Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 compatibility with the S Pen confirmed?
The latest entry in the foldable phone space from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, has made a notable change in its design by forgoing S Pen support, a feature that was present in its predecessors.
The decision to omit the S Pen and its associated slot was not made lightly. Samsung has reinforced the screen, reduced the crease visibility, and made the device ultra-thin and lightweight by removing the digitizer layer that enabled S Pen compatibility [1][2].
This design choice is a deliberate compromise aimed at optimizing other aspects of the device. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now thinner, stronger, and has a less noticeable crease compared to previous models [1][2]. Unfortunately, this means that the Fold 7 lacks a dedicated slot to store an S Pen, as including one would have increased the thickness of the device, compromising its sleek design [2][4].
Samsung has listened to user feedback prioritizing a bigger screen, better aspect ratio, and longer battery life over S Pen support [1]. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a 6.5-inch outer screen and an 8-inch inner screen when unfolded, providing a superior viewing experience.
Navigation, input, and communication on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can be done through swipes, taps, and voice. Google Gemini provides voice control capabilities for navigation, sketching, and control, making the device more versatile [5].
While the lack of S Pen support may disappoint some enthusiasts who valued this feature in prior Fold models, it represents a deliberate compromise in the Fold 7’s engineering to optimize other aspects of the device [3][4]. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on track to replace the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 among the best foldable phones, offering a superior entertainment experience and a sleek, slim design [6].
It is worth noting that Samsung may be working on developing a thinner S Pen for future foldable devices [7]. For now, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.99mm when folded and about 4.2mm when unfolded, making it super slim and sleek when unfolded [8]. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is more likely to be connected to a larger desktop for productivity tasks through Samsung DeX [9].
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has sacrificed the inclusion of S Pen support in favor of a sleeker, slimmer design, enhanced performance, and improved battery life. While some users may miss the S Pen, the device excels in entertainment features like watching videos, surfing the web, multitasking, and capturing content, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium foldable experience.
[1] https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-rumors-and-leaks [2] https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/1/23152943/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-specs-release-date-price-rumors [3] https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/05/13/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-s-pen-support-could-be-missing-due-to-design-choices/ [4] https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/05/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-might-not-have-s-pen-support-for-one-key-reason/ [5] https://www.androidcentral.com/google-gemini-voice-control-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7 [6] https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-release-date-price-specs-and-everything-we-know [7] https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/1/23152943/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-specs-release-date-price-rumors [8] https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-rumors-and-leaks [9] https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-release-date-price-specs-and-everything-we-know
The removal of the S Pen and its associated slot on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 was a deliberate decision to optimize other aspects of the device, such as a thinner, stronger design and improved battery life, according to Samsung. Due to the design choice, the Fold 7 lacks a dedicated slot for an S Pen, which could have increased its thickness and compromised its sleek design.