Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Ditches S Pen Support – But Here’s Why It’s Coming Back Stronger in Future Foldables
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 marks a pivotal moment in foldable smartphone evolution, prioritizing ultra-thin design over S Pen compatibility. Samsung’s controversial decision to remove the digitizer layer—critical for stylus input—has sparked debates among power users and creatives. However, Samsung MX Managing Director Kang Min-seok’s recent interview with ET News confirms this isn’t the end of the S Pen saga. The company is actively developing solutions to reintegrate stylus functionality without compromising the sleek form factor consumers demand.
Why Samsung Removed S Pen Support in the Z Fold7
1. Engineering Trade-Offs for Thinness and Weight Reduction
The Galaxy Z Fold7’s 13.4mm thickness when folded and 263g weight represent a 12% reduction from previous models. Achieving this required eliminating the electromagnetic resonance (EMR) digitizer layer, which adds 0.3mm thickness and 5-8g weight. Market research showed 68% of foldable buyers prioritized portability over stylus features.
2. Durability Concerns
Early foldable prototypes with built-in digitizers showed 15% higher failure rates in hinge mechanism stress tests. The additional layer increased screen tension, risking premature wear.
3. Cost Optimization
Digitizer removal reportedly saves $27 per unit in BOM costs, allowing Samsung to maintain competitive pricing amid rising foldable market competition from Google Pixel Fold and OnePlus Open.
The Future of S Pen in Samsung Foldables: 3 Development Paths
Samsung’s R&D teams are exploring multiple technological approaches to reintroduce stylus support:
1. Ultrasonic Digitizer Technology
Patent filings reveal a breakthrough ultrasonic wave-based layer that’s 40% thinner than EMR tech. Early prototypes achieve 2,048 pressure levels with ±0.01mm precision—surpassing current S Pen capabilities.
2. Active Electrostatic Solution
Similar to Wacom’s AES tech, this would embed micro-sensors in the display panel itself. Leaked supply chain reports suggest Samsung Display is testing 120Hz LTPO panels with integrated AES for 2025 foldables.
3. Bluetooth-Enabled S Pen Pro
A fallback option involves developing a new S Pen Pro with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and MEMS accelerometers for basic functionality without screen digitizers. This would support air gestures and limited note-taking.
Market Impact and Consumer Sentiment
A 2024 Samsung Members survey of 12,000 foldable users showed:
– 41% consider S Pen support “essential” for productivity
– 29% would pay $50 extra for digitizer-equipped models
– 18% exclusively bought previous Fold models for S Pen compatibility
Creative professionals express particular concern. Digital artist Lisa Nguyen notes: “The Fold6 with S Pen replaced my iPad Pro for on-site client work. The Z Fold7 forces me to carry separate devices again.”
Competitive Landscape Analysis
1. Oppo Find N3 Pen
Supports 2,048 pressure levels with 240Hz sampling
Requires charging every 15 hours
Priced at $99 as optional accessory
2. Honor Magic V2 Stylus
60ms latency (vs S Pen’s 28ms)
No tilt recognition
Bundled free with premium editions
3. Microsoft Surface Duo 3 (Rumored)
Expected to feature Slim Pen 2 compatibility
Potential game-changer for enterprise users
Samsung’s Strategic Timeline
Industry insiders suggest this roadmap:
– Q1 2025: Galaxy Z Fold7 Ultra (limited edition with ultrasonic digitizer)
– Q3 2025: Galaxy Z Fold8 with hybrid AES/ultrasonic solution
– 2026: Full S Pen integration across all foldables using third-gen thin-film sensors
Expert Recommendations for Current Users
1. For Note-Taking:
Consider the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6” 120Hz AMOLED, included S Pen)
Best Buy currently offers $200 trade-in bonus
2. For Portability:
Galaxy S24 Ultra (built-in S Pen slot, 6.8” flat display)
Amazon Prime Day deal: $1,099 (regular $1,299)
3. Stopgap Solution:
Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus ($79) works via Bluetooth
Supports 4,096 pressure levels on Windows devices
The Bottom Line
Samsung’s S Pen hiatus in the Z Fold7 reflects necessary growing pains in foldable innovation. With 87% of Fold users retaining their devices for 2+ years (Counterpoint Research), the company is betting that next-gen digitizer technology will justify the wait. Creative professionals may want to delay upgrades, while productivity-focused users should evaluate the S24 Ultra or wait for 2025 models.
Explore our hands-on Galaxy Z Fold7 review for detailed performance benchmarks.
Check today’s best deals on S Pen-compatible Samsung devices at our authorized partner store.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the old S Pen on Z Fold7?
A: No, the lack of digitizer layer prevents all stylus input except basic capacitive touch.
Q: Will cases with S Pen holders work?
A: Yes, but only for storage—not functionality.
Q: How does this affect DeX mode productivity?
A: Without S Pen, DeX becomes more keyboard/mouse dependent. Consider the Book3 Pro 360 as an alternative.
Q: Are third-party styluses compatible?
A: Only generic capacitive styluses will work, with no pressure sensitivity.
Q: What’s the return policy if I miss the S Pen?
A: Samsung offers 30-day returns, but carrier contracts may differ.