Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Samsung has reportedly decided against an S Pen slot for the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
- The decision was apparently made due to design-related concerns.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4 both support S Pen inputs, but the devices lack an integrated slot to store the stylus. We’ve since heard murmurings that the slot could come to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, but a new report has poured cold water on those claims.
Samsung has decided against adding an S Pen slot on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5, according to Korean-based outlet ET News. The outlet claimed that Samsung was indeed working on the feature, but ultimately decided against including the slot on the final model.
ET News reported that the S Pen slot was dropped from the Galaxy Z Fold 5 due to design considerations and effects on internal space. More specifically, the outlet reported that the slot would’ve increased the foldable phone’s thickness.
Why won’t we see an S Pen slot on the Z Fold 5?
It’s claimed that Samsung could’ve opted for a thinner S Pen, but that the current solution would’ve made for a poorer writing experience. However, Samsung is apparently working on a thinner S Pen design that doesn’t compromise the writing experience. This ostensibly won’t be ready in time for the Z Fold 5 release, though.
“The hinge structure of the new foldable product has changed and the internal space structure has also changed, making it difficult to mount the S Pen,” a source close the matter told the outlet.
An S Pen slot would likely affect other factors too, as the space required for the slot could theoretically result in a smaller battery or pared-back features elsewhere. Nevertheless, we’ve previously called for Samsung to offer an S Pen slot on the Z Fold 5 due to its more expansive screen area. So here’s hoping we see it on a Galaxy Z Fold 6 variant instead.
