The Galaxy S22 Ultra isn't the only Samsung smartphone released in 2022 that offers support for the S Pen. The company's latest foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, also works with the iconic input device, albeit customers have to buy one separately and should avoid the standard S Pen at all costs. Here's all you need to know.
Much like the 2021 model, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 can be used with an S Pen, or more specifically, customers can use an S Pen in conjunction with the foldable screen, but not the cover screen. While this is an engineering feat, the company had to compromise and develop a special S Pen featuring a softer tip that protects the foldable screen from puncture damage. As a result, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition and the S Pen Pro.
What type of S Pen do I need for the Galaxy Z Fold 4? And where can I buy one?
First things first, Galaxy Z Fold 4 users should never attempt to use a standard S Pen with their foldable phones. Not only will the regular S Pen not work at all with this device, but once again, there's a risk of damaging the foldable panel due to the rigidity of the standard S Pen.
For Galaxy Z Fold 4 customers to make use of this feature, they have to buy an S Pen Pro or an S Pen Fold Edition, the latter of which is offered separately or bundled with the Standing Cover with Pen.
The S Pen Fold Edition works only with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 and no other Samsung device. It uses a different frequency than the usual S Pen, meaning that any other Galaxy phones besides the book-like foldables are incapable of taking inputs from the S Pen Fold Edition.
Alternatively, customers who may want to use one S Pen across multiple Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and a tablet, can use the S Pen Pro. This accessory has a softer tip, and more importantly, it features a manual switch that swaps the S Pen's frequency to match the type of device it's being used with. In the “Z Fold” position, the S Pen works only with devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, whereas switching to the “S Pen” mode allows the S Pen Pro to be used with other types of Galaxy smartphones and tablets that support the standard S Pen.
The S Pen Pro is available for $99.99. The S Pen Fold edition costs $49.99. And the Galaxy Z Fold 4 Standing Cover with Pen (which includes the S Pen Fold Edition) costs $89.99. If you're considering buying one, feel free to check the links below for more details.
- Buy the S Pen Pro at Samsung
- Buy the S Pen Fold Edition at Samsung
- Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 4 Standing Cover with Pen at Samsung
