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Samsung’s Shift in Foldable Design: Moving Away from the S Pen
Samsung has long been a leader in innovation within the smartphone industry, and its foldable devices have stood out for their unique features. One of the key differentiators was the inclusion of stylus support through the S Pen. However, this may change with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7. According to reports and leaks, the new model will not come with S Pen support, marking a significant shift in Samsung’s approach to foldable phones.
The decision to exclude the S Pen has sparked discussions among power users and digital artists who rely on the precision of the stylus for creative work. The S Pen has evolved over the years, starting from its introduction in 2011 on the Galaxy Note, where it offered 256 levels of pressure sensitivity. Over time, it has transformed into a versatile tool, incorporating Bluetooth Low-Energy technology, AI-based handwriting recognition, and even remote control capabilities. For the Z Fold series, the S Pen Fold Edition allowed users to create on a tablet-sized screen, but it remained an external accessory rather than a built-in feature.
A Design Choice Focused on Thinness and Performance
According to Samsung executive Patrick Chomet, the decision to remove the S Pen is not about missing hardware but rather a design choice aimed at improving the device’s overall performance. By eliminating the digitizer layer, the Z Fold 7 becomes thinner, lighter, and more durable. The phone is expected to measure just 4.2mm when unfolded and weigh around 215 grams—comparable to a small chocolate bar.
Chomet emphasized that Samsung is focusing on reducing the compromises typically associated with foldable phones, such as thickness, durability, and camera quality. This shift reflects a broader strategy to make foldables more competitive with traditional smartphones while maintaining their unique form factor.
New Features and Enhancements
In addition to the absence of the S Pen, the Z Fold 7 is expected to come with several upgrades. It will reportedly feature a 200MP primary camera, a Galaxy-exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a price point that exceeds its predecessor. Leaked promotional materials also suggest that there will be no S Pen slot or compatible cases, signaling a move toward a more mainstream design that prioritizes mass appeal over specialized productivity features.
Innovations in Wearables
Alongside the foldable phone, Samsung is also updating its wearable lineup. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have adopted the squircle shape seen in the Watch Ultra. These devices are now 11% thinner due to advancements in component miniaturization and AMOLED display technology. The new watches boast a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, making them highly visible even in direct sunlight.
AMOLED technology offers several advantages for wearables, including thinness, flexibility, and power efficiency. The Watch 8 Classic, for example, comes with a 445mAh battery and 64GB of storage, a significant improvement over previous models. The Watch Ultra also receives enhancements, including 64GB of storage, a 1.5-inch screen, up to 100 hours of battery life in power-saving mode, and features like dual-frequency GPS and a safety siren.
A New Direction for High-End Devices
The convergence of hardware design, screen innovation, and consumer feedback is shaping Samsung’s latest generation of devices. As the company continues to focus on creating thinner, lighter, and more visually appealing products, the absence of the S Pen on the Z Fold 7 and the introduction of ultra-bright, power-efficient smartwatches indicate a realignment of priorities in the high-end mobile market. This shift suggests that Samsung is placing greater emphasis on user experience, design, and versatility over niche features, aiming to cater to a broader audience while maintaining its position as an industry innovator.
