Samsung is looking into making the Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner while still keeping the S Pen features, which were lost in the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. The company plans to achieve this by eliminating the standard digitizer, a crucial part that allows for pen functionality.
Samsung’s Potential Direction
Industry insiders indicate that Samsung Electronics is considering a new pen input technology that doesn’t need a digitizer for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, set to debut in 2025. This decision aligns with Samsung's goal to create thinner foldable devices, which has become increasingly important in the competitive foldable phone market.
Changes to Technology
The digitizer, which has been utilized to support electromagnetic resonance (EMR) since the Galaxy Z Fold 3, generates an electric field on the screen, enabling precise and battery-free pen input. However, this technology adds to the overall thickness of the device, leading to compromises between a slim design and pen capabilities.
To tackle this issue, Samsung is exploring a technology akin to Apple’s Active Electrostatic (AES) approach. Unlike EMR, AES moves the technology from the display to the pen, where a small battery and electronic components create the necessary electric input. Although this results in a bulkier pen that requires charging, it allows for a thinner phone, similar to the Apple Pencil.
Galaxy S25 Ultra Remains Unchanged
While Samsung considers new pen technology for its foldable series, there are no indications that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will undergo similar modifications. Following the trend of its predecessors, the S25 Ultra is expected to keep its integrated S Pen and traditional digitizer technology. Users can anticipate a smooth pen experience without any sacrifices in usability or design.
If this shift in technology for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 proves successful, it might offer a balance between a more streamlined device and continued S Pen support. With rising competition in the foldable market, this innovation could help the Fold 7 stand out in 2025. However, Samsung is not incorporating the ‘S Pen’ into the foldable itself, instead opting to sell it separately.
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