Apple does the same thing with the ECG feature - it’s frustratingly disabled on my Apple Watch for regulatory reasons based on region.
I can understand new devices being sold would not have the device enabled due to some patent or legal issue. But to have Samsung disable a physical device on a two year old phone is frustrating. I bought the phone I own it Samsung shouldn't allowed to do such a thing or at least make it more obvious and give the option to opt out of the change.