The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an AI phone through and through, for better or worse. At a starting price of $1,300, does it still deserve a spot in your pocket?

The S25 Ultra still has an S Pen, but Samsung removed Bluetooth features that allowed you to use the stylus like a magic wand. Samsung says few people used those features, and on balance, it’s no great loss. But it’s the principle more than anything that stings.

In the case of the Galaxy S25, that won't happen for at least another year, which makes now the best time to purchase Samsung's new phone.