Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
Digging into user reports, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen Replacement (US Version, Dark Gray) earns a strong 8.8/10 overall verdict from cross-platform feedback. While official specs tout Bluetooth, Air Command, and 0.7 mm precision, owners consistently praise its seamless integration and reliability as a replacement for lost or broken pens. Yet some buyers discovered limitations—particularly with “Air Actions” on certain versions—raising questions about consistency in advertised functionality.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Highly recommended for Galaxy S24 Ultra owners needing an OEM replacement, but buyers must confirm Bluetooth and Air Actions compatibility before purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works instantly without programming | Some versions lack Air Actions/Bluetooth |
| Feels identical to original S Pen | Limited compatibility outside S24 Ultra |
| 0.7 mm fine tip for precision | Not optimized for gaming or some apps |
| Includes replacement nibs | Price premium vs. third-party alternatives |
| Strong build quality | Mixed reports on Bluetooth pairing reliability |
| Fits securely in device slot | Air Actions vary by app |
| OEM durability and finish |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets the S24 Ultra S Pen as a Bluetooth-enabled precision tool with Air Command and Air Actions. The promise: “control your phone touch-free” and “capture epic moments with a click.” Digging deeper into user feedback, this claim holds true for many—but not all—buyers.
A verified Best Buy customer, shaynej, reported: “Slide it into the phone and it will connect… however you cannot use the air actions feature! This S Pen does not have the Bluetooth option.” This directly contrasts with Samsung’s official statement that the S Pen is Bluetooth capable. The discrepancy suggests either regional variations or confusion between OEM and third-party replacements.
Another marketing point is the 0.7 mm fine tip for precision note-taking and sketching. Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot reviews, users confirm this claim. Reddit user maer said: “Love this stylus… works perfectly! I probably should have bought a couple as spares.” Artists and note-takers highlight its smooth pressure response and accuracy, especially for productivity apps like OneNote and PDF editing.
Samsung also promotes effortless integration with Air Command—quick access to favorite apps via a collapsible menu. While this works flawlessly for most, some Amazon buyers note that Air Command gestures vary by app, limiting utility in games or unsupported software.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise is for instant compatibility. Multiple Best Buy reviewers stated the pen “worked right out of the box” with no setup required. kimp shared: “Lost the original… perfect replacement, worked right out of the box.” This makes it invaluable for users who rely on the S Pen daily for typing, navigation, or creative work.
Precision and feel match the original. catherine noted: “You wouldn’t notice the difference from my original one.” Across Reddit, owners use it for note-taking, translating on the fly, screenshot markup, and PDF editing. One Reddit user described it as “a natural extension of the phone… I find myself using S Pen more and more every day.”
The included extra nibs are a small but appreciated touch. Best Buy customer ibrahima called it “genius… comes with 2 extra replacement tips,” ensuring longevity for heavy users.
Common Complaints
The biggest complaint is missing Bluetooth/Air Actions on certain units. Buyers expecting full remote control functions—like taking photos with a click—were disappointed. This affects users who rely on touch-free gestures for presentations, photography, or media control. The inconsistency forces cautious shopping, especially when buying from third-party sellers.
Some Samsung Community members criticize app and game performance with the S Pen. One user reported: “In many games… I have to click few times before something will happen… it’s annoying to that level that I avoid using it.” This suggests the S Pen’s precision is ideal for productivity, but less so for fast-paced gaming.
Divisive Features
Air Actions divide opinion. For productivity-focused users, they’re transformative—allowing control of music, slideshows, and camera remotely. For others, particularly those who type faster with fingers or prefer direct touch, the feature is underutilized. As one Samsung Community poster put it: “Everything you can do with the S Pen you can do much faster with fingers… unless you draw or take notes.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Best Buy reviews reveal strong reliability for OEM units. Many report months of flawless performance. shariw said: “Works perfectly! You’d think it was the phone’s original pen,” even after four months of use.
However, caution emerges around third-party sellers. Amazon buyers often compare knock-offs vs. genuine Samsung pens, with several avoiding clones due to inconsistent functionality. maer admitted: “I was afraid [Amazon knock-offs] would not work right… found Samsung exact replacement.”
Durability stories are reassuring—users note the pen fits securely and resists slipping out, unlike some originals. c007 observed: “Doesn’t slip out of my phone, unlike the one that came with it.”
Alternatives
Within the Samsung ecosystem, alternatives include the S Pen Pro and S Pen Creator Edition, both offering broader compatibility across Galaxy Tabs, Books, and older Notes. For non-Ultra S24 models, the pen won’t work, so buyers must opt for compatible styluses.
Compared to third-party replacements from brands like yjsk or slq on Amazon, the OEM S Pen commands a higher price but delivers consistent build quality and finish. Third-party models may match pressure sensitivity and tip size, but Bluetooth and Air Actions support can vary.
Price & Value
Current market prices range from $35.99 on eBay to $49.99 at Samsung and Best Buy. The price premium reflects OEM quality and guaranteed compatibility. Community tips stress buying from trusted retailers to avoid missing features.
Resale value for OEM pens remains strong—used units in good condition often sell near retail due to demand from owners who lose or damage theirs. Buyers suggest purchasing a spare if you rely heavily on the S Pen.
FAQ
Q: Is the S24 Ultra S Pen compatible with the S23 Ultra or S22 Ultra?
A: Yes, several users report it works on S22 Ultra and likely S23 Ultra, but Samsung officially markets it for S24 Ultra only.
Q: Does it have Bluetooth and Air Actions?
A: Officially yes, but buyer experiences vary. Some units lack Bluetooth, affecting Air Actions. Verify seller details before purchase.
Q: Are extra tips included?
A: Yes, OEM packaging includes replacement nibs—usually two—plus a removal tool.
Q: Will it work with Galaxy Tabs or Galaxy Book laptops?
A: It will write on some devices but won’t offer full functionality like Bluetooth pairing or Air Actions. Use S Pen Pro or Creator Edition for those.
Q: Does it fit securely in the S24 Ultra slot?
A: Yes, multiple buyers note it fits perfectly and often more securely than the original.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Galaxy S24 Ultra owner needing a precise, OEM-quality replacement with potential Bluetooth and Air Actions capability. Avoid if you expect universal compatibility or plan heavy use in gaming apps. Pro tip from community: Purchase from official Samsung or reputable retailers to ensure full feature support and avoid knock-offs.
