If you own a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, you’re likely already aware that its built-in S-Pen is more than just a fancy stylus. However, what many users don’t realize is that this slim tool hides a treasure trove of capabilities that can transform the way you work, create, and interact with your phone. In a recent deep-dive video, tech expert Sakitech reveals seven powerful S-Pen features that most people never even touch. From lightning-fast note-taking to artistic flourishes, these tricks will make you wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Screen Off Memo: Instant Capture, Zero Fuss
One of the most underutilized yet game-changing features is Screen Off Memo. As the name suggests, you can pull out the S-Pen while the screen is off, start writing immediately, and save your note without ever unlocking the phone. This is perfect for jotting down a sudden idea, a phone number, or a shopping list. Building on this, you can even pin the memo to the Always On Display, so your reminder stays visible at a glance. No more fumbling for apps or waiting for the screen to wake up.
2. Smart Select: Copy Text from Anywhere
Have you ever wanted to grab text from a video, an image, or a non-selectable app? Smart Select does exactly that. By drawing a rectangle with the S-Pen around the area you want, the phone instantly recognizes text and lets you copy it to your clipboard. This feature is a lifesaver for research, saving quotes from social media, or extracting information from screenshots. In addition, you can also create GIFs from video clips with the same tool, adding a fun, shareable element to your workflow.
3. Air Command: Your Command Center in the Sky
Air Command is the S-Pen’s main menu, but most users only scratch the surface. When you hover the pen over the screen and press the button, a radial menu appears with shortcuts to features like Create Note, Smart Select, Screen Write, and more. However, you can customize this menu to include your most-used apps or actions. For example, you can add a direct link to Google Keep, your calendar, or even a specific contact. This customisation turns the S-Pen into a true productivity hub.
4. Translate with a Hover
Imagine reading a foreign language menu or website and instantly translating a word without switching apps. With the S-Pen’s Translate feature, you simply hover over the word, and a pop-up shows the translation. This works in any app, from browsers to PDF readers. As a result, language learners and travelers can save significant time and effort. The feature supports dozens of languages and even works offline if you download the language packs.
5. AR Doodle: Bring Your Photos to Life
For those with a creative streak, AR Doodle is a hidden gem. After taking a photo or video, you can use the S-Pen to draw on the scene, and the drawings will track with the movement of faces or objects in real time. This creates fun, animated overlays perfect for social media stories or just amusing friends. Building on this, you can also add text, emojis, and effects, making every shot a unique piece of art.
6. Screen Write: Annotate and Share Instantly
Screen Write is like taking a screenshot, but with instant annotation capabilities. After capturing the screen, the S-Pen automatically opens an editing interface where you can draw, highlight, or write directly on the image. This is invaluable for marking up documents, giving feedback on designs, or creating quick tutorials. In addition, you can crop, resize, and share the annotated screenshot in one smooth flow, without needing a third-party app.
7. Glance and Magnify: Precision at Your Fingertips
Finally, two subtle but powerful gestures: Glance and Magnify. Glance lets you hover the S-Pen over an app icon to see a quick preview of its content (like an email or message) without opening it. Magnify, on the other hand, turns the S-Pen into a magnifying glass, enlarging any area of the screen for precise editing or reading small text. These features are especially useful for designers, photographers, or anyone who values detail.
Why These Features Matter
Many of us treat the S-Pen as a simple input device, but as Sakitech’s video demonstrates, it’s actually a Swiss Army knife for your Galaxy S26 Ultra. By mastering these seven features, you can significantly boost your daily productivity, enhance your creativity, and get more value from your device. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or just a tech enthusiast, these tools can streamline tasks that used to take multiple steps.
Watch the Full Video for a Live Demo
To see these features in action and learn even more tips, check out the full video by Sakitech. He walks through each feature step by step, showing exactly how to enable and use them. After watching, you’ll never look at your S-Pen the same way again. Click the link below to unlock the full potential of your Samsung S26 Ultra S-Pen.