Samsung has clarified that the absence of S Pen support in its newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes down to a conscious “trade-off” aimed at delivering a significantly thinner and lighter device. This move has stirred up quite a bit of conversation, particularly among users who relied on the S Pen for productivity tasks on the foldable’s expansive screen.
Key Takeaways:
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7 does not support the S Pen.
- Samsung says the decision was part of efforts to create a thinner and lighter device.
- Removing the digitizer layer (needed for S Pen use) enabled a slimmer profile and more durable display.
- The company is developing new, thinner S Pen tech and might bring it back in future foldables.
- The Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s slimmest foldable yet, at 8.9mm folded, 4.2mm unfolded, and 215 grams in weight.
With pre-orders starting July 9 and general availability from July 25, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been introduced as Samsung’s sleekest foldable phone to date. But there’s a trade-off: the beloved S Pen is missing. Kang Min-seok, executive director of Samsung’s MX business division, explained the reasoning. The goal, he said, was to meet growing consumer demand for a device that’s both thin and light—even if it meant cutting out features some users consider essential.
For context, the S Pen has long been a defining feature in Samsung’s flagship lineup—from the Galaxy Note series to the recent Galaxy S Ultra phones. It was first added to the Z Fold family with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 back in 2021, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, sketching, and other creative uses. But enabling that functionality requires a special digitizer layer beneath the display. That layer adds bulk.
So, to get the Fold 7 down to just 8.9mm thick when folded (and a mere 4.2mm unfolded), Samsung had to make a choice. Removing the digitizer didn’t just help shed millimeters and grams; it also made room for thicker Ultra-Thin Glass. That, in turn, improved both durability and the visibility of the crease, which has been a long-standing concern in foldable displays.
Still, this isn’t necessarily the end of the road for the S Pen on foldables. Kang noted that Samsung is hard at work developing “thinner and innovative” S Pen technology. And if the tech evolves to meet performance standards—and if enough users want it back—S Pen support could make a return in future models. So while it’s out for now, the door isn’t closed.
Reactions have been mixed. Some users are embracing the sleeker, more portable Fold 7. It slips into pockets more easily and just feels better in the hand. But others, especially long-time stylus users who rely on it for work or creative projects, are understandably let down. Conversations on Reddit and various tech forums reflect this split: sleek design versus full-feature productivity.
The Fold 7 itself still packs quite a punch. It features an 8.0-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a 6.5-inch FHD+ cover display of the same tech. Under the hood, there’s the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, backed by up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The camera setup includes a 200MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It runs Android 16 with One UI 8 and incorporates Samsung’s expanding suite of Galaxy AI features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did Samsung remove S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7? A1: To make the Z Fold 7 significantly thinner and lighter. The S Pen requires a digitizer layer that adds bulk, so dropping it allowed Samsung to slim the phone down and also improve screen durability.
Q2: Will the S Pen ever return to the Galaxy Z Fold series? A2: Possibly. Samsung is developing new, slimmer S Pen tech and hasn’t ruled out bringing it back—if the technology is perfected and if enough users want it.
Q3: Can I use an older S Pen with the Galaxy Z Fold 7? A3: Unfortunately, no. Without a digitizer layer, the Fold 7’s display can’t detect S Pen input, including the S Pen Fold Edition.
Q4: What are the main improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 compared to earlier models? A4: The Fold 7 is thinner, lighter, and more durable, with a new Armor FlexHinge, an upgraded 8-inch display, and the latest Snapdragon processor. It also features enhanced AI tools and a powerful 200MP main camera.
Q5: How does removing the S Pen affect pricing?
A5: Samsung hasn’t tied the S Pen removal to pricing changes. The Fold 7 starts at $1,999.99, which aligns with its premium specs and positioning in the market.
