playback varies with network, settings, format, brightness, battery condition, and other factors. See Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra comparison for its stated test context.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
What can you do with the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen?
Samsung documents several practical uses through the S Pen and its Air Command menu:
- Create and view notes, including screen-off memos and quick notes.
- Write on the screen with Screen Write, or select content with AI Select.
- Translate selected content using Translate.
- Write in text-entry areas and convert handwriting to typed text.
- Draw and make handwritten annotations.
Samsung lists the S26 Ultra S Pen’s design as having 4,096 pressure levels and a 0.7 mm tip. Those are manufacturer specifications, not an independent assessment of drawing feel, latency, or accuracy.
Rank #2
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
What the S26 Ultra S Pen cannot do
The built-in S26 Ultra S Pen does not have Bluetooth Low Energy or support Air Actions, according to Samsung. Do not expect it to act as a Bluetooth remote for the camera or media, or to provide gesture controls. Older S Pen models may have different specifications, so their remote features should not be assumed to carry over to this phone.
Samsung says the separate S Pen Pro is compatible with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra and supports Bluetooth and Air Actions. It is an optional standalone accessory, not the built-in pen; confirm its current compatibility and availability before purchasing.
Rank #3
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
How to choose between the S26 Ultra and S25 Ultra
Start with the features and price that matter to you, rather than assuming the newer phone is automatically the right buy:
- Compare live price and storage: Prices, stock, and configurations change. Check the exact storage version and current US availability for both models.
- Consider display and camera priorities: Samsung lists a 6.9-inch QHD+ display for the S26 Ultra and provides selected camera specifications in its comparison pages. Review the model-specific details against your needs.
- Think about battery use: Treat Samsung’s playback figure as a controlled manufacturer estimate, not a prediction of your own screen-on time.
- Decide whether remote pen controls are essential: The S26 Ultra’s built-in pen lacks Bluetooth and Air Actions. If those features are a must, verify the exact phone-and-pen combination rather than relying on a general S Pen description.
The available Samsung documentation establishes S Pen eligibility and stated specifications, but does not provide an independent head-to-head assessment of pen responsiveness, durability, battery life, or overall value. Current retailer prices and stock are not stated here.
Rank #4
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Sources and compatibility checks
- Samsung US Support: Compare Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, and S26 FE
- Samsung US Support: Use the S Pen with Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Samsung US Support: Learn about the different Samsung S Pens
- Samsung US: Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra
These product and support references are for Samsung US. Availability and specifications can differ by market or change over time.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
